Credit card debt can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like there’s no room in your budget to get ahead. But with the right plan, you can regain control and start making progress. In this edition of Ruth's Two Cents, Ruth addresses the challenges of juggling essential expenses while tackling credit card balances.
Money tips
The dreaded work commute — an inevitable rite of passage for most workers at least once in their lifetime. Commuting to work can often become a significant financial burden, draining both your budget and energy. However, with a thoughtful approach and a few adjustments to your routine, it's possible to slash commuting expenses while maintaining a comfortable and efficient journey.
Money tips
While the concept of practicing gratitude may seem fluffy, research has shown that gratitude has a positive effect on your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Follow Rachel’s journey of over 400 continuous days of gratitude, and how it allowed her money mindset to evolve.
Money tips
The increased cost of everyday expenses is surely having a trickle-down effect — do the kids in your life understand what’s going on? Mother and household money manager Ruth shares how she's encouraging her daughter to interpret the current cost of living, and how that impacts the family's finances as well as her own.
Money tips
Has the dollar amount on your grocery receipts lately have you feeling faint? By adopting a mindful approach and being open to adjusting your habits, you can effectively manage rising food costs without compromising on quality or nutrition. Emma's sharing her best tips for adjusting your shopping mindset.
Money tips
While freelancers and side hustlers expertly juggle projects, clients and deadlines, they also have to juggle the various sources of income that those entail. That’s no issue for Rachel though, as she takes advantage of PocketSmith’s calendar and category tools to track and analyze all of her different income streams.
Money tips
The sudden disruption of facing redundancy can leave you feeling uncertain about the future and grappling with a range of emotions. However, by adopting a positive mindset, taking proactive steps, and leveraging available resources, it is possible to transform this setback into an opportunity for personal growth and professional reinvention.
Money tips
Whether the end of your fiscal year is rapidly approaching or still a few months away, tax time always brings with it a level of stress and pressure. If your tax obligations are weighing on your mind, run through Emma’s suggestions for stress management to get you in a robust headspace for dealing with your finances.
Money tips
“He said the shares are speculative — in the future they could be worth something, or be worthless. Either way, he thought it would be a fun experience to follow.” In his latest update, teenage investor Jordan shares insights from his beginner's journey into individual stock investment, as he researches the ins and outs of a mining company.
Money tips
With the threat of a recession making headlines around the world, it can be hard to know how your personal finances could be affected. From rising prices to job instability, there are a number of ways an economic recession can impact you as an individual, and we’re breaking down what you need to know to help you prepare.
Money tips
Investing can seem overwhelming, especially when you're bombarded with conflicting advice. Luckily, the Bogleheads, proponents of Vanguard Group founder John Bogle's investing philosophy, offer a simple approach to investing your money that will leave you with better results than the vast majority of financial managers. The two main words you'll need to know: Index Funds!
Money tips
“I decided some time ago to make changes before I feel the financial squeeze upon my family, which, if I don't take my foot off the spending gas pedal now, it will inevitably do.” Ruth shares how she’s using PocketSmith to support her sustainable changes to her finances in the face of the current rise in the cost of living.
Money tips
“However you want to do it, PocketSmith makes tracking your loan payments easy.” Paying off your student loan — the perennial monkey on the back of many Millennials and Gen Zers. Rachel shares how she’s using PocketSmith to tackle her student loan repayments, and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Money tips
Netflix account sharing is over – what next?! The king of streaming services is finally enacting its "no password sharing" manifesto, which signals another potential monthly cost for thousands of people worldwide. So it begs the question: Do you consider your streaming services a valuable spend, or a pointless expense?
Money tips
Home renovations can be a dreamy aspiration for would-be interior designers or an absolute nightmare for those who are DIY-adverse. Whether you’re renovating your forever home, getting ready to sell or want to provide a comfortable rental, check out how you can fight the financial stress of home renovations in the latest edition of Ruth’s Two Cents.
Money tips
When it comes to spending money, we’re big fans of maximizing your bang-for-buck value — and loyalty programs are a great way to do that. From cashback rewards to credit card bonuses, here are the top seven rewards programs to join in Australia to start earning those sweet, sweet perks.
Money tips
For Ruth's husband Jonny, freelancing didn't feel so free anymore. By considering what financial freedom meant to them and using PocketSmith to get a clear picture of their financial position, Ruth says that "the move from a self-employed freelancer back to an employee could be made not based on money but on finding a good work/life balance".
Money tips
While the end of a financial year usually comes and goes without much fanfare for most salaried workers, it can be an extremely busy and stressful time for those that are self-employed. Freelancer Rachel speaks from experience and outlines ways to maneuver your finances through an important part of the tax calendar.
Money tips
While buying a house is a lifelong goal for many people, it’s become an incredibly expensive endeavor. But it’s not all doom and gloom if you’re part of the renting lifestyle! Here are five financial advantages that renting has over home ownership.
Money tips
“Like the Fellowship, PocketSmith brings a bunch of different skills to the table.” In one of history’s greatest pieces of fantasy, the core of the Fellowship is a system that is greater than the sum of its parts. Tolkein fan and PocketSmith user Rachel joins the two for a delightful comparison that will have you more satisfied than second breakfast.
Money tips
The dreaded T word: Tax. Whether you're feeling the pinch of the current cost of living or not, paying less tax is always a bonus. Accountant and tax agent Sam answers a reader's question on achievable tax-saving strategies to minimize the expense of one of life's inevitables.
Money tips
What do you do when disaster strikes? After losing her house to an earthquake, Ruth understands the stress of a situation like this. In this edition of Ruth's Two Cents, she's answering a reader's question on how to prepare for, and ultimately get through, a financial emergency.
Money tips
Being your own boss comes with many perks. You work on your own terms, get to choose when and where you spend your time, and you work towards building your own dream rather than someone else’s. Being solely responsible for your income can be overwhelming, but cash flow forecasting can help you feel more in control of your self-employed income.
Money tips
Us Kiwis are well known for our ingenuity! New Zealand is lucky to have such a deep pool of innovation, especially in fintech. Rachel details her favorite Kiwi-owned finance apps, and how she’s used them to create a living ecosystem for all aspects of her financial management.
Money tips
There’s still debate whether a recession will hit this year, and where. But just the concept and its potential financial impacts can be stressful to many people. Ruth shares her mantra for prepping for a possible recession, and why she’s not conceding to the panic.
