When Disaster Strikes

The Christchurch earthquake is a forceful reminder that our lives can be turned upside down in an instant and without warning.

Being well prepared for disaster greatly increases your chance of survival on all levels; physical, emotional and financial. …Read more

Survival Guide for Students

Managing money when you are studying is not easy. Student allowances and loans fall far short of covering student expenses and the short fall can be typically around $5-10,000 per year.

The gap can be closed by taking a part time job, getting help from family, a bank overdraft, a low interest credit card and, in some cases, extra support from Studylink. …Read more

If I Had My Life to Live Over Again

There’s a well-known piece of writing by Nadine Stair, an 85 year old from Kentucky, USA, called ‘If I had my Life to Live Over Again’. It talks about how, with the benefit of hindsight, she would have taken more risks, dared to make more mistakes, and taken on more challenges.

It is rather tragic that we don’t acquire the knowledge we need to live our life in the best way until it is too late. Here are the key pieces of financial advice I would give young people to enable them to enjoy life more. …Read more

Fireproof storage for personal documents

Store valuable papers in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer.  This is the one place in the house that is fireproof. Plus you will always know where to find  the papers and you will save money by not buying a fireproof safe.

Stress-free supermarket shopping

If you need to take the children with you to the supermarket, give the older ones the responsibility of taking the younger ones to find things like toilet paper, toothpaste, breakfast cereals etc that are on low shelves.  This ploy will give you a few minutes peace and the freedom to cruise the other aisles without everyone tagging along.

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