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Savvy traveller shares how to guarantee an entire row on your next flight

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to flying, it's no secret that space is a hard commodity to come by. </p> <p dir="ltr">Travelling in economy often means being crammed in beside other passengers battling for real estate on your shared arm rests, and struggling to stretch out your legs in limited space for your feet and bags. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, a savvy traveller has shared a foolproof hack to get the most space you can on your next flight with Qantas. </p> <p dir="ltr">Frequent flyer Chelsea Badger has revealed how she recently managed to switch seats to a row of empty seats mere moments before her Auckland to Sydney flight, without having to pay an extra cent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can't believe this works,” Chelsea, who lives in Auckland, said in her now-viral TikTok. </p> <p dir="ltr">Chelsea said in order to make the hack work, you will need the Qantas app, and wait until 10 minutes before your flight to check in. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Once you've done this, open up the Qantas app and click the seat selector tool,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If there's a whole row free or even just a better seat, make a mental note of that number.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Chelsea added, “You won't be able to select that seat in the app as it's too close to boarding, so simply just go up to the desk and politely ask to have it changed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's so easy and I can't believe this works!”</p> <p dir="ltr">She clarified that it has worked for her on several non-full Qantas flights, but she is not saying it will work for every airline. </p> <p dir="ltr">More than 300,000 people who viewed the video thanked Chelsea for sharing her secret trick, with many saying they would try it out for themselves.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Legit did this,” one commenter posted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is smart AF,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr">A third shared her own take on the trick, “I've made mental notes of empty rows while literally boarding the plane and then just sitting in those seats upon boarding - works every time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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7 savvy ways to grow your wealth

<p dir="ltr">You don’t need to start with a fortune to grow wealth – but you do need good foundations on which to build. From where you get investment ideas to how you manage your taxes, it is the little things that add up to quickly grow wealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lay the groundwork with these easy-to-implement tips:</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>1. Start early</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The longer your investments have to grow, the more wealth you should accumulate.</p> <p dir="ltr">That’s thanks to a combination of value growth over time and the compound effect of reinvesting profits and dividends. So start investing now.</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, good habits formed early are more likely to become ingrained.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Create a savings and investments plan</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">I hate the word ‘budget’ – it’s the financial equivalent of a diet. A savings and investments plan both sounds nicer and is more encompassing.</p> <p dir="ltr">This plan gives you visibility over your incomings and outgoings, your assets, and liabilities. Then you can determine if debts are being paid down as fast as possible and whether any surplus funds are being invested prudently.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. Have an emergency fund</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">This might seem counter-intuitive – squirrel money away that you could be used to invest and grow your wealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">But having available cash should disaster unexpectedly strike – such as redundancy, illness, even another pandemic – means you won’t have to sell assets to make ends meet.</p> <p dir="ltr">Forced sales may generate below fair value for a quick result or occur at a low point in the investment cycle. Plus, that asset and its growth potential are gone for good.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4. Reduce your tax bill</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No one likes paying taxes. Surprisingly, though, many people pay more than they need to.</p> <p dir="ltr">Avoid under-declaring your deductions: good record-keeping will help you claim your rightful deductions, such as for donations, investment expenses, business costs, and even financial advice fees.</p> <p dir="ltr">Embrace legitimate tax breaks: for instance, spousal super contributions and certain investment structures (like family trusts) can be used to cut your income tax or get taxed at a lower rate.</p> <p dir="ltr">Look at the calendar: Which financial year you sell an asset or claim a benefit can affect your tax liability.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>5. Invest wisely</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A gung-ho approach to investing can be a costly mistake, so invest wisely. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.</p> <p dir="ltr">Only invest what you can afford to lose – while the aim is for investments to grow in value, you shouldn’t be left destitute if things go pear-shaped.</p> <p dir="ltr">Have a clear exit strategy – know when and how you will sell to maximise your returns, keep costs down and minimise your tax on the profits.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>6. Get good advice</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Your father, sister, friend, or hairdresser may mean well, but unless they are qualified to give advice, you could be making a mistake.</p> <p dir="ltr">Money matters are complicated and most people simply don’t know what they need to know. Plus, everyone’s circumstances are different – so what worked for dad, Julie, Tom, or Bev might not be beneficial for you.</p> <p dir="ltr">Just as you want medical advice from a doctor, seek advice about money from those qualified and registered to give it: your financial adviser, tax accountant, estates solicitor, and mortgage or insurance broker. Chances are the cost of that advice is far less than you stand to lose through an avoidable mistake.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>7. Invest in you</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">You are an asset that, when in tip top condition, can deliver a solid return on investment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Invest in education and training: gaining extra qualifications and skills allows you to boost your earning potential.</p> <p dir="ltr">Invest in your wellbeing: Good mental health equals wiser decision-making, better productivity, and hence more room to grow your income.</p> <p dir="ltr">Invest in your health: Good health means lower healthcare costs, fewer lost work hours and cheaper life and disability insurances. Not to mention a longer lifespan allows you to enjoy the fruits of your wealth-building efforts!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women (Ventura Press,</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>$32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au </strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Cheaper in Oz: One Kiwi shopper’s savvy way to save on groceries

<p dir="ltr">A New Zealand woman has shared the unusual way that she saved 35 percent on her usual grocery bill - and it involves and it even comes with free shipping.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman, who asked not to be identified, told the <em><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/kiwi-shopper-saves-35-per-cent-ordering-groceries-from-australia/BL3RATPOZGLJQASWDRVY3DC4O4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a></em> that purchasing her usual groceries from Australia and shipping them to New Zealand ended up being significantly cheaper than shopping at her local supermarket.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Otago woman ordered 13 items from the neighbouring country, including pasta, nuts, dried fruit, rolled oats, toothbrushes, shampoo and hair dye, via Amazon.</p> <p dir="ltr">She told the publication she received her goods within five days, having paid just $AUD 93.30 ($NZD 100.59).</p> <p dir="ltr">“I only bought items that were included in a free shipping promotion, so I wasn’t charged for shipping. According to the receipt, shipping would have added $15,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">When she compared prices using the Countdown online shopping app, she found that the same items would have cost her an upwards of $30 more, totalling $NZD 139.96 ($AUD 129.82).</p> <p dir="ltr">She found the best deal was on toothpaste, which she paid $AUD 2.50 ($NZD2.69) for.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All the items were long-shelf life items. I don’t think ordering from Australia would work for fresh food,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she made a significant saving, the savvy shopper says she might not repeat her “crazy little experiment” due to the carbon footprint that came with it.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-baad06f1-7fff-9595-6d01-0b32442ccaaf"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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How a financially-savvy 29-year-old plans to retire at age 35

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michelle Ives, a 29-year-old mother of one, believes she has discovered the secret to an early and stress-free retirement. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Central Coast native is planning to retire from running her own copywriting business when she turns 35 in just six short years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By then, her family will have an impressive investment portfolio worth over $2million. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She plans to leave her job and live off between $70,000 and $100,000 a year from the money her family will make in investing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Michelle started her first job at age 14, she said the idea of working into her 70s made her feel “very trapped”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But when she turned 21 and started working full time as a journalist, she got serious about following a strict financial plan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Everyone followed this linear path to retirement where they work, work, work and do the nine-to-five or just have a job and then they get to 60 to 65 and retire and then potentially have a few golden years to make use of the nest egg that they have built, and that’s if they even have one,” she told </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/superannuation/how-29yearold-michelle-ives-plans-to-retire-at-35/news-story/39a07c283824f7b95d58365a54056922" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But it never made sense to me … and I didn’t feel like it was the only path to financial freedom. I was excited to work but why should I have to do that every day until I’m in my sixties or seventies and not even able bodied enough to enjoy it?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michelle follows a financial movement called FIRE (financial independence and retiring early), which began in the US.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The saving-savvy mum said the movement is primarily about saving the majority of your income and living off what’s left over. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We save around 70 to 80 per cent of our income, as the theory behind FIRE is you need to either take existing income and need to peel it back as much as you possibly can and create disposable income and start saving and investing that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Or create additional income streams, so get a raise or get a better job or have a side hustle or side business,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It brings forward the retirement age by decades than people can otherwise realistically do. For some people it’s 40 and for some people, 30 is increasingly becoming the age they can retire.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michelle documents her early retirement plans on her blog and directs many people to financial resources to share her dream of an early retirement. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Shutterstock/Facebook: That Girl on Fire</span></em></p>

Retirement Life

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19 savvy tricks to spend less on groceries

<div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even">Cut your grocery bill with these strategies for making food last longer, avoiding supermarket gimmicks, making the most of coupons, and more.</div> <div class="field-item even"></div> <div class="field-item even"><strong>1. Walk through aisles you don't use</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Every store has an aisle or two that has no temptations for you (pet food, paper goods, baby supplies, cosmetics, and so forth).</p> <p>Make that aisle your passageway to the departments you need at the back of the store. Why tempt yourself by using the chocolate aisle?</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>2. Buy chicken whole</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Never buy chicken parts (breasts, wings) when you can buy the whole thing and make more meals from it, for pennies on the pound.</p> <p>Forget about fancy butchering: using strong kitchen shears, cut the chicken up the breast bone, up the back bone, and then cut those halves in half again.</p> <p>Cut off wings and legs, and you have the kind of pieces that you'd pay big bucks for.</p> <p>A large whole chicken is amazingly economical. It will give enough meat for about 8 portions, or you can serve 4 people and have<span> </span>plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, salads and other dishes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>3. Cut the cost of gourmet coffee</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Even coffee made at home can be pricey, if you have expensive taste in beans and roast.</p> <p>Mix pleasure with savings: Combine one part of your favourite gourmet coffee with one part of a much less expensive store brand.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>4. Turn cottage cheese upside down</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>It will last twice as long than when stored right side up.</p> <p>It may not be great for the waistline, but mashed potato enriched with cottage cheese and parmesan and enlivened with garlic and herbs<span> </span>makes a marvellous filling for ravioli. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>5. Shop farmers' markets late in the day</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Sellers don't want to bring unsold produce back home, so they often sell their inventory at reduced prices before the market closes.</p> <p>You may find sweet savings of up to 80 percent.</p> <p>If you<span> </span>cut your food cost, reduce your waste and improve your eating habits<span> </span>you could have heaps left over to spend on choice food at the market.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>6. Pass by bottled water</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Instead buy a reusable water bottle. Assuming a store-bought bottle costs $1, you'll recoup your costs after only eight or nine uses of the reusable bottle.</p> <p>Reusable bottles also<span> </span>help you do your part in taking care of the earth.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>7. Read grocery ads before you shop</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Grocery stores constantly have popular products on sale as a way to lure you into the store. And to get the word out, they advertise a lot through mailings to your house, inserts in newspapers and local shopping guides, TV or radio commercials, and sometimes even online.</p> <p>They are worth studying each and every week. That's because what is on sale changes on a weekly basis.</p> <p>Knowing that lettuce is on sale, you might map out menus that focus on that ingredient: a mixed salad one day, as a taco topping the next day, to wrap chicken for a low-carb dish the next.</p> <p>While we can't solve the issue of food waste overnight,<span> </span>getting the most out of every ingredient is a good way to start.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>8. Shop the perimeter of the store</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Food essentials (produce, meats, dairy, and bread) are usually located around the store's perimeter.</p> <p>Middle aisles have the more costly prepared and processed foods.</p> <p>The more you steer clear of the inner aisles, the healthier and cheaper your groceries will be.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>9. Outsmart this "special" sale tactic</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Here’s a well-kept secret: When a grocery store advertises a special – say, buy ten containers of yoghurt for $5 – you don’t have to buy the number of items they're advertising.</p> <p>In this case, you could buy one container for 50 cents. Unless the store specifically states otherwise, you should buy as few as you want.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>10. Do the math</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>One bag of chips is $1.49 and a seemingly same-size bag is $1.79. The cheaper one is the better deal, right?</p> <p>Not necessarily, if the higher-priced bag has a couple more grams of chips.</p> <p>When comparing prices, always compare price per kilo (or gram or litre). It's the only objective way to compare costs.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>11. Study your grocery store’s selling patterns for sales</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Grocery store sales often occur in patterns.</p> <p>For example, there may be a store that puts ice-cream on a "buy one, get one free" sale on the third week of every month. On the first week, it’s only a dollar off.</p> <p>Learn the patterns and hold off buying these items until you know that they'll be at their rock-bottom prices then buy enough to last you until the great sale runs again.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>12. Splurge on extra newspapers</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>If your Sunday newspaper offers a high-value coupon for an item you buy often, it may be worth the cost to buy extra copies of the paper for extra coupons, or to ask neighbours if you can have the coupon inserts from their papers.</p> <p>This is particularly worthwhile if you know that an item you want is a "buy one, get one free" sale; you can then get four for the price of two and have ample supplies in your pantry.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>13. Go online to save</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>More and more websites are offering coupons you can print out.</p> <p>Before you go shopping, log on to the internet and, in your favourite search engine, put in the name of a product on your shopping list, plus the word "coupon".</p> <p>Just be careful – some sites want lots of personal information in exchange for access to coupons or discounts. Read the fine print and be sure it is a reputable website before surrendering personal info.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>14. Layer, layer, layer</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Use a manufacturer’s coupon with items already on sale at the grocery store.</p> <p>Some people call this "layering", others call it "stacking" – but it's really a simple way of saving.</p> <p>Say a $1.99 package of taco shells is on sale for $1.49. If you have a 50-cents-off coupon and the store doubles coupons, you'll pay only 49 cents for it.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>15. Watch the register</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>You've probably seen those investigative shows that uncover just how many errors supermarket scanners make – the numbers are staggering.</p> <p>Knowing this, keep a watchful eye on the cashier’s display as the cashier scans each product. Make sure that discounts for sales and coupons are applied.</p> <p>Make sure that the clerk keys in the proper codes for perishables without price tags (so you're not paying for exotic mushrooms when you're buying green peppers). Then, be sure to keep your receipt. This is a good practice for a few reasons.</p> <p>If the item is on sale but doesn't ring up with the sales price, you can bring the receipt back to the store for a refund.</p> <p>If you get home and one of your items is damaged or has a broken seal, you can easily return it.</p> <p>Finally, many register tapes are printed with valuable coupons on the reverse side.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>16. Don't fall for limits</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Keep your money in your purse when you see signs like "Limit six per customer".</p> <p>Stores know that customers will buy more of an item if they think there’s a shortage – and there generally isn't.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>17. Shop less often</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Try to stretch out the time between grocery-shopping trips. Instead of going once a week, go once every two weeks.</p> <p>You'll be forced to make your current food last longer and use up the food sitting patiently in the pantry and freezer.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>18. Befriend your butcher</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>You know that tougher meats are less expensive than tender meats. But did you know that many butchers will run these cheaper cuts through the tenderiser if you ask?</p> <p>Your tough cut will turn into a tender bite at no cost.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"><strong>19. Use kosher salt</strong></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Inexpensive kosher salt is not only tastier than regular table salt, it's also more frugal.</p> <p>Each flake or crystal is far bigger than its table-salt cousin, which means that a single pinch will go a very long way. This saves you money in the long run.</p> <p><em>This article first appeared in </em><span><em><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/spend-less-groceries-these-19-tricks-savvy-shoppers-use">Reader’s Digest</a></em></span><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><span><em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Retirement Income

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Helping your adult kids to be financially savvy

<p>It is human nature for parents to want to provide for their children but at some point, the “help” you may be giving them could actually be more of a hindrance to them gaining their own financial independence. Cash handouts to pay for mobile phone costs, car servicing, and health insurance may be insulating your adult children from the realities of financial life — stunting their financial literacy and growth.</p> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Your financial future is at stake</strong></p> <p>The flip side of the nest not being empty is that your retirement lifestyle could be at risk. If you are 50 or older, now is the time to be setting yourself up for the future and making the most of every discretionary dollar for the development of your nest egg. If you are operating the “bank of mum and dad” for your kids instead of building your retirement, it could mean you need to work longer or compromise your retired lifestyle.</p> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Helping them become financially savvy</strong></p> <p>So, what can you do to help your kids get a grip on their situation and gain financial responsibility? The short answer to this question is “plenty”!</p> <p>You can give your children the financial wherewithal to build their financial maturity and growth, through positive encouragement and tangible education on the financial life skills they will need. This doesn’t mean you should suddenly “cut them off”, but it does mean you need to begin a serious discussion with them about the costs of maintaining their lifestyle and determine a timeline for passing over responsibility to them.</p> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Budgeting is the foundation</strong></p> <p>The harsh realities of needing to budget income and spend judiciously cannot be avoided if your children are to stand on their own two feet. If you have been putting food on the table and a roof over their head, chances are their income has been directed toward spending on their own entertainment and enjoyment. Giving them an understanding of budgeting is critical for them to gain a broader view of what it takes to survive and prosper financially.</p> <p>Fortunately, there are plenty of budgeting tools available online or through banks, which you can encourage them to use and help them to complete. This will give them an understanding of the scope and scale of spending required to live independently, as well as an appreciation of the differences between essential living expenses (such as food, utilities, communication, transport, and rent) and discretionary spending (such as eating out, entertainment, gaming, and hobbies).</p> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Developing responsible habits</strong></p> <p>An extension of the budgeting process is to educate them on the vital importance of saving regularly from their income. Start with a simple rule of saving a set percentage of everything they earn. This can then be developed into goal-oriented saving for various objectives they consider important and worth sacrificing for.</p> <p>If you do want to provide some form of financial support, rather than giving random handouts toward immediate needs, perhaps you can offer to match their savings dollar for dollar in support of something worthwhile, such as a home deposit, rental bond, or a business venture. This gives real incentive to form solid saving habits that will benefit them throughout their life.</p> <p>Educating on credit is also essential. With the accessibility of credit cards and financing offers on major purchases, it is easy for them to quickly rack up personal debts that can demoralise them and distort their financial priorities. Analysing a month’s spending may point out where their income is being squandered or wasted, and will help you identify how they can save and achieve major purchases through their own income, rather than by resorting to credit.</p> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Creating wealth slowly</strong></p> <p>In a society that is focused on instant gratification, easy credit, and an expectation of getting what you want right away, your children may view the concept of creating financial independence as something that can only happen through outrageous luck or taking huge risks for quick gain. Therefore, one of the most vital lessons you can pass on is the value and importance of creating wealth slowly.</p> <p>Real financial independence is not the result of a lottery win or riding the back of an investment boom — rather it is the result of forming sound investment practices such as:</p> <ul> <li>Allocating a certain proportion of your regular savings toward longterm wealth creation plans</li> <li>Utilising available tools that accelerate wealth, such as superannuation tax incentives</li> <li>Diversifying investments beyond bank term deposits and into a variety of asset classes that relate to your investment time horizons</li> <li>Planning for contingencies (such as sudden loss of income or emergency expenses) by establishing an emergency savings plan and personal insurance protection plans</li> <li>Seeking the advice of a financial adviser to coordinate all of the above, and to develop a lifelong plan and strategy for wealth creation.</li> </ul> <p><strong class="bigger-text">Start the conversation now</strong></p> <p>Delaying the steps outlined here may result in an ongoing cycle of dependence that will only become harder to break if it isn’t addressed. Begin the conversation with your children now, and ease them toward financial responsibility with some positive encouragement and agreed goals on budgeting, spending, debt management, saving, and investing.</p> <p>What ideas have you found useful for encouraging adult kids to take on financial independence? Share your thoughts below.</p> <p><em>Written by Bridges. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/money/financial-planning/helping-your-adult-kids-to-be-financially-savvy.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Money & Banking

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Savvy woman saves thousands of dollars with this genius laundry trick

<p>If there was a list of the worst chores one can do, laundry would most likely be right at the top.</p> <p>But one savvy woman has revealed how she plans to save “a lot of money and time in the next 20 years.”</p> <p>Posting on Facebook, Jen explained that when her washing machine broke down, she decided to invest in a commercial quality machine instead of another regular washer.</p> <p>According to Jen, the machine will save her hours and thousands of dollars in the future, and she hasn’t regretted her decision in the slightest.</p> <p>“[it was] a big investment but hopefully worthwhile for larger families,” Jen posted on the budgeting Facebook group, saying that the Speed Queen machine is great for those who have “a lot of washing to do.”</p> <p>“I found my machine that was three years old decided to sh*t itself,” she posted. “I burn through machines quickly!”</p> <p>After going through regular machines that Jen claims she would “overload and overuse” and pay thousands of dollars for, she decided on purchasing a Speed Queen commercial washer.</p> <p>While it costs a cool $5785 for the machine and an extra $870 for installation, Jen could not be happier, as they are said to last around 25 years when used in a home environment.</p> <p>“I was extremely lucky enough to have my husband’s insurer help pay for my new washer and dryer (the difference in cost for domestic v industrial), BUT I have saved two days of washing in the one day that would usually take me three,” Jen said.</p> <p>Speaking of the machine, she said it’s “fabulous.”</p> <p>“Does a quick 8kg (max load is 10kg) wash in 26 minutes to the max intensive wash at one hour!” said Jen.</p> <p>She then went on to say that the dryer is “also super efficient”, and despite the fact that it’s industrial and will consume a lot of power, she has solar so is hoping it will be “less expensive.”</p> <p>“I looked at just getting an extra large 20kg top loader, but the basic wash programmes for clothing still took 1.5 to two hours,” she said.</p> <p>“With this 8kg, I can get 24 kilograms done in three hours maximum! Far less electricity long term.</p> <p>“For us, with the last twelve years, and over $6000 on machines, if it lasts for 15 I’ll be happy.”</p> <p>Would you be willing to drop the cash on an industrial washer? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Home & Garden

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Homeowner’s savvy Kmart kitchen hack that saved her $100

<p><span>A woman has shared how she restored a rusty stovetop to pristine condition without paying for an expensive cleaning service.</span></p> <p><span>The happy customer shared two images of her stovetop on Kmart Mums Australia, along with a third image of a $25 steam cleaner from Kmart.</span></p> <p><span>The woman explained that she needed to clean her stovetop ahead of a house inspection.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img width="499" height="460" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818015/1_499x460.jpg" alt="1 (131)"/><br /></span></p> <p><span>She used various household cleaners and every cleaning trick in the book, but found nothing was removing the marks.</span></p> <p><span>With no success, she received a quote for it be cleaned professionally but was told it would cost her a staggering $120.</span></p> <p><span>When she went to the shops in a final attempt for a remedy, she found the perfect product.</span></p> <p><span>“Off to Kmart, I went to purchase the Hand Held Steam Cleaner for $25. BAM,” she said.</span></p> <p><span>“If you don't own one of these already you must purchase one!”</span></p> <p><span>Using Kmart’s steam cleaner, she did the job herself and saved $95.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img width="500" height="324" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818016/2_500x324.jpg" alt="2 (71)"/><br /></span></p> <p><span>Loyal Kmart shoppers were quick to praise the woman for getting the job done on a budget.</span></p> <p><span>Fellow shopper Rhonda said, “Love my hand held steamer.....I keep looking for stuff to clean.”</span></p> <p><span>Jessica added, “W'oooo! I'm definitely going to get one. Thanks for sharing!” </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img width="498" height="360" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818017/3_498x360.jpg" alt="3 (31)"/></span></p> <p><span>After receiving plenty of questions from sceptics about whether she used expensive cleaning products to restore her cooker, the woman revealed the process.</span></p> <p><span>She said that she didn’t need to spend time scrubbing and the job was done with just the steam cleaner, the brush attachment and water. </span></p>

Home & Garden

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85-year-old tech-savvy senior defying stereotypes

<p>It seems like barely a day passes without the announcement of some new app, gadget or piece of technology, to the point when it can be a little overwhelming at times.</p> <p>But there are plenty of seniors who aren’t just surviving through this influx of technology, but thriving! 85-year-old Max Perlov might just be the best example of this.</p> <p>Max has been in Australia for 37 years after relocating from his native Russia. After working as a mechanical engineer, Max retained his keen interest in electronics which led him to start using computer technology in 1992.</p> <p>Max took to it like a duck to water, using his PC to complete work at home with 3D design software and finding various uses for his home computer over the last 21 years.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="750" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37875/tech-savvy-senior-in-text_500x750.jpg" alt="Tech -savvy -senior -in -text"/></p> <p>Most recently, Max has become an avid tablet and mobile phone user, and uses this new wave of technology to communicate with family and friends all around the world.</p> <p>Max says, “I love that technology allows me to communicate with people all over the world. I’m a big fan of emojis, too – I often use them to make text messaging a bit more fun. I use the camera on my phone all the time when I’m out and about as well.”</p> <p>And this octogenarian isn’t slowing down anytime soon, giving himself the brand-new Samsung S8 as a little present to help celebrate his 85th birthday.</p> <p>Max is looking forward to getting his hands on this new piece of tech, “I’m excited to see what it’s like and am always looking at the latest tech advancements and products.”</p> <p>Are you using technology more and more these days? Share your experience in the comments below.</p>

Technology

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Tech-savvy seniors debunk myths over age and technology

<p>A grandmother is one of five tech-savvy seniors who are challenging the stereotype of the tech-befuddled senior citizen.</p> <p>The Age Hackers are a group of over-60 bloggers, who run a section of the online senior lifestyle magazine GrownUps.</p> <p>They blog about how using technology affects their lives, they review gadgets and give tech advice.</p> <p>Carol Bron​ said the group had been going since mid-Febuary.</p> <p>She hoped the conversational English style of their articles would encourage their readers to learn more about the technology they use.</p> <p>"It makes some people feel more comfortable when you're not being bamboozled with jargon."</p> <p>​Grey Power Manawatu president Lew Findlay thought the blog was a great idea.</p> <p>He said the older generation had become very technical.</p> <p>"Over half our members are doing their banking online now," he said.</p> <p>"A few older people do struggle with technology but it's a much smaller group than people think."</p> <p>Bron said she had always been interested in new technology.</p> <p>She learnt basic programming on a Commodore 64 computer, and worked with computers since the early 1980s often acting as an informal IT department.</p> <p>She said it often surprised people to find out she was the person in the family who owned all the latest gadgets and doled out the tech advice.</p> <p>"I've had it happen in shops. They see I'm old, and female, and think I know nothing."</p> <p>She said while shopping for a smartphone with her husband she had explained her technical requirements and preferences to a salesman, who then ignored her questions and talked to her husband instead.</p> <p>Bron said people should not assume older people would have trouble adapting to new technology.</p> <p>​"They forget we've seen more changes than the younger ones have.</p> <p>"If anything new technology is easier to learn than ever before.</p> <p>"In the early days of home computers the assumption was that if you had access to one you had some  basic programming skills. But modern PCs and mobile devices are designed to be intuitive and easy for anybody to use.</p> <p>"You just charge and go. Plus there are apps and search engines that do the work for you," she said.</p> <p>"It's a whole lot easier than coding your way through a doc on a Commodore 64, that's for sure."</p> <p><em>Written by Paul Mitchell. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. Image credit: Warwick Smith / Stuff.co.nz. </em></p>

Technology

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89-year-old becomes tech-savvy master to connect with family across the globe

<p>Technology seems to be moving at such a breakneck pace these days, keeping up with it all can sometimes feel like a fruitless exercise. But, if today’s story is anything to go by, with a little bit of gumption it’s never too late to learn (and master) a new skill.</p> <p>Neville Hewitt, an 89-year-old former engineering pattern maker in Glenroy, is currently top of the class in a digital literacy and online social skills course.  </p> <p>Hewitt signed up to the course at his local Neighbourhood Learning Centre two years ago to reboot his computer skills, and he hasn’t missed a single beat.</p> <p>Hewitt initially signed up to help him communicate with family around the world, telling <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Herald Sun</strong></span></a>, “Communication is the thing I was interested in... that was my first thought.”</p> <p>He now uses Skype to talk to his brother in New Zealand and is regularly in contact with his cousin in Wales and his nephew in England that he reaches through email.</p> <p>“It’s good to be able to reach them regularly and easily,” Mr Hewitt said.</p> <p>Hewitt has also combined his newfound computer skills with his natural talent for craftsmanship, building an American-style steel guitar from a design he researched online.</p> <p>“I’m in a senior citizens’ choir and they told me to stop bringing my other ones and just bring the steel one in because they liked it so much,” he said.</p> <p>Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre teacher Shruti Malavde said seniors were increasingly reaping the benefits of computer literacy, “The best thing they find is finding their own friends (on social media) and talking to them. It brings back a lot of memories, which they really enjoy.”</p> <p>Have you taken a course to increase your computer literacy? Would you be in anyway interested in doing so? Let us know in the comments. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/07/photo-of-ghost-in-car-crash/">Ghost appears at site of car crash</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/07/grandparents-share-secrets-to-a-happy-marriage/"><strong>Grandparents share their adorable 5 secrets to a happy marriage</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/07/watch-this-toddler-flawlessly-mimic-a-rocky-training-montage/"><strong>Toddler perfectly mimics Rocky training montage</strong></a></em></span></p>

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