How I Cleared $10,134.72 in My First Month A month ago, I shared that I was managing The Thrifty Issue now and had almost $60,000 worth of debt and a couple of HUGE upcoming expenses. This month was unusually good due to some overtime pay from last month but that will not happen every month. I also lodged my tax and got an ok return. A few of my regular payments continued so they helped clear the debt. I didn't get as much time to trial side hustles this month so that will be a focus next...
14 days ago • 2 min read
How to Maximise the 2026/2027 Financial Year Now is the perfect time to review your finances, learn what you can claim on tax, restructure things if needed, ask your work about salary sacrificing, make plans to increase your income, all of it. Learn what you can claim on tax based on your circumstances. 101 Ways to Save Money on Your Tax - Legally! 2026 - 2027 is a book that can get you started. Spending $22 on it to potentially get hundreds or even more back is worth it. Tax Secrets of The...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
There have been a few changes on the backend of The Thrifty Issue. We are excited to announce new management and thus a new financial journey! The Thrifty Issue has new management and a new financial journey with Stephanie! Kylie will still be mentoring Stephanie for a while but the journey is no longer about her. We hope you continue to stay and share a new stage of The Thrifty Issue. Debt Plan: How To Clear Almost $60,000 of Debt I am $59,973.72 in debt and it is mainly consumer debt with...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
How to Start Over With Nothing Moving from Sydney to Perth, I met numerous people along the way and one thing that stood out was how many either were or had recently started over with nothing. The number of people living in caravan parks, free camp sites, hotels etc is higher than I have ever seen in my life. As someone who has started over with nothing and gone from homeless to CEO years ago, moved states starting with nothing, repatriated in 2020 from the Solomon Islands after losing 70% of...
3 months ago • 2 min read
How to Reduce the Cost of Groceries The cost of groceries keeps rising and it is not being passed onto the farmers by the big supermarkets. A number of everyday essentials have risen so much they are unaffordable for many. So how can you save money on the cost of groceries? In our home, I have 5 kids who are South Pacific Islanders and play sports so they eat a lot. We have a strong focus on nutrition due to the elite levels the older ones are at with their sports and because I had severe...
3 months ago • 6 min read
Money Making May! May is a great month to focus on your finances as it often isn't as busy as other months. Here are some ways you can get more money this month to make the rest of this year easier. $100 from ING + cash back and other perks$15 instantly from Up, and you don't even have to use the account$30 from uBank with a few steps$20 from ShopBackChoose a side hustle to get started such as one of these 80 that work in 2026Check for any free money or vouchers you might be eligible for...
4 months ago • 1 min read
My Money Rules Living life a certain way and having specific mottos or rules makes decisions easier, especially when it comes to money. The money rules I decided on have helped me make and save, be consistent with my money and provide the lifestyle we have. As a mum of 5, with family and other commitments overseas, these are the rules that enabled us to do what we do and not stress about money. There are not in a specific order of importance though. Live BELOW my means. My expenses need to be...
4 months ago • 3 min read
How to Future Proof Your Finances Whether it is an emergency, the world falling to pieces, illness, injury or death preparation or job security due to AI and other changes, there are many things you can do to future-proof your finances. How to Prepare for Emergencies focuses on the financial aspect, paying down debt, getting your finances in order, what to do with large unexpected expenses etc. How to Manage Finances When Sick What to do to Prepare for Death: It happens to us all and is...
5 months ago • 2 min read
How to Manage Your Finances When the World is Falling Apart With all that is happening lately, fuel shortages, war, talks of extreme weather impacting farming and livestock etc. It can feel scary. So what can you do now to help your finances and ease some of the anxiety, especially if your budget is already stretched thin? What you can do will vary depending on the space you have, if you rent vs own, how much money you have and the skills you have. I grew up in a religion that preached about...
5 months ago • 3 min read