Tips to save money – a budget for ‘tough times’

What tougher times in life are there than the time when our family is young? We’ve all been there — the bills are stacking up, the income is low and the unexpected costs hit us hard, one after another. We look over our accounts as the week/fortnight or month goes by, and shake our heads […]
Thrifty post-baby makeover time!

So you have had the baby (go you … or me in this instance!) and you (well, me) are very appreciative and in awe of how amazing your body is at producing children and respect that it needs nurturing at this juncture of your life. BUT you’re (I am) also REALLY looking forward to never […]
The ultimate five crafts for kids with household items only

I don’t know about you, but I get a little dismayed when I come across crafts for kids such as the chicken below … Sure, it looks easy to some, but to the crafty-challenged such as myself, I am very put off by seeing something like this. I couldn’t even replicate that myself, let alone […]
The Curious Case of the Ironic Hipster Volvo

A few months back I mentioned I had a particular German SUV (OK, it was a BMW X3). I had wanted one for years, I was even willing to look the other way when the fuel economy. This was to be the ultimate family car. As my bump grew and my hips softened (go hypermobility […]
A guide to Parental Leave Pay in Australia — are you eligible?

In Australia, eligible parents can access 18 weeks of Parental Leave Pay following the birth or adoption of their baby. The Paid Parental Leave scheme was introduced in 2011 to help working parents spend more time at home with a new baby in those vital early months. It is fully government-funded. IMPORTANT CHANGES: From July 2020, […]
Maternity leave entitlements in Australia

Not sure whether or not you’re entitled to maternity leave or parental leave? Maternity leave entitlements in Australia are determined primarily by Federal Government regulations. State Government laws and individual employer policies are also applicable and can vary widely, which means this information is more of a starting point – so make sure you confirm the […]
How to afford a baby

Q: What can be more expensive than a house yet weighs only about 3.5 kilos? A: A baby. Starting a family involves so many changes. There are the obvious physical changes as your body goes through the miracle of creating a new life, not to mention the associated hormonal changes that can cause you to […]
Federal government scraps baby bonus

The Government will abolish the Baby Bonus as of March 1, 2014, under the 2013 budget announced by Treasurer Wayne Swan on Tuesday May 14. The payment will be replaced by a $2000 increase in Family Tax A following the birth of a first child. Second and subsequent children will trigger a $1000 increase. The […]
Don’t sweat over bill stress this summer

Summer is on its way and while it is one of the most celebrated seasons with long days and balmy evenings, it can also be the most expensive. The culprit in this expensive debacle is cooling costs; they are the single biggest drain on summer energy bills. But, whilst energy experts say air-conditioning make up for
COVID-19 Government financial support for families and small business owners

The Australian Government has announced an economic package that aims to assist families, workers who have lost their jobs and small business owners.