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
When you’ve got a rigid budget, it can be hard to mentally justify spending money on things outside the basics. But even a small amount invested regularly is amplified over time. Adam from The Stock Dork shares how you can still be an investor when you’re following a stringent financial plan.
Money tips
In this new era of accessible tech and remote working, the world is your oyster! Digital nomadism is skyrocketing in popularity, where people can work and play completely location-independent. If you’re considering an overseas work adventure, check out these great tips to thrive while you’re traveling and earning.
Money tips
You’ve just signed up to PocketSmith and you’re ready to fully harness its money management power — now what? If you’re looking to make the most out of your shiny new PocketSmith account, check out what user Rachel would have told her newbie self now that she’s a pro.
Money tips
Many of you have probably asked yourself whether testing Buy Now Pay Later services out is a worthwhile move. If you take a frugal and no-nonsense approach to your finances like Ruth does, you might agree with her assessment. Read why she’s opting to stay clear of Buy Now Pay Later, and letting delayed gratification steer her budget instead.
Money tips
The beginning of each year is the perfect time to get a handle on your personal finances, but with the explosion of content in the space it can sometimes seem overwhelming. Podcasts can be a great conversation to listen in on and help form a strategy for navigating your own way to financial freedom, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorites to get you started!
Money tips
Go with the flow! Sankey diagrams are a technique to show the flow of resources, and can be a great tool for visualizing data. Hear how Rachel is using PocketSmith’s native Sankey widget to see trends and better understand and interact with her finances.
Money tips
New year’s resolutions are a contentious topic. Some love them, some hate them, and as the world falls out of love with toxic hustle culture, the way we set resolutions is changing. We’re big fans of healthy resolutions that help you get closer to your goals, without burning you out. Here are eight of our favorites.
Money tips
"For now, just a simple three-month audit is all required to kick start lasting change that goes well beyond any New Year resolution." Follow Ruth as she rejects the new year's overhaul and looks to install manageable long-term money management improvements.
Money tips
Thinking that this might be the year that you give freelancing a crack? Maybe Rachel, a flourishing freelancer herself, will give you some ideas and inspiration. Hear what goals she has for her freelancing endeavors in the upcoming year, and how PocketSmith is helping her achieve them.
Money tips
A new year always means a clean slate, and it’s the same for businesses as they look to offload stock — time to grab yourself a good deal! Emma shares how you can stock up on helpful bargains without dressing yourself down later for regretful purchases.
Money tips
“I’m not throwing away my shot!” Head of Marketing Dora recounts the dark patterns she encountered in her quest to score tickets to the hit musical Hamilton. She shares how these user interfaces are designed to trick people into doing things they wouldn’t normally do, and why it’s important to speak up.
Money tips
“I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but I do make a new year’s plan.” What better time of year to check in on your finances than the start of a new one? Rachel’s already making a financial game plan for the new year — read how she’s using PocketSmith’s range of tools to do just that.
Money tips
While Christmas is a time for giving, it’s also when we see large amounts of excess and waste that are almost unavoidable in the modern world. But with a little outside-the-box thinking, you can make this holiday season just as joy-filled while keeping your purchases as sustainable as possible.
Money tips
Opposites attract, as the old saying goes, so you may find how big (or little) you spend at Christmas at odds with your partner. Ruth explores how to reconcile a difference in Christmas money values to keep things merry these holidays in the latest edition of Ruth's Two Cents.
Money tips
There’s nothing better than the joy of getting someone a great present, but the pressure of trying to find the right one can be a real bummer. Why not give them PocketSmith? Here’s how easy it is to gift PocketSmith, and who might benefit from this unique gift.
Money tips
Unfortunately, inflation looks set to continue to rise for the timebeing — as well as the stress this can create on your bottom line. While you can’t budget your way out of the effects of inflation, there are little everyday things you can do to mitigate the crunch. Emma from The Broke Generation explores ten ways you can battle the cost of inflation.
Money tips
“Christmas happens every year. Don't let it be a surprise”. For all the fun that Christmas provides, it can also be a time filled with money stress. Rachel’s solution? Being prepared as possible. She shares how she gets her finances ready for Christmas with PocketSmith.
Money tips
Influencers come in many shapes and sizes, and social media has seen a surge of financial information and advice fill its feeds. Is it wise to take guidance from these influencers? And what red flags do you need to stay alert for? Emma delves into the world of personal finance influencers.
Money tips
Amicable or not, a divorce or separation can be a stressful time — especially when it comes to your finances. Your income and expenses will most likely shift, so how you manage your money will have to adapt too. Ruth lays out a post-divorce roadmap in this edition of Ruth’s Two Cents.
Money tips
Calling all enterprising folks! While you’re busy with your business plans, you need good support for the constant change and uncertainty you’re dealing with. Matt from the good folks at nowly explains why life insurance should be an essential part of your finances as an entrepreneur.
Money tips
A 2021 study by the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand revealed that 31% of DIY investors who invest online plunged into an investment just because they didn’t want to miss out. The FOMO is real! Emma from The Broke Generation explores why the fear of missing out drives some to take on risky investments, and how to avoid giving into the FOMO.
Money tips
How do you feel about approaching The Bank of Mum and Dad to help you get into your first home? The idea of asking your family for assistance can feel a little embarrassing for some, while for others, it's a welcome lifeline. Ruth The Happy Saver shares her thoughts for first-home buyers, and how to approach this particular path to your first home.
Money tips
Regardless of whether it sends a shiver of thrill or dread up your spine, Christmas is just a couple of months away. Follow Emma’s tips for getting the jump on the silly season to save your wallet, and your sanity, from stress.
Money tips
We’ve all experienced money mistakes that have us asking ourselves, “Was it really worth the money? Could I really afford it?”, which always leads to one of the more frustrating human emotions — regret. For Rachel? She’s incorporated it into how she uses PocketSmith to employ more accountability in her spending.
