How to Simplify Your Finances


How to Simplify Your Finances

Our time and energy is pulled in so many directions it can feel hard to have the mental space to sort your finances.

Add to that the rising cost of living, surprise bills or expenses and suddenly, it can all feel too hard.

As someone who is currently overhauling my habits, clearing debt and improving my finances, here is the advice I was given and the things that have helped me the most.

Consider Help

Depending on your circumstances, it might be worth getting help from a financial counsellor to sort out your money mess, maybe you are looking to the future and want a financial planner.

Or you know you got this but you want a simplier system. Using apps such as WeMoney (get a $5 bonus here) can help ytou see where you money is going, what's coming in and then make changes.

Go Fee Free

If you are still paying fees, you need to change banks. ING offers $100 to new customers, cash back on certain purchases, banking at the post office AND it is fee free.

Another option is Up Bank who has a cool app with features that make managing your money easy, joint accounts can be done in an instant, you can win back the cost of your coffee, they are fee free and more. Get $21 when you join here.

Ubank is another who offer $30 when you join (after you have made a few purchases with your card) and they are fee free too.

Have A Clear Goal or Goals

Be clear on what you want such as paying off debt, buying a new car, investing a specific amount every year, retiring at a certain age.

Use these articles to help:
6 ways to easily reduce debt
How to double your income
How to get rich being lazy with money
How to achieve big financial goals

Automate

Go through your finances and automate what you can such as direct debit payments. Be sure to still check them periodically and cancel anything you no longer use.

Have a percentage of your pay sent directly to a savings account, the same with an investing account.

Keep on top of when money is coming and going but make it easier by automating so you don't have to manually do it all.

Our Meal Plan

Read 20+ tips to reduce the cost of groceries plus how to reduce waste/what to do with scraps and leftovers to lower your grocery bills.

This week we are having a break from meal kits again, although still trying to use them all to let you know our updated thoughts!

You can get up to $230 off EveryPlate, Marley Spoon, HelloFresh, QuiteLike and Dinnerly here.

Our dinners include:
Butter chicken with naan
Lasagne using up all the sad looking vegetables
Lemon and herb chicken
Stir fry
Quesadilla's
Tacos
Bean soup

These are all fairly frugal, based around similar ingredients so nothing goes to waste.

What I Am Reading

I am trying to focus on female authors as I find them more relatable than the traditional older male voices in finance.

This week, I am reading Get Growing: A No-Nonsense Guide to Cultivating Wealth and Financial Freedom. If you read the last few emails, you will recognise the theme I have going here.

Reading books such as these help keep me motivated and on track.

Discounts For You!

Don't forget to check out our freebies section for all the latest offers including $100 from ING.

The Thrifty Issue Community

For more and to connect with others check out The Thrifty Issue Facebook group, Facebook page, Instagram, Pinterest.​

The Thrifty Issue

Tips to make and save money, especially for Aussies. How I am clearing $59,973.72 worth of debt,As featured on ABC, Nine and Channel 7. Sign up for weekly tips plus freebies and discounts.

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