Insufficient funds Have you ever received a call or e-mail advising your regular direct debit was declined due to insufficient funds? Or perhaps you've booked an appointment with your …
Plan for the Predictable
Many expenses that blow people's budgets and eat into their savings are predictable occurrences. The precise amount and timing may vary but the occurrence is very likely, so build an allowance for …
Are credit card surcharges worth the points?
When a retailer charges a surcharge for paying with your credit card do you pause and instead pay using EFTPOS (from your savings account)? Or do you say "that's ok" and perhaps think "I want the …
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Cash in your frequent flyer award points
In September 2001 I lost over 100,000 frequent flyer points when Ansett Australia collapsed. I had been accumulating reward points with the intent of funding an overseas flight. To that end I’d even …
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Budgeting tip: Medical costs
You don't know when you're going to be sick and need to see the doctor. That makes it tricky to include an allowance for medical expenses in your budget. Medical expenses are included under the …
Budgeting tip: They don’t make things like they used to
My parents still have a refrigerator that has one of those locking door handles on it. You know the ones that a small child could lock themselves into. It must be 30 or 40 years old and it still …
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