photo credit: Saquan Stimpson Christmas and Birthdays are the two times of year in Westernised countries when people give and receive a lot of presents It’s a little-known fact that the first economic rationalist was Ebenezer Scrooge.... Read More
Confusopoly Pricing – Companies Intentionally Trick Consumers Instead of Competing
Banks, Finance/Insurance, Energy, Airline and Telecommunications companies are all examples of confusopolies – organisations with similar products who intentionally confuse customers instead of competing on price. The word... Read More
Global Financial Crisis: Great Time to Grow a New Business
GUEST ARTICLE: Almost 18 months ago, during the Global Financial Crisis, I wanted to share a bit of optimism so I wrote this post about it being the best time to start a new business and I believe I was right. “Growth”. photo credit:... Read More
How Big A Mortgage Is Too Big in Australia?
So you’ve saved up a deposit for your first house, you want to take advantage of the government’s first home owner grant while you still can, and the bank is actually prepared to lend you money. But how much should you borrow? photo... Read More
Too Much Stuff: Consumption Is Not A Way of Life
Compared to most people I don’t buy or own much stuff but I still have too much stuff so I am slowly giving away, selling or throwing away all my excess stuff (clothes, gadgets, shoes, books etc etc etc) “too much stuff” photo... Read More
The Philosophy of Pocket Money for Children
GUEST ARTICLE: “Why give your kids pocket money? Are you using it for discipline or to encourage involvement at home? Do your kids simply need to practice handling money? Keeping up with their friends at school? Perhaps you want to share the... Read More
How I Pay No Bank ATM Fees to Withdraw Cash
photo credit: thetruthabout For most people there’s a completely free alternative to withdraw money from your Australian bank transaction account. I’ve used this method for years – which is why I Pay Nothing Nada Zip $0 In Bank ATM... Read More
4 Money Boxes Pocket Money System For Kids
GUEST ARTICLE: “At a loss to begin showing your kids how to handle money? I was too which lead me to this easy system of four money boxes. By dividing their pocket money, my kids understand how to apply their income to multiple goals. Our four... Read More
Goal Based Savings Account – Interview with SmartyPig Co-Founder Jon Gaskell
Anyone who knows me should be aware that I’m a fan of encouraging people to save money: both for keeping a good sized stash of money untouched for emergency expenses and for a specific goals like buying a car. This article is based on an... Read More
Australian Tax Tips: Are Gifts Taxable? – Andrew Jeffers
EDITOR: As I am not knowledgeable about whether gifts are taxable I asked my accountant friend Andrew Jeffers from Shuriken to provide general guidance on the subject. GUEST ARTICLE: Hi my name is Andrew Jeffers. Please note that my guest article is... Read More