This post is exactly as the title states - things you can live without of which in turn will help you save money by limiting your spending. As humans we have a natural desire to retail and acquire goods, its part of our natural desires to enhance our lives - but sometimes we take on a little more than we need.

20 Things you can live without

Here are a few examples of things that are not a necessity that we buy - should you cut these out of your spending I am almost certain you would have a lot more cash in your pockets right now. Read the rest of this entry »

As most mothers know - its quite hard to save money on baby essentials such as nappies, wipes and food. The costs of such products are sky high but no one can do without them causing quite a catch 22.This article is designed to inform mother’s to be and mothers alike on the best ways to save money on nappies and wipes to cut down a significant burden on the family budget. Read the rest of this entry »

NRMA Greenslips tend to be a fair bit pricier than their competitors such as AAMI Greenslips and GIO Greenslips - but we here at Savings Guide wanted to show people how they can save money on CTP Greenslips with NRMA by knowing the facts.

The way you can save money on your CTP greenslip is by asking them to bundle your CTP Greenslip with that of your comprehensive car insurance. Doing this will allow you to save 5% upon the total cost of the package. That means you could save $75 if your total came to $1500. Interesting isn’t it? You could save even more money if you need multiple forms of insurance. Read the rest of this entry »

GE Money Australia has just released a new credit card called the GE Eco Mastercard in the hope of capturing the demographic of carbon emissions aware credit users wanting to have a line of credit that rewards them for spending by looking after the environment.

The GE Eco Mastercard will allow users to offset their spending via an emission reduction scheme aimed at saving the environment - a scheme which Savings Guide Australia are 100% behind. We like multi tasking in life and believe that we all will inevitably have a credit card so why not have one that help’s the environment while you are at it? Read the rest of this entry »

Roam Tags are a device for traveling around Sydney, using roads like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Eastern Distributor require you to pay tolls and this handy little device does this for you and then bills your credit card each month that your account is under $10.

The problem I have with this setup is that they charge you $50 to get given the device for your car when you sign up, which is refunded when you close the account. In the next year, the NSW Goverment intends to make sure that all toll booths are automatic, thus requiring an E-Tag from Roam or the likes. Read the rest of this entry »

Many Australian’s file and lodge their own tax returns each year, utilising only a limited source of tax knowledge they have from both word of mouth and what they find on the internet.

Did you know that if you were to use a tax accountant for your return you would pay a small fee but receive a much greater return on your tax?

Its true! Tax accountants are in business for a reason, learn why I use a tax accountant when doing my tax return. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you owe money on a store credit card with a major Australian retailer? Most Australian’s take advantage of the 24months interest free option when buying consumer electronics and furniture from makers such as Harvey Norman and David Jones - leaving them with nothing to pay now, but a large debt lieing in the grass for 24months down the track.

This article aims to look at the pro’s and con’s of having a store credit card with a major retailer and give an understanding from first hand experience what it is like to have a store credit card debt. Read the rest of this entry »

Recently a number of new websites have launched - all offering finance comparisons of some sought - whether it be credit cards, term deposits or general bank accounts. This has opened up a lot more variety and ease of comparison for consumers, but at the same time has cheapened the process of finding the right account or product for yourself.

This been said, a new website has been launched that is taking a new look at the old system of rate comparisons. It is called ‘Rate City’ - a joint venture between NineMSN and Cannex (a leading rates and finance figures distributor). Read the rest of this entry »

No I am not joking - the Australian Government is actually giving away money to low to middle income earners. This is through the scheme call the Superannuation Co-contribution scheme in which the government will match each dollar you put into your super with $1.50 upto $1000.

As of 5th August 2008 this article is still current - but remember, a scheme as good as this could end at a moments notice. Read the rest of this entry »

Today I want to look at some quick and easy Money Tips - not tips on how to save money, but money tips in general.

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These money tips are great starting points for people looking to take charge of their finances and start saving money by learning how to deal with their money. This is not a long article - its not a complicated article - its purely a few tid bits of money tips by someone who spends a lot of time thinking about money. Read the rest of this entry »