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.

1. Live BELOW my means. My expenses need to be below my income, and if they creep up, I need to review my finances, cut back if I can or want to, and make more.
2. I can only do so much to cut back but there are loads of ways to make more money. Too often we focus on cutting expenses, but as has been shown in recent years, we can only cut expenses so much AND we have no control of the cost of some things such as petrol prices, interest rates and the ever-increasing cost of groceries.
   Read these ways to make money and these easy ways to save money.
3. Opportunity Cost: always analyse the ROI of energy, time and money. If something is going to take me a lot of time and energy but not make or save me more than a specific amount, it isn't worth it to me. If doing or buying me something will cost me other opportunities, I have to be sure it is worth it.
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   This means, if something brings me joy (happy energy) but doesn't make or save me much money, I will still do it. But if it drains me in time and energy, it had better be financially worth it!
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   The amount of money varies but an example would be outsourcing cleaning or yardwork. I have always been able to outsource that for less per hour than I can make in the same time frame. I hate both so paying someone else to do them in less time than it takes me for less money than I would make in the same time, makes sense. I don't have to do something I hate, AND I get to make money.
   ​Learn about opportunity cost and how I apply this here.
4. Compare and combine. Shop around, compare prices on things that cost a lot such as insurance or I buy all the time e.g. baby formula is a weekly expense. But do not spend too much time on it. Make sure you combine all discounts too. Check out how to combine discounts to save more here.
5. Have clear goals. Knowing what I want in life, what I want for my family and the lifestyle I want to have made everything easier. Read how I set and achieve goals.
6. Avoid debt. I have had debt at times e.g when going through a lengthy and expensive custody battle. Debt is debilitating and robs your future. Use these tips to reduce debt and deal with debt collectors.
7. Treat savings and investing as bills. Pay yourself first and learn about investing then choose how you want to invest.
8. Learn to maximise finances. Check everything you are eligible for in terms of freebies such as the ones we share, things from the government, learn what you can claim on tax and how to make your tax return go further.

I have 9 frugal rules that can save you thousands and a few other money rules here.

If you really want to improve your finances, use these 21 habits from the wealthy to get ahead.

Our Meal Plan

Meal times can be tricky and since I have 4 active kids who eat a lot and a baby, if I don't plan my meals, the budget can get blown. I have 20+ tips to reduce the cost of groceries plus how to reduce waste/what to do with scraps and leftovers.

This week I didn't do any of the cooking so that made it easier. Here is what they chose:
Salmon, potates and salad (we fish regularly and eat what we catch)
Spaghetti Bolognese
San Choy Bau
Butter Chicken
Vegetarian Stir-Fry
Quiche with whatever veggies we have leftover
Burritos
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I also love to rotate meal kit discounts and have some fresh discounts on my meal kit page from HelloFresh, Marley Spoon, Dinnerly, QuiteLike and EveryPlate.

What I Am Reading

Reading is something I love. Each year I have a reading list (find 2026 reading list here) and I will add books throughout the year if someone recommends them or I come across something interesting.

If you want finance books, consider these 10 that helped me improve my finances.

The Thrifty Issue Community

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