Category Archives: Budgeting

Having bad credit can feel like a weight holding you down, keeping you from achieving your goals. But you can change that – you just need to know how to improve your credit score, and these 5 easy steps will help you do just that.

1. Pay all your bills on time

Unpaid bills are the number one issue that will lower your credit score and should be the first thing you address when you’re considering how to improve your credit score.

When you pay your bills on time, you’re demonstrating that you could be relied on to repay a loan, so your credit score is higher. After all, a bank is less likely to offer a home loan to someone they can’t trust to meet all their repayments.

This goes for all your bills, not just your credit card bills. Paying rent, power bills, internet bills, and any other bills you have on time will help you boost your credit score.

Set up automatic payments if you can so you don’t even have to think about or remind yourself to pay your bills. If automatic payments aren’t possible, set reminders for yourself so that you don’t forget.

2. Use your credit card, but always pay it off

When looking at how to increase a credit score, we normally think that credit cards are a bad option, but they don’t have to be! Credit cards are actually a great way to build a credit score (it’s hard to develop a credit score if you never use credit).

The key factor with all credit cards is that you must pay them off as soon as possible. A common technique is to use your credit card to make purchases, but then immediately transfer funds into that account and pay off the credit. This way you’re using your credit card while never accidentally missing a card repayment and incurring bad credit. This method will also save you from nasty credit card interest, which can be quite high and hurt not only your credit score but your bank account too.

3. Don’t have too many credit cards

With the potential positives of credit cards in mind, some might be tempted to have many credit cards when looking at how to boost a credit score, but it doesn’t work like that. More credit cards won’t improve your credit score; in fact, they could harm it.

Each time you apply for another credit card, this can damage your credit score. A lot of lenders see frequent applications for credit cards as a sign of financial distress. So if you’re considering adding another credit card to your wallet to help build up your credit, you might want to reconsider. Only apply for a credit card when you need it.

4. Don’t close old, debt-free accounts

Opening new accounts is a bad idea, but closing old ones can be a bad idea as well! If you have a credit card that you never use and you have no debt on it, that’s great for your credit.

One of the easiest solutions when looking at how to improve a credit score is to do nothing. Just keep that credit account open and unused. That account establishes a history of credit, which is better than a handful of accounts that are only a year old (which can look untrustworthy).

A paid-off but unused credit card is just sitting in your back pocket and quietly working to improve your credit score while you do nothing at all.

5. Consolidate your debts

While leaving open credit accounts that are in the black is a good move, accounts that are in the red will only damage a credit score. Not to mention that several repayments can add up and hurt you financially.

Some lenders will let you buy out your other debts and consolidate them into one loan. Look for the debt with the lowest interest and try to consolidate your debts into that, as it will save you the most money. Even consider taking out a new loan if it means consolidating your debts with a lower interest rate.

This might not seem like a solution when considering how to improve your credit score, but it is. You won’t have several repayments to worry about and the interest might be lower, which will save you money, which will help you build better credit in the future. You’ll also have wiped some bad credit off the table, which is always a good thing when considering how to improve your credit score.

These steps will help you take back control of your finances and improve your credit score over time. With a better credit score, you’ll be able to apply for more appealing loans (with lower interest rates) in the future and make achieving your financial goals easier.

Losing a job is never easy and adjusting to your new arrangement can be complicated. But there are steps to get back on your feet after being fired or made redundant. No need to wonder what to do when you lose your job – we’ve got some ideas to help you out.

Apply for government assistance

The first step when wondering what to do when you get fired is to make sure you still have some form of an income. The last thing you want to do is burn through your savings too quickly, so file for government assistance as quickly as possible. The process might take longer than you like, so the sooner you can get your part done, the better. The government assistance money will help keep you on your feet as you plan your next moves.

Check out our guide on managing your Centrelink income so you don’t have to worry about finances while you find a new job.

Take a minute

If you’re not sure what to do after you lose your job, be gentle on yourself and take a moment to reflect and process. It can be easy to feel lost and to not know what to do when you lose your job. Look back over the events leading up to being fired.

If you can, reach out to your former boss or manager and ask for feedback on your performance and why you were let go. That feedback will not only give you some closure, but it can help you improve so that you’re better equipped to excel at your next job. Not every manager will have the time to talk to an ex-employee, but a polite email asking for honest feedback never hurt anyone.

Consider a career change

Look back at the job you’ve just left. Was it really what you want to be doing? It’s possible that being fired could be a blessing in disguise or a wakeup call.

If you’re thinking “I lost my job, now what?” maybe the answer is to explore a new field. Of course, that isn’t the case for everyone, but it’s worth reviewing the career path you’re on while you’ve got time.

Create a budget

It’s time to assess your finances. It might be one of the more dreaded parts of being unemployed, but it’s time to move past the initial feelings of “I just got fired”. Those feelings are valid but not helpful, and unless you have a financial safety net, you’ll need to budget.

Take stock of your savings, any government assistance income, and the income of your partner if you have one or parents if you live at home. Use mobile apps to plan it out if that’s easiest or do it all yourself with a spreadsheet. Just make sure you’re not spending money you don’t have as you prepare for your next job.

Consider more education

Sometimes the reason people are let go from their jobs is they just don’t have the qualifications to complete it. This could that the right thing to do is to take some courses and level up your skills.

Check your budget to see if you have the time to take on some education before you re-enter the job market or consider studying part time. Sometimes an employer will value the fact that you’re currently learning new skills and be more likely to present an offer. Whatever method you choose, remember to add this new education to your resumé.

Update your resumé

When thinking about what to do when you get fired, you should update your resumé or CV. Realistically, you should update your resumé every time you change job title or complete some new training, but a lot of us don’t keep our resumé up to date until we need it. If you just lost your job, you need your resumé to ready to send.

If you left your workplace on good terms with your manager and team, reach out and see if anyone is able to be a positive reference for you on your resumé to help you land your next job.

Start job searching

You might not want to get out there again, but it’s time to get back on the horse. Finding a new job is what comes to mind first when considering what to do after you lose your job. Make sure you’ve completed all the other steps first though. There’s no point in applying for jobs if your resumé isn’t up to date, if you’re applying for jobs you don’t really want, or if you’re still mourning your last job.

There are a lot of ways to find new jobs, from LinkedIn to services like Seek and Jora. You can even check the ‘careers’ section on the website of businesses or institutions you want to work for. Remember to write a unique cover letter for each job you apply for and to tailor it to the specific job.

If you need a job to tide you over in the meantime, check out our list of the best paying jobs with no experience required.

Don’t give up

Jobs don’t grow on trees, and finding a new job might take longer than you expect. Remember to keep trying and give each cover letter, interview and phone call your all.

If you find your finances dwindling, you might find that a short-term loan is the right solution for you until you’re back on your feet. If that’s the route for you, our team will be happy to help.

Lean on those close to you for support (financial and emotional) when you need it if you can and stay positive. You never know when that job offer will come in.

Daydreaming about your next big holiday? We may be one of the most isolated nations in the world, but there are still some cheap places to travel from Australia.

So, if you don’t quite have the budget for a luxurious cruise or a 5-star stay in Paris, don’t stress.

By choosing the right place and booking at the right time, you can enjoy a fantastic getaway without forking out your entire savings account. Pack your suitcase for one of these cheap holiday destinations from Australia.

1. Indonesia

Pictured: Mount Rinjani, Lombok

For many Aussies, the first place that comes to mind for cheap places to go on holiday is Bali. If your dream holiday involves breathtaking beaches, bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and delicious seafood, Bali may indeed be the best cheap holiday destination for you.

But Indonesia has so much more to offer than this hyped tourist hub.

If you’re put off by Bali’s reputation or have been before and didn’t enjoy it, consider visiting one of these Indonesian alternatives:

• Lombok – Bali’s less developed and less crowded sister island
• Solo – a city brimming with authentic Javanese culture and traditional shopping centres
• Bunaken – a tiny isle with amazing underwater views (ideal for experienced divers)
• Bintan – an amazing island for golfers and water sports enthusiasts (great spas too!)
• Yogyakarta – splendid temples, natural wonders, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Cheap Holiday Destination Snapshot: Indonesia

• Return flights from Australia: Between $450 and $940
• Budget Accommodation: AU$88 per night on average
• Meal: AU$3 at an inexpensive restaurant

Average prices based on information from Cheapflights, TripAdvisor and Numbeo respectively.

2. Turkey

Pictured: The white travertine pools and terraces in Pamukkale

Current economic struggles make Turkey a very affordable place to travel at the moment. There’s never been a better time to explore fascinating architecture and panoramas, witness the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, visit ancient ruins, and cruise the Mediterranean in this beautiful country.

If paying your respects at Gallipoli is on your bucket list, now is a great time to book a holiday in Turkey.

Cheap Holiday Destination Snapshot: Turkey

• Return flights from Australia: Between $1,060 and $1,950
• Accommodation: AU$93 per night on average
• Meal: AU$6 at an inexpensive restaurant

Average prices based on information from Cheapflights, TripAdvisor and Numbeo respectively.

3. New Zealand

Pictured: Jetboating in Queenstown

One of the best cheap holiday destinations from Australia is just across the ditch. While the culture and cost of living aren’t hugely different, the affordable flights make New Zealand a very attractive getaway for anyone who just needs some time away in a foreign (but not too foreign) place.

From the rich culture and revitalising thermal springs of Rotorua to the modern metropolis of Auckland, from the thrill-seeking paradise of Queenstown to the glorious national parks and scenery on every horizon, there’s something in New Zealand to delight anyone.

Cheap Holiday Destination Snapshot: New Zealand

• Return flights from Australia: Between $390 and $780
• Accommodation: AU$225 per night on average
• Meal: AU$19 at an inexpensive restaurant

Average prices based on information from Cheapflights, TripAdvisor and Numbeo respectively.

4. Vietnam

Pictured: Ninh Binh

In terms of budgeting, Vietnam is the opposite of New Zealand; it costs a little extra to get there, but the cost of living during your trip will be incredibly low. Cheap yet delicious market meals and shopping bargains make Vietnam a dream destination for travellers on a budget.

This means you can save your holiday funds to truly enjoy all the attractions the country has to offer. Some of the most highly recommended things to see and do in Vietnam include:

• The Cu Chi Tunnels
• The Mekong River with its floating markets
• Hoi Ann Ancient Town
• The shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
• Bai Tu Long Bay
• Lake of the Restored Sword
• Ninh Binh
• Hoi An Impression Theme Park
• Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

Cheap Holiday Destination Snapshot: Vietnam

• Return flights from Australia: Between $640 and $1,290
• Accommodation: AU$132 per night on average
• Meal: AU$3 at an inexpensive restaurant

Average prices based on information from Cheapflights, TripAdvisor and Numbeo respectively.

5. Our Own Backyard

One of the best cheap holiday destinations from Australia is… Australia.

Let’s face it: Our backyard is massive. It would take a lifetime of travelling to explore all the cultural and natural wonders our own country has to offer.

So, if your budget is making it tricky to book overseas flights or a long-term stay in another country, why not take a holiday closer to home? You could:

• Take in the magnificence of Uluru
• Sightsee the iconic landmarks of Sydney
• Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Melbourne or Adelaide
• Take a winery tour through Western Australia’s renowned Margaret River vineyards
• Explore the rugged wilderness of the Northern Territory
• Enjoy the beaches and amusement parks on the Gold Coast
• Hop on over to Hobart for a cool and culturally rich holiday.

… all without spending most of your holiday budget on an expensive international flight.

If things are really tight, check this list of cheap school holiday ideas or apply for a small cash loan with Cigno. Borrowing up to $1,000 could help you afford a much-needed getaway to one of the cheap holiday destinations listed here.

As kids grow and learn, they sponge up knowledge from everywhere – especially from their parents. So, why not have them sponge up smart money-management lessons? Teaching your kids to save money can help them develop good spending habits early so they’re better able to set up a financially stable future.

If you’re looking for places to start, put these exercises into practice and start teaching your kids to save today. Don’t worry, these aren’t textbook lessons. They’re meant to be fun and interactive.

Put Saving into Practice

You can’t save money without an income, and you can’t have an income without working. If you haven’t already set up a pocket money system with your kids, put together one that offers a weekly paycheque for completing hard labour (or maybe just a few chores).

By giving your kids a weekly income, they get to experience having their own money. It’s up to you whether you use physical cash, set up a bank account for them, or use both. And if you really want to encourage them to work hard and earn more, offer them a reward for going the extra mile (e.g. spraying air freshener after dusting).

Lesson: The harder you work, the more you can earn.

Build Goals Together

Now that your kids have money, they might not yet know exactly what they can do with it. A $10 note could get them a small toy, but a dozen $10 notes (after a few weeks of saving) could get them something much bigger.

Sit down with them and talk about the things they might want to save up for. It could be a ticket to a theme park, a new video game or new sneakers. It’s a fun conversation to have. Get excited with them about the possibilities and map out a savings timeline to show them when they can afford these awesome things. Having a clear goal in mind is one of the best ways to save money for kids.

For more tips on encouraging your kids to invest, check out this article here.

If there’s something that they really want now, you can set up the National Parent Bank and offer a loan with repayments that come out of their pocket money. Now, it’ll be tempting to offer a 0% loan, but having a small interest rate will teach them an honest lesson about borrowing.

Lesson: If you plan ahead, you can save and buy bigger things.

Extra Lesson: Working towards a clear goal makes saving easier.

Lead by Example

Teaching your kids to save money is a long process made up of lots of little lessons – and a lot of the time they’ll learn from their mistakes. But a big lesson you can do today is to share your family budget and savings goals with them. Explain the necessary costs (e.g. weekly groceries, rent/mortgage repayments, health insurance) and show them how you put aside your dedicated savings. And explain why. Are you saving up for a family holiday or a new car? Or maybe you want to have money kept aside in case of an emergency.

The best money-saving examples are ones that are real and relevant. But you’ll have to put what you say into practice too. That could mean telling them how much you want to buy that cheesecake, but you’d rather save more for the next family trip.

Lesson: You need to keep money aside for important things in life.

Shopping for Lessons

It can be a hard thing explaining to your kids why you can’t buy everything they pick up at Kmart, Coles or Woolworths. So, why not put them in your shoes? Get your kids involved in making your next grocery list. Talk about the budget and then, when you’re at the store, ask for their help to find discounts and affordable options for everything.

If you want to know how to teach your children to save money and keep them busy at the shops, this is a great activity. It also communicates why you can’t always buy new toys or the yummiest snacks.

Lesson: You can’t buy everything you want.

Teaching kids to save doesn’t have to be a boring experience for parents and children. For more fun learning activities, Money Smart has put together a great list of activities online. And if you’re looking for more ways to teach money-saving lessons, check out our article on Teaching Your Kids to Save From a Young Age.

Easter is an incredibly fun holiday, and it can be an affordable one too – as long as you don’t blow your budget at the store (we all know how expensive Easter items get). Instead, try these Easter craft ideas to make your own DIY Easter decorations.

All you need to do is get some cheap craft supplies, gather the kids around, then start crafting – from DIY bunny ears to colourful eggs. You’ll get some lovely Easter décor while also keeping the kids entertained for an afternoon – it’s a win-win!

Easter DIY Costumes

While the real Easter bunny might not visit your home, you can still have a home full of them. Making your own Easter costumes is a fun way to experience the holiday – especially when it comes to the famous Easter egg hunt.

DIY Bunny Ears

These are a great and simple option that suits anyone’s budget. They can be as simple as cutting out a ring of paper (so it looks like a Christmas crown), cutting out bunny ears, then sticky-taping them together. And because it’s paper, your kids can colour them however they want with crayons, pencils or markers.

If you want pointy bunny ears, make a splint with some cardboard from a cereal box.

However, our favourite DIY bunny ears require a little more crafting. For the basics, all you need are plastic headbands and pipe cleaners. Shape the pipe cleaners into bunny ears then wrap them around the band. Here’s the fun part: with glue and a few craft items, you can cover the headband in soft wool or cotton balls, paste on same bright pompoms or attach pretty flowers.

Easter Hats

Easter masks can quickly get uncomfortable, but kids can wear holiday hats all day. And they’re super easy to make. All you need is:

• Thin cardboard
• Twine or elastic
• A permanent marker
• A pair of scissors

Fold and cut the cardboard so that it forms a cone. Then cut holes on both sides to thread through the twine. If you want to skip this step, you can by buying regular party hats. Now you can cut out the DIY bunny ears, nose, eyes and thin whiskers. Paste them on and draw a cute bunny mouth.

DIY Easter Decorations

Now that the kids look Eastery, it’s time to make sure the home matches. These cheap Easter craft ideas add a touch of holiday spirit to bring the Easter magic alive.

Egg-cellent Decorations

Having colourful eggs is an Easter icon, and they’re simple to prepare. Hard boil the eggs you want to decorate then place them into a cup or bowl (preferably a disposable one) with food dye and vinegar.

You can give them unique patterns by covering parts of the eggs first with Blu Tack or a rubber band.

After at least three minutes, scoop the egg out with a spoon and place it onto some newspaper or back inside the egg carton. You can splatter more dye on them for a cool effect or just wait for them to dry. Now you can apply glitter, cut-out polka dots or draw on lines.

Get creative with how you dye the eggs! Using sponges to apply dye or sandpaper to rub some off can create great patterns.

Cotton-Ball Critters

First of all, keep those egg cartons from your dyed eggs. They’re about to become home to some new fluffy friends. All you’ll need are cotton balls, googly eyes, thin cardboard, glue and some yellow food colouring.

Start off by cutting up the egg carton into individual cups. If you want a fluffy chick, glue two cotton balls together and dip them into a bowl of water with the yellow food colouring. Pull them out, then wait for them to dry. Cut out a beak from the cardboard and paste it on the top ball, along with some googly eyes.

If you want a fluffy little bunny, keep the cotton ball white and add the googly eyes. Then cut out and paste on a bunny nose and big ears.

Now place your new Easter DIY decorations into individual cups so that they can be set up on a table or played with by your kids. These Easter craft ideas will keep everyone entertained throughout the holiday and make sure there’s more money to spend on all that chocolate.

Bringing a new life into the world is a wonderful thing to do.

But it isn’t cheap.

For both expectant parents and couples planning to begin a family, we’ve outlined the essential costs associated with having a baby so you can build your own pregnancy budget. From medical expenses during the pregnancy to the costs after birth, this comprehensive guide will help mums- and dads-to-be prepare for the financial impact of having a child.

Medical Expenses During Pregnancy

Even if you have private health insurance with plenty of pregnancy benefits, medical expenses during pregnancy will add up – from your regular check-ups to the vitamins expectant mums are recommended to have.

Most pregnancy budgets will need to cover:

• Obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN) medical management fee
• Monthly OB-GYN appointments
• Hospital excess (if you go private)
• Baby scans and tests
• Pregnancy vitamins.

Making sure a pregnant mother and her child stay healthy during pregnancy is an essential part of the process. So, there aren’t many pregnancy budget shortcuts available for many things. However, all those required check-ups will have different prices depending on whether you visit a private or bulk-billing professional. Decisions like that are up to you.

Essential Purchases Before the Baby Arrives

To prepare for the arrival of your family’s newest member, there’s a huge list of items you’ll need to go through and tick off. But not all of them have to cost an arm and a leg. Reach out to friends and family members who may still have these items in good condition, or consider buying some of them second-hand.

The big-ticket items that will cost you a couple grand all up include:

• Cot
• Pram
• Car seat
• Change table
• Baby rocker
• Nursing chair.

With these purchases, you can fit out the baby room, living room and family car for your little one.

But the list of essentials continues. To get ready for daily life (for mum and baby), you’ll also need:

• Baby clothes
• Baby swaddles
• Maternity clothes
• Pregnancy support belt
• Baby bath
• Breast pump
• Bottles
• Nappy bag
• Baby camera
• Baby carriers.

Another essential thing to consider is how baby-proof your home is. You might need to replace dangerous furniture and vases and spend a little bit of money to make doors and appliances safe for kids as they start to crawl, walk and wander.

Weekly Budget for a Newborn Baby

After the pregnancy, your newborn baby budget will need to cater to a wide variety of weekly necessities. This is why it’s so important to budget for a new baby well in advance.

This will include:

• Nappies
• Formula
• Dummies
• Baby wipes
• Bottle steriliser
• Nappy rash cream
• Baby powder
• Baby toys
• Family health insurance.

And don’t forget that weekly tub of ice cream – you’ll deserve it. Eventually, your newborn baby budget will turn into a toddler budget, then a young kid budget. Each period has their own delights and their own expenses.

While the essentials are essential in a budget, keep some money set aside for fun things to do with the kids on holidays.

So, how much does it cost to have a child? A lot. In fact, the amount can be very surprising for new parents. But if an unexpected expense does come up out of nowhere that tips over your pregnancy or newborn baby budget, Cigno offers fast loans for a viable solution.

Apart from rent, groceries are likely the most regular expense on your budget. So, if you can save money on groceries – even just a little bit every time you visit the supermarket – those savings could really add up.

Having a few dollars leftover after each trip to the grocery store could go a long way to paying off debts, saving up for big purchases, or just treating yourself to nice things more often. Try these tips for saving money on groceries to discover the difference they can make.

Leave the Kids at Home

Grocery stores aren’t designed at random. Snacks, toys and other items that appeal to children are deliberately placed at their eye level and near the front of the store, making it easier for little hands to sneak extra items into your trolley.

Going alone will let you stay focused on buying only the items you need – as well as making for a less stressful shopping experience. This way you can save on groceries without the distraction of complaining kids (or the temptation to say ‘yes’ just to keep them quiet).

Consider Loyalty Programs

Sure, a rewards card will give the supermarket access to all your shopping data. But is that really sensitive information? Investigate what kind of savings a loyalty membership could get you, and consider if it’s worth picking up a card.

For example, with Woolworths Rewards, you’ll save $10 for every $2,000 spent.

Shop Around

Making separate trips to Coles, Woolworths and Aldi might be a little annoying. But if you’re getting the best price available on every item on your shopping list (and taking advantage of every sale), it’s worth the extra effort.

Get familiar with the costs of your frequent buys at each store so you know for sure you’re getting everything as cheaply as possible.

Use the stores’ websites and apps to price check your groceries on the go and keep on top of any sales and specials.

Base Your Meal Plans Around Sales and Seasonal Produce

Adapting your food schedule to suit what’s on special and in season is a great way of saving money at the supermarket – plus, you’ll naturally introduce a fun and healthy variety into your diet.

Buy More

This may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to save money on groceries is to buy more of them during each trip.

This helps your budget in 3 ways:

1. It reduces the number of return trips you need to make to replenish your fridge and pantry. This is especially handy if you have a habit of buying extra treats each time you shop.
2. It ensures you have enough food to make packed lunches during the week and cook your own meals at night (less dining out = more money in your back pocket).
3. Bulk-buying long-life items on sale can save you money in the long run.

Want to take advantage of an amazing sale by bulk-buying but don’t have the cash upfront right now? Consider getting a quick loan so you don’t miss out on the sale.

Only Enter the Supermarket with a Full Belly

Grocery shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you’ve eaten recently before heading down to the supermarket, so those unnecessary snacks won’t be quite so tempting. Maybe avoid the pastries section altogether if you can!

While you’re trying these tips to save money on groceries, consider other ways you can reduce your household bills too – this helpful article is a great place to start.

There are plenty of apps that can help you spend money – we’re looking at you, online shopping apps and games with in-app purchases.

But there are also some apps that can help you save money.

Whether you’re trying to draw up your monthly budget (and stick to it) or looking to round up purchases to top up your savings account, there’s an app on this list for you. Let’s take a look at some of the best money-saving apps Australia has to offer.

Budgeting Apps in Australia

Forget about manually managing your budget in ugly spreadsheets. A budgeting app can take the hard work out of tracking your finances – and even make them look presentable.

There are plenty of contenders for the title of best budget app in Australia, but here are 3 well-reviewed options that are worth a look:

MoneyBrilliant

• Standout features: Alerts for low balances and upcoming bills; tax-deductible suggestions; money priorities dashboard tailored to you; notifications about better deals
• Price: Free (basic version); $9.90/month or $99/year (MoneyBrilliant Plus)
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about MoneyBrilliant

Pocketbook

• Standout features: Automatically organises spending into categories; helps you set a budget for each category just by tapping and swiping; provides finance notifications; syncs with most banks including ANZ, BOQ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Suncorp, Westpac and many more
• Price: Free
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Pocketbook

Moneytree

• Standout features: Keeps all your accounts, cards, super and cash amounts in one place; helps you view and analyse your spending habits with intuitive categories and graphics; also tracks loyalty points and rewards cards
• Price: Free, with optional monthly and yearly plans for paid services (Moneytree Grow and Moneytree Work)
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Moneytree

Don’t forget to explore your bank’s free app before exploring other options. It might have all the budgeting tools and support you need.

Round-Up Savings Apps in Australia

Remember putting loose change in a piggy bank? Many of those piggies only collect dust now, since most transactions are digital, but there’s a new way to put aside your spare “coins”.

When it comes to apps that round up purchases, Australia is still catching up to other countries. But we do have a few good options to choose from:

Sipora

• Standout features: Rounds up debit card purchases to the nearest $1, $2 or $5; large selection of stores to spend your savings on including Glassons, Vans, The Good Guys and many more
• Price: Free
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Sipora

Raiz

• Standout features: Invests your everyday spare change into a diversified portfolio; choose from 6 portfolio types ranging from conservative to aggressive; unlimited deposits and withdrawals
• Price: $2.50/month (accounts below $10,000) or 0.275% per year (larger accounts)
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Raiz

Other Money-Saving Apps in Australia

These great money-saving apps don’t fit in one of the categories above, but they’re still worth considering:

Splitwise

• Standout features: Great for organising and tracking shared expenses (e.g. with housemates, travel groups and family); adding expenses is easy; in-built system for sending online transfers and recording cash payments
• Price: Free, with optional paid subscription for premium features (e.g. receipt scanning and currency conversion)
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Splitwise

Quit That!

• Standout features: Tracks how much money you’ve saved since quitting alcohol, smoking, or any other expensive habit; records time since quitting as well
• Price: Free
• Available on: iPhones and Android phones
• Learn more about Quit That!

Keep reading: Looking for other ways your apps can improve your life? Check out these handy car-related apps.

If you need a temporary boost while these apps help you find your financial feet, a small cash loan from Cigno might be the answer. Borrow up to $1,000 here.

Some weekends are good for catching up on chores and doing adult things. Other weekends are reserved for special functions (weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and so on).

But, every now and then, you get treated to a free weekend – the perfect opportunity for some proper relaxation and fun with your partner, your family, your friends, or even just yourself.

You don’t need to make it rain dollar bills to make your free weekends worthwhile. These cheap weekend ideas will see you through to Monday without dipping into your savings account.

We’ve split the ideas into 3 categories to help you find the right cheap things to do this weekend:

• Cheap weekend ideas for couples
• Cheap weekend activities for families
• Cheap weekend ideas for groups of friends.

Cheap Weekend Ideas for Couples

1. Make a Mixtape/Playlist Together

Learn more about each other’s musical tastes while enjoying some tunes (and maybe some debates!) together. Will your individual playlists complement each other like Beyoncé and Jay Z on Crazy in Love? Or will they clash and burn like Britney and Iggy on Pretty Girls? There’s only one way to find out.

If all goes well, you could even make your shared playlist your go-to soundtrack for road trips together.

2. Take a Trip to the Markets

Take a stroll, grab some cheap snacks, bag a bargain – local markets always provide a fun day out, making them a great source of cheap weekend activities for couples. Just make sure it’s the right Saturday or Sunday of the month for the markets to be on.

Fun idea: Take 30 minutes apart to see who can find the quirkiest gift for under $15, then meet back up and exchange your presents.

3. Go Roller Skating

Head to your nearest roller blading rink or strap on your own skates and hit the local pathways. Either way, you’re sure to have a wheelie fun time rolling along together. If you’re taking to the streets, make a checklist of landmarks in your city and challenge yourself to stop by all of them.

Find other cheap date ideas in our Valentine’s Day on a Budget article.

Cheap Weekend Activities for Families

4. Play Footy in the Park

You don’t need many supplies or any money for this one. Just grab the football, pack the kids into the car, and find a free patch of grass at the park. Your backyard might even do the trick if it’s big enough.

5. Discover a New Cuisine (and Culture)

Choose a cuisine the kids have never tried before. Spend the afternoon reading about that country together (Wikipedia is a good starting point) while listening to relevant musical artists. Then, treat the family to dinner at a nearby restaurant that specialises in that style of food (or cook your own at home if you’re feeling brave!).

This is a great way to expose your children to a different culture as well as expanding their culinary horizons.

6. Make a Maze with the Lawn Mower

Bored kids? Overgrown backyard? Kill two birds with one lawn mower.

Find a simple labyrinth pattern online, then follow it as you mow the grass. Let your little ones solve the maze while you have a cold one, then finish the mowing.

Cheap Weekend Ideas for Groups of Friends

7. Have a Picnic at the Playground

Gather your friends. Pack a basket full of snacks. Bring any card games, frisbees, musical instruments and picnic blankets you’ve got. Suddenly you’re ready for a great day outside.

Bonus points if your local park has a playground. Relive your childhood days by having a swing and a slide. Just don’t hog the equipment to yourselves if there are actual kids there playing!

8. Organise a Scavenger Hunt

• Zany photos with strangers? Check.
• Discovering new parts of the city? Check.
• Rushing from location to location with your best mates? Check.

A scavenger hunt is a great cheap weekend activity for large groups of friends. You just need someone to volunteer to organise it all. Sounds like a job for the mum of the friend group.

9. Test Yourselves at a Trivia Night

Most pub trivia nights are relatively cheap to enter, and then you only need to pay for any food and drinks you consume along the way (eat beforehand to minimise your costs). If you’re friends with a bunch of brainiacs, you might even come away with a nifty prize at the end of the night.

A wonderful weekend doesn’t have to be expensive thanks to these cheap weekend ideas. But if you do need a little extra cash to get you through to Monday, consider a small cash loan from Cigno. We approve applications quickly – even on weekends.