Charitable giving lands best when it’s planned. In this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents, Ruth shows how to budget for generosity: start with time if cash is tight, set a weekly amount or income percentage into a ‘Giving’ fund, and give freely to pick causes that fit your values.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Shay uses PocketSmith to track his expenses, savings and net worth for accurate and reliable insights to make smarter financial decisions!
Product feature
After months of testing with a wonderful group of users, we're happy to announce that Data Connections is ready for primetime. It's time for you to dive in and experience the upgrade first-hand!
Money tips
When should you consider switching banks and what should you look out for when doing so? Ruth shares tips on how to form the banking structure that works for you, and we’ve thrown in a downloadable bank feature comparison checklist!
Money tips
Wills aren’t just for the elderly, they are an important part of financial wellness for any adult. Estate planning ensures that you have peace of mind knowing that those most important to you will be looked after when you’re gone. Here are five reasons why you should sort your will.
Money tips
Scott Pape’s The Barefoot Investor is the second bestselling Australian book of all time, and with good reason. Based on the pillars of simplicity and practical, actionable advice, thousands of people worldwide use the method to manage their money. Ruth The Happy Saver shares why The Barefoot Investor is still one of her most recommended finance books, and five lessons she’s learned from this popular approach to money management.
Money tips
Multi-level Marketing, or MLM, as it’s more commonly known, is a polarizing topic. Proponents preach about its power to transform your lifestyle for the better. Opponents tell cautionary tales of misleading claims, social pressure, and loss of money. What is certain is that MLMs are as popular as ever before. Let’s take a deep dive into this world and find out why many regard it as the darker side of side hustle culture.
Product feature
We're excited to announce the introduction of a new data partner — Akahu — on the Data Connections system. This has been expedited specifically for users who bank with ASB, and you can establish a connection to ASB via Akahu right now. The ability to connect to other New Zealand financial institutions via Akahu is coming soon.
Money tips
Whether it’s for full-time employment or a side hustle, more and more people are choosing to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 in favor of the gig economy. Artur Meyster, Founder and CTO of Career Karma, talks to the rise of this independent, flexible and convenient way of working. He also shares some advice on how you can upskill yourself to make the most of its benefits.
Interviews
The New Zealand government recently announced plans to establish a Consumer Data Right (CDR) to give individuals and businesses greater choice and control over their data. We sat down with PocketSmith CEO and co-founder Jason Leong to discuss how a CDR works, what it means for Kiwis and why he believes it’s a good thing.
Company
Startup Weekend is a worldwide event where both budding and experienced entrepreneurs come together to work on unique and innovative business ideas, and PocketSmith jumped at the chance to support Dunedin’s own celebration. Hear what wisdom the team gained from 54 hours spent with brave makers and problem-solvers.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Daniel turned the chore of doing the family budgets, checking the credit card statement, and looking into transactions into an enjoyable experience!
Money tips
Ruth has been blogging at The Happy Saver for five years, and her blog now out-earns her day job. Today, she shares her experiences about how to make money blogging. She encourages readers who are keen to create an additional income stream, to stop asking, “Should I start a blog?” and instead just start writing!
Money tips
Side hustles can be a fun exercise and a great way to earn extra money. From reinvesting in your business to increasing your savings, you have plenty of options for making the most of the additional income. Here are five valuable ways to wisely spend your side hustle earnings.
Money tips
Whether you have a spare room in your home or a second property, becoming an Airbnb host is a great way to make some money on the side. But it can come with unexpected expenses that affect your bottom line. Jason shares ten ways he keeps costs down as an Airbnb host.
Interviews
Have you ever considered talking to a Financial Adviser about your money? They’re not just for society’s financial elite! James from Lighthouse Wealth tells us about how he’s helping his clients feel empowered about their money decisions in his role as a Financial Adviser, and how he uses PocketSmith in his process.
Money tips
Whatever stage of life we’re in, everyone needs a rainy day fund. However, how much is enough? And how do you even get started if you’re still paying off credit card debt, or servicing an auto loan? Ruth The Happy Saver guides us through the steps to do so, and shares how her emergency fund has been there for her time and time again.
Money tips
For some, the thought of budgeting is painful. Boring spreadsheets and depriving yourself of buying the stuff you like? Yuck! But your budget doesn’t have to be meticulous to be successful. Paridhi Jain, founder of SkilledSmart, shares how you can get control of your spending without being tied to a restrictive budget.
Money tips
Looking to get fitter? When you factor in gym memberships, personal trainers and exercise equipment, working out can be an expensive endeavor! Chloe explores three ways to up your fitness game without having to spend a lot of money.
Money tips
“Free” platforms and websites can be tempting when you’re looking to invest and make every cent count. But what is it really costing you? Dean Anderson, CEO of Kernel Wealth, shares why you should take more than just the price into consideration when choosing your mechanism for investing.
Interviews
We asked some of our wonderful users to share how they use PocketSmith to be productive with their money and plan for the future. Read how Darin uses PocketSmith’s powerful reporting features to gain transparency of the comings and goings of his money!
Money tips
Buying a home can be one of your most important life events. It’s a big time and money commitment, and like other life events, how do you know you’re ready to take that next step? Regardless of your stage in life, we’ve gathered some signs it could be time to purchase your first house.
Product feature
We're delighted to announce that we've reached the next stage of PocketSmith Data Connections. Users who are keen to get started early with the new system can dive right in. Read on for more information!
Company
Whether you’re facing another lockdown or a long drive, we’ve curated a list of our favorite podcasts for kids to keep them informed, entertained and thoroughly delighted. The best thing? These shows make great listening for adults too!
Money tips
What do you get when you add lack of working space, room to build and a penchant for DIY? Your very own backyard home office, of course. Ruth The Happy Saver tells the tale of her glorious writing studio, and how she and her husband built it themselves for cheap.
