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by Jodie | Feb 25, 2015 | Money, Savings
Did you ever think that you may have some long lost money in bank accounts that you’ve forgotten about. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) MoneySmart website has an unclaimed money search.
There is around $1 billion in lost shares, bank accounts and life insurance.
Unfortunately, when I did a search I couldn’t find anything in my name, which was a little disappointing, but also means I must keep a pretty good tab on where things are.
But, here’s a tip. Run a search with only your surname. You may find relatives that have unclaimed bank accounts and they may just be very grateful for the discovery. I found over $2, 200 sitting there for my brother-in-law and have left a message to let him know… And $5 for my father-in-law and $78 for a client.
Hey, it all adds up! Give it a try here: https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/find-unclaimed-money/unclaimed-money-search
Good luck with the search!
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by Jodie | Feb 25, 2015 | Budget, Budgeting, Debt Management, Finances, Retirement, Savings, Superannuation
1. Never learning to budget.
Every dollar earned does not need to be spent. Have a financial plan and rigorously stick to it. Budgeting also means having a regular saving plan in place.
- Buying a new car and thinking it’s the most important thing in your life right now.
Most 20 year olds will try and move heaven and earth to have that new car, but when the novelty has worn off and the bills start arriving, most wish they had settled for something more affordable. Payments of a new car lasts for years while the car drops in value every year, not always a smart thing to do when you are just starting off in life
- Thinking that retirement is to far away and not planning for it now.
Many young, give absolutely no thought to retirement, as 65 is so far away. Yet if we start early by taking an interest in Superannuation and personally contributing to it, even in small amounts, the benefits will speak for themselves down the track. It will make all the difference between having a comfortable one as opposed to struggle street. And think of the compound interest over the next 40+ years!
- Trying to keep up with your friends.
Having the latest gadget every time one comes out or the newest iPhone is a never-ending pursuit. Your phone is already outdated the day you buy it so think carefully and maybe try waiting just that little while longer before updating your hardware.
- Not paying off your student loan.
This debt can hand around your neck for many years. Try paying it off as soon as possible, financial freedom will soon follow.
6. Not having a plan for post university life.
Think carefully about your chosen career, how much will the debt bill be at the end of your student days? How easily will you find a job? Always have a plan and then have a plan B as well.
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by Jodie | Feb 3, 2015 | Budget, Budgeting, Finances, Money, Savings, Wealth
I read a recent article about why so many people feel they cant afford to save money and thought I would share some of the insights.
It seems that for some, saving money could feel like losing money. It feels like they seem to just be putting money somewhere, never to see it again. The article in turn, gave this advice, it said “picture your prosperity, have a goal when saving, whether for a house, new car or even that trip overseas.”
The problem seems to be how we view money. It’s our perception of it that can make all the difference. For example, when a group of people were asked if they could save 20% of their income, most said no it was not possible. When asked the question in a different way to another group, they responded very differently to the first group. They were asked, if they could live on 80% of their income and most in this group said that it would be possible.
It seems that when the focus changes so does the way we think about saving. Think about the money you do have as opposed to the money you don’t have.
One suggestion was to try and automate your savings plan, your bank can easily arrange this or you can simply set it up online.
There you go!! No more excuses!! Start today!!
For more tips on saving, check out our 12 part series coming to you month by month throughout 2015.
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by Jodie | Feb 2, 2015 | Business, Finances, Interest Rates
2015 Has started on an interesting financial footing, the dollar is weaker trading at just under 80 cents to the US dollar, oil and subsequently fuel prices are down. I haven’t seen fuel at this level for a couple of years.
Asian giant, China has had the lowest growth in 24 years, and this will negatively affect exports from Australia to China. Miners like BHP and Rio Tinto will feel this weakness, as will investors and shareholders.
The dollar has dropped significantly from only twelve months ago, not good if you are planning for that overseas holiday of a lifetime. The weaker dollar though may yet be a blessing for exports and the economy.
There is also talk of further interest rate cuts. How low will they go? Only time will tell and it will also depend on consumer confidence.
So hold on! We are in for an interesting ride this year…
