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
Healthy credit is a big part of your borrowing power and there are many ways to build it. So many, in fact, that it can be confusing to know the best ways to improve your own. We explore the importance of credit and compile some tips for building your credit fast.
Money tips
These days you can work and unwind online in an abundance of ways, and investing is no different. Online investing platforms have exploded in popularity over the past few years, offering easy and accessible entry to the stock market. But are they suitable for beginner investors? Ruth explores the world of online investing platforms, and how you can use them to start your investing journey.
Money tips
As climate change intensifies, many investors are wondering how to adapt our everyday actions and decisions to build a more sustainable future. Kate Campbell from Rask Finance gives us an overview of ethical and ESG investing, and explores the impact that investors can have on the environment, by investing more mindfully.
Money tips
Patience, young grasshopper! Having a mentor and sharing in their knowledge can be hugely beneficial, both personally and professionally. If you’re thinking about pursuing a mentorship, here are some tips for determining a good mentor and positioning yourself for a successful mentor relationship.
Money tips
If you’re running your own business or side hustle, you’re often juggling multiple experiences at once. When time is your most valuable commodity, it can be difficult to find the space to check everything off your list. We’re sharing eight tools business owners and freelancers can use to stay productive and on-task.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Money tips
With lockdown (mostly) over and socializing back in our calendars, there’s nothing like a good dinner party or at-home gathering to get your mates together without breaking the bank. But, without careful planning, a home soiree can add up to totals that rival a night out. To help you host your squad without going broke, we’ve rounded up our top five tips for hosting a party on a budget.
Money tips
Moving house is invariably stressful. Even the smoothest of moves require some pretty serious planning and hefty appetite for organization. And the cost of moving house can also add fuel to that anxious fire! PocketSmith guest writer Emma has recently moved house,and has rounded up her best moving house tips for reducing stress and saving cash at the same time.
Money tips
Blogs and podcasts are a great resource, but don’t forget about the power of a good book! Ruth The Happy Saver shares her top five personal finances reads that you can turn to for some money management wisdom.
Money tips
International travel is finally creeping back into our post-lockdown lives, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’re craving a sojourn across the ditch, we’ve packed everything you need to know about the Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble into one handy guide. You are so welcome. Happy travelling!
Money tips
If you did some budget planning at the start of the year, then the half-year mark is an excellent time to assess and tweak your budgets! Ruth The Happy Saver shows us how she uses her favorite PocketSmith features to ensure that she is reaching her earning, saving, investing and spending goals.
