I have written about frugality, ways to make and save money plus shared parts of my life for years.

My life changed drastically during that time with interstate moves, an expanding family, overseas commitments and more.

I know it is March but our New Year didn't really start until now due to commitments in Vanuatu, a few setbacks in our move and only starting to get settled in Fremantle now.

Here are the changes I have made for 2026 and moving forward.

1. Reassess Goals and Priorities: My family has significantly different goals this year to previous years such as my 18 year old setting up their own home, new jobs, a new coach and training regime for my daughter who is a wrestler, new routines in our new area, scaling back our involvement in business in Vanuatu, etc. Read How to Set and Achieve Big Financial Goals as well as my 10 step method to success with goals for tips.
2. Increase Investing: Now my eldest is 18, they are looking at how to fund their travels more but still set themselves up for the future. Our whole family has shifted our focus from frugality to investing, income and increasing wealth as well as health.
3. Frugal to Future: A strong future focus, assessing how much time, money and energy goes into something to determine the true cost and return on investment then shifting habits accordingly.

Here are some of the articles to assist with similar changes:

​21 money habits of the wealthy and how you can apply them​
​80+ side hustles for 2026​
​How to double your income​
​Why paying more/choosing luxury can be worth it​
​How to increase your net worth​
​How to get rich being lazy with money​

How to Have MORE Money at the End of 2026

Despite the rising cost of living, how can you have more money at the end of 2026?

Reassess your finances, how you are spending your money, what habits you have and take action now to change.

Try one of these 9 savings challenges to keep you motivated and give your finances a boost.

​Get a savings tracker/debt tracker and other printables to have a visual of how you are doing.

Learn how to deal with temptation using these 5 tips and practice these 10 tips to stop impulse buys.

Try these tips to help you make and save an extra $10,000 this year.

Use an app like WeMoney to track your finances.

$125 from ING

There are only a few weeks left to get the $125 bonus from ING. Follow the steps here and get your bonus next month.

2026 Finance Books

I regularly share what I am reading and for 2026 I have some specific books to improve your life. Yesterday, I went into a bookstore for the first time in a while and came across these fantastic and recent finance books:

Mel Browne (an Aussie) has 3 finances books and 2 were released this year -
​Dare To Be Wealthy
​​Unf*ck Your Finances​
​Budgets Don't Work, But This Does​

​Sensible Money by Emily Stewart is a guide on how to make better money choices for financial freedom.

​How They Get You: Sneaky Everyday Economics and Smart Ways to Hold on to Your Money by Chris Kohler

​Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap

​Rich AF: The Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life by Vivian Tu

Discounts For You!

​Up to $210 off meal kits, discounted lingerie, travel, activewear and alcohol here.

The Thrifty Issue Community

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