Life, Health, Wealth

How to make your first Father’s Day a day to remember

It’s Father’s Day this September 2nd, and for new dads this milestone is a chance to create some really special family memories. But what are some of the better ways to make it a little more special?

Finding gold in your apprentices

Talented apprentices are like gold. Finding and training them is key to striking a balance between running a business and leading a healthy life.

Should you rush to lodge your tax return?

You might approach doing your tax return like ripping off a Band-Aid – the faster, the less painful – however sometimes it can pay to hold off lodging your tax return straight away.

Healthier alternatives to footy snacks

Balancing delicious footy snacks and a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be difficult, so here’s our guide to healthy alternatives to traditional footy snacks.

Trades offering the most opportunities

Job satisfaction is a key consideration when choosing a career path, but it's also important to understand the demand for jobs in the field you're considering.

The top 7 trades in demand in Australia

The good news is when it comes to trades there are plenty of jobs that are currently experiencing a skills shortage.

How to eat healthy meals as a tradie on the go

Whether you’re a bricklayer, concreter or electrician, the life of a tradie sure is a busy one - so fitting in healthy meals can be a hassle.

How to be a customer your tradie will love

Tradies deal with different types of customers every day, here are a few tips on being a good customer.

Staying healthy during pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy is as important for the expectant mother as for the baby. We spoke to a midwife for her tips on nutrition, exercise, and directions for how to best support someone through pregnancy.

EOFY sales – Should I take advantage of deals before tax time?

With the end of financial year quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to think about your tax return – and how you can bring down your taxable income.

Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away?

At one time or another, you’ve probably been told that an apple a day will help keep the doctor away. With Red Apple Day falling on 21st June 2018, what better time than now to investigate this age old saying.

Why is the flu more prevalent during winter?

As the weather turns cooler, colds and flu start to appear in our neighbourhoods. Our workplaces and schools fill with the sounds of coughing, sneezing and sniffling noses. But why is it that the flu is more prevalent in cooler months? And what can we do to protect ourselves?

NSW vs Queensland – which state comes out on top?

Are you a Rugby League fan eagerly following the 2018 State of Origin? The series is a great opportunity to come together with your mates, and stir up a little state rivalry between NSW and Queensland.

Amazon in Australia: When is it coming and what does it mean for you?

Like many other retailers from abroad, such as H&M, JD Sports and Tiffany & Co, Amazon has made its way to Australian shores. But what exactly does it mean for you and will online shopping save you money?

The Power of an Apology - why it is Brave, not Weak

When it comes to relationships, apologising can be one of the hardest things to do. Saying “sorry” can be seen as a sign of weakness.

Things you didn’t know were tax deductible

It’s almost the end of the financial year. Which means it’s time to start thinking about your tax. Sorting out how you can keep the maximum amount of your income from the tax man can be a tricky dance Get your deductions right and you could save yourself a bunch of money while you’re at it.

Strength training for better health in mid-life and beyond

Strength training brings to mind images of bulging muscles. But people who push beyond the stereotype, especially those in mid-life and beyond, have found one of the secrets to making everyday life easier.

How much sleep is healthy?

There’s truth in the saying ‘you’ll feel better in the morning’. When we sleep, our bodies enter an essential mode of restoration. Here’s our guide to sleep – how much is enough, what happens during healthy sleep, and what you can do to get the best sleep ever.

A day in the life of a Commonwealth Games athlete

What does it take to compete with the world’s best athletes at the commonwealth games? We take a look at a day in the life of some of Australia’s sports stars and find that the path to the podium is often as individual as the athletes themselves.

Prepaid Funeral vs Funeral Insurance

Funeral Insurance and Prepaid Funeral plans can give you the freedom to choose your own funeral and help relieve financial burden for your family. But what are the differences you should look out for with each one?

ANZAC to now - medical improvements since the First World War

As you were probably taught in high school, World War I has had a significant effect on the modern world. In fact, some historians argue that it triggered the start of many breakthroughs in medical science, which we take for granted today.

3 ways to make extra money in your spare time

Whether you’re saving up for a new car or an overseas holiday, sometimes all you need is a bit of a boost to your income.

Time Management – Learn to manage your time like a professional athlete

With the Commonwealth Games being held in the Gold Coast from 4-15 April, now is the perfect time to think like an athlete. We are not talking about jumping over hurdles, or achieving your best 100 metres – we are talking about how to manage your time like a professional athlete would.

Aussie Sport Heroes After Retirement

When you dedicate your life to your profession, what happens when it all comes to an end? We look at the journeys of some of our favourite Australian sports heroes, and discover how their lives changed after they last hung up the boots.

70 years of the World Health Organisation

Health is one of those things you just can’t take for granted. While in Australia we have access to affordable medical care, for many around the world who might not have the health care they need, the World Health Organisation has been there to help.

Make the best of daylight-saving time

Wish you had more time during the day? Thanks to daylight-saving time, we all get one extra hour of daylight. Here’s our guide to making positive changes when we turn back the clocks.

Health benefits of different teas

From black tea, to green tea to Oolong tea, there sure are a large variety out there. But what’s the difference when it comes to the health benefits? Some teas come with the antioxidant punch to help you fight that cold, whilst others are a great stress reducer after a long working week. In this blog, we’ll run through everything from the growth process of tea leaves through to the different health benefits.

How much money is enough for retirement?

If you’re nearing retirement, one of the biggest questions on your mind might be, “Do I have enough money to have a comfortable retirement?” The answer to this question will differ from person to person. For instance, a retiree simply wanting a weekly income to cover bills, groceries and outings with the grandkids, will require a different amount compared to another retiree looking to travel the world once retirement rolls around. Whatever kind of retirement you envision for the future, it’s important your retirement budget reflects this.

Revisit your New Year’s Resolutions

If your resolutions feel like a distant memory, don’t worry! There’s still time to reach your goals this year. All it takes is a new approach and breaking them into smaller decisions.

3 Australian women champions who defied the odds

March 8th, 2018 marks a special day for women around the world. On International Women’s Day (IWD), we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women everywhere.

Paying off the Christmas Credit Card Debt

One of the best things about entering a New Year is you can start afresh and think about what you want to achieve in the year ahead. Of course, if you have a little debt hanging around, one of your resolutions is likely to be paying it down.

7 ways to keep cool whilst keeping electricity bills low

After months of cranking up the air conditioner, the post summer electricity bill is notorious for being sky high. But the good news is there are ways to avoid this bill shock, or at the very least bring it down to a reasonable level.

3 healthy BBQ meal ideas

In the summer months, it can get pretty hot cooking in the kitchen with the oven or stovetop blaring. So taking your culinary skills outside and barbequing your meals can be a good option.

A practical guide to burial and cremation

Thinking about your own funeral can be difficult, but there are some practical arrangements you should consider.

Preparing for a new school year

The start of a new school year can be an exciting and stressful time for everyone. A healthy and productive year begins when you and your kids create a plan for those first few weeks.

Healthy ways to go green this St Patrick’s Day

Australians and Irish folk have a lot in common — we all like to raise a glass on our national holidays! But there are ways to celebrate without getting a hangover the next day. Our guide to going green is so much fun, you won’t even notice there’s no alcohol involved.

Should my baby be doing that?

There’s no manual to becoming a parent. Sometimes your baby or toddler will do things that seem odd – like eating dog food or crawling backwards. Here’s a short guide to what to expect in the first few years, and who can help when you’re not sure.

5 healthy meals your kids won't turn their noses up at

Every parent will have heard that phrase “I don’t want to eat this!” at one time or another. Trying to get them to eat a healthy meal, especially if it comes with greens, can be one difficult task.

The stages of childhood education and development

According to the State Government of Victoria the stages of development are the same for every child, however the time it takes for them to get to each stage may differ. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from what the different stages are to whether you should send your child to school early.

The Pre-baby preparation shopping trip

Things are getting exciting – your new baby is nearly here! To help you ensure you’ve got everything you need for when your child arrives, we’ve created a hospital bag shopping list:

Looking after you and your baby

Life can change in an instant, like the moment you bring a new baby home. Babies need round-the-clock care, but those early days will be easier if you focus on your own health too.

How to child-proof your home

As children grow, they become more curious about their world. Supervision is key to keeping them safe, but you can’t watch them 24/7. There are lots of products which will protect them, and some of them are worth the high price tags.

The surprising expenses involved with a new child

There’s nothing quite as exciting as bringing new life into this world. However the joy of parenthood can bring with it a few unexpected costs.

Here are some of the things to factor into your budget if you’re a soon-to-be mum and dad:

Christmas Traditions Around The World

When you think of Christmas in Australia, you probably think about BBQs and sunscreen, playing backyard cricket or heading down to the beach with your boogie boards. That’s right, Christmas in Australia is pretty unique compared to most places around the world.

Healthy ways to celebrate Christmas

Sharing a Christmas meal with family and friends is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season, but it doesn’t have to mean over-indulgence. Here are some tips for making your main Christmas meal a healthier one.

5 ways to save money on christmas shopping

The joy of Christmas gift-giving can mean a debt hangover in the New Year. It doesn’t have to be that way — here are some tips to help you get into the Christmas spirit without getting into debt.

Simplifying Income Protection: How do you want your policy?

Income protection insurance can help cover your financial commitments if you find that illness or injury means you can’t earn an income.

4 ways to spend quality family time together at christmas

3 Tips To Help Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution

When setting New Year’s resolutions, we all do so with the confidence that we will actually stick to them. However after a few months, or sometimes even a few weeks, it becomes easy to slip up.

Benefits to starting Christmas shopping early

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and, if you’re like many Aussies, you might be putting thoughts of gifts, decorations and tinsel to the back of mind until later in the year.

Getting out of the indulgent Christmas mindset

Let’s be honest, by the time Christmas rolls around, it can be pretty tempting to spend the entire holidays watching Netflix, with a whole lot of junk food to hand.

5 reasons you should consider Income Protection

Income protection insurance can help provide a cash flow when you’re unable to work because of illness or injury. It can feel like having a safety net designed to protect the lifestyle you and your family work hard to create.

The Alternatives to Traditional Funerals in Australia

Our lives are celebrated through the milestones we share, and coming together as a family can be a special time. But there’s one event which many of us don’t like thinking about – funerals.

The addresses you need to change when moving house

Why good health is more than just the physical

Traditionally, the way we’ve measured health is by checking the body for disease. If everything is functioning the way that it’s meant to, then things must be okay – right?

5 simple budgeting apps to give your savings a boost

You’ve done it again. It’s the week before payday, and there’s nothing left. Did you really need that new pair of shoes? This was supposed to be the month you made your own lunches. Feel familiar? Here’s a few apps to keep your budget in check.

Should I buy my first home at an auction?

If you’ve found a property you’d like to buy as your first home, is it better to buy at an auction or privately? Before you set your heart on your perfect first property, it’s a good idea to understand the different ways you can make the purchase.

Navigating the costs of owning your first home

If you’ve only ever rented, buying a home can open up a whole new world of costs and expenses. Fortunately, there are specialists who can help.

Hitting the tools: Celebrities who were tradies before they were famous

We take it for granted that celebrities weren’t just born into fame and fortune. In fact, more often than not, actors and singers struggle for years to support themselves while waiting to be discovered. Who knew that learning a trade could be a great foundational career for the arts?

Hiring Removalists vs Renting a Van: Pros & Cons

A big consideration for people when they’re moving to a new home is whether they should hire a removalist company or rent a van and do it themselves. Here we’ll look at the pros and cons of both sides so you are more informed to make the decision when it’s your turn.

Life insurance for you, not just your family

Most people understand that life insurance is a type of cover that provides for your loved ones in the event of your death, otherwise known as a death benefit. But according to statistics, the majority of claim payouts are, in fact, made whilst someone is alive. This is known as a living benefit.

7 ways to save money by improving the energy efficiency of your home

For many of us, energy bills are an expense which only seems to increase. However, there are some simple, cost-effective steps that can be taken to help reduce the money spent on your energy bills, whilst also doing your bit for the environment.

Does income protection insurance cover redundancy?

Income Protection Insurance isn’t just for unexpected illness or injury, it can also help if there are other reasons you can’t work.

Prepare yourself for Click Frenzy

Calling all avid shoppers, one of the biggest online retail days of the year is almost upon us. That’s right, Click Frenzy is just around the corner.

How to Perform a Skin Cancer Check

Dr Vyom Sharma explains what you need, what you should look for and how to perform a skin check at home. If you have concerns about your skin and skin cancer, seek advice from your doctor.

10 songs to boost your mood

It has been proven that music can have a number of positive effects on our bodies. So if you’re hanging around the home or thumping pavement around the block, here’s a definitive list of songs for any lifestyle that’ll get you grinning through the grind.

10 songs to boost your mood

It has been proven that music can have a number of positive effects on our bodies. So if you’re hanging around the home or thumping pavement around the block, here’s a definitive list of songs for any lifestyle that’ll get you grinning through the grind.

Let's talk about - Death

Isn’t it weird that death is the only guaranteed event in our lives, but one of the least talked about topics? Yet it’s one we can all benefit from being more comfortable with. To help get those conversations flowing about what happens next, we’ve gathered some of the most interesting talks on the subject from across the web.

How to turn your park into a gym

How to turn the average aussie park into your personal (and free) gym.

Top 9 Considerations when thinking about Life Insurance

Life insurance helps to provide for your loved ones, should you die in an accident or from an illness. It’s a way to protect the people who depend on you to look after them. Here are the top 9 considerations when thinking about life insurance.

The expenses funeral insurance can help with

On average, the cost of a funeral in Australia can be anywhere between $4000 and $15000. Having funeral insurance can bring peace of mind and make things easier for families and friends when the time comes.

Difficult conversation starters: How to tell your kids you’re getting a divorce

Letting your kids know you’re divorcing is one of the most difficult conversations you’re ever going to have. While there’s no perfect way to break this challenging news, we look at ways to prepare for it.

First Home Buyer’s Guide

Decided to get onto the property ladder? Congratulations! It’s a big and exciting step into your future. But before you start planning the housewarming, there are a few steps you should consider. Here’s our first home buyers’ guide to help you on your way.

It never occurred to me that a woman couldn’t be a plumber

Helen wasn’t about to be told what she could and couldn’t do, and she’s now the owner-operator of Brisbane-based firm the Tradettes, which she started in 2013. Here’s how she’s built her dream career over the past seven years in spite of some gender-based hurdles.

Yes, your small business needs an accountant. Here’s how to find a good one

It’s one thing to decide to start your own business or to strike out as a sole trader, but deciding how to manage your finances effectively is another thing entirely. It’s not like the entrepreneurial spirit automatically downloads bookkeeping knowledge – it’s okay not to know it all automatically.

Time-travelling tradies: A glimpse into the past

If you were a tradie in years gone by, what would your job have looked like? We take a trip into the past with Professor Miles Lewis, academic and former architectural historian at the University of Melbourne.

Healthy Tradie Tucker

There’s more to lunch breaks than pies and chocolate milk, so we’ve got some fresh lunchbox options to keep you running in tiptop condition. Ideas that’ll get the thumbs up from your wallet and the thumbs up from your waistline - because the most important bit of kit your business owns… is you.

Breaking down stereotypes: we chat to Penny Petridis, founder of The Female Tradie

For Penny Petridis, tinkering with race cars turned into a multi-faceted career in the trades. She explains why being a female tradie means you need to work twice as hard as the men and what drove her to start her company, The Female Tradie.

What I wish I’d known as an apprentice

With age and experience comes wisdom and the magic of insight. We speak to a construction supervisor, hairdresser and sous chef and ask them: ‘What do you wish you’d known as an apprentice?’

Live donation: How to make the biggest ask there is

If you need a kidney, asking someone to become a living donor is a big ask. If you’re sick with kidney disease and need a transplant, friends or family members will usually come forward to volunteer. But what happens if they don’t? Where do you start?

Hard yakka, harder knocks: What are the most common tradie injuries?

Australian tradies are traditionally tough individuals. It’s part of the job. Working with your hands for long hours, often outside, with heavy material and sharp tools – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, plasterer, bricklayer, foreman, plumber, tree surgeon, tiler, welder or a pastry cook (it’s a trade, really) you can’t out-tough a workplace injury.

“Learning a trade opened up my opportunities.”

After spending a few years slogging through the 9-5 in unfulfilling office jobs, Sally Liddell decided to take matters, quite literally, into her own hands. And now, nine years after she first took a punt on a trades apprenticeship, her Melbourne-based company Right Connection Electrical is kicking goals state-wide.

Funeral traditions around the world

As you travel the globe you’ll encounter countless burial rites, each as rich as the culture from which they bloomed. From South Korean burial beads to the sky burials of Mongolia and Tibet, we look at some of the world’s more exotic funeral practices.

Four tips for getting through Dry July

It’s no secret the majority of Australians enjoy a drink in their spare time. As Dry July creeps around for another year, we take a look at four tips to get you through a whole month of not drinking with your sanity and health intact

Let's Talk About - Love

It’s been the topic of music, movies and literature – it’s only natural the internet has a good go at it. We’ve all got something to say about love, but who’s saying it best online?

Conversation starters: How to be there for someone who’s grieving

Grief is a complex and individual experience. It’s a process to work through, for both you and the person you care about. Just as grief involves stages, so too does learning to communicate about it. We look at the grieving process and a few simple ways you can support someone who’s suffering.

4 easy ways to boost your diet

You may have noticed green smoothies and activated buckwheat popping up at your local cafe, but there are some easier ways that you can boost your diet without falling for the fads

I’m married, now what? What to do after you’ve said ‘I do’

Feeling a little flat after the wedding hullabaloo? Hold up – there’s still heaps more to do after you’ve said ‘I do’. From changing your name to planning your future together, here are some tasks and considerations to keep newlyweds busy.

Let's talk about - Kids

It’s not difficult to find parenting advice on the internet. In fact, just searching ‘parenting tips’ brings up more than 53,200,000 results in less than a second. We waded through the best of the internet’s child rearing related talks and podcasts to bring you the best of the best on the web

7 weird things your thyroid can mess with

The thyroid may be tiny but it can have a big impact on your day to day health. In actuality, that little butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck can control everything from your metabolism to how fast your heart beats.

Smart wedding registry tips and etiquette

Popping the question and getting a ‘yes’ is the easy part. After that, you’re going to have plenty of big days planning for The Big Day. Here are some wedding registry tips to help you sort out what’s right for you and your betrothed’s wedding day.

Where to live: Best suburbs for a young family

Choosing the right suburb can feel like an impossible task. But knowing what to look for can take the headache out of the search.

4 budget-friendly school holiday Ideas

With school holidays fast approaching, you’ll need a range of activities to keep the kids entertained this summer that won’t break the bank. We’ve found four free or affordable things to keep them smiling.

What is life insurance and what will it do for me?

Life is busy, and life insurance can easily end up in the “too hard” basket. But thinking about your family’s future and providing for them in unforeseen circumstances could mean there’s one less thing to worry about. We look into what life insurance is and how it could benefit you

Road Tripping: Family road trip ideas for imaginative kids

'Are we there yet?' The one question every parent can expect when there are kids in the car. But with some creative crafting, we show you how to turn your family road trips into memories you'll want to remember.

The health benefits of pets

Furry friends are more than just fodder for your Instagram; they can also have a positive impact on your health. In fact, the RSPCA reports that “ownership of cats and dogs saved approximately $3.86 billion in health expenditure over one year.”

Five simple questions to ask yourself before taking a career break

Itchy feet? Time for a career break? A good sabbatical all boils down to good planning.

Five tips for starting a new job

No back to school feelings for you. Calm those first day nerves with some simple tactics for navigating a new workplace.

The Longest Drive Home: The First Car Trip With Your New Baby

A small amount of pre-planning can take the stress out of the journey. Instead of wrangling with baby seats and indecipherable instruction manuals in the hospital car park, you can be safely away on your first family road trip.

Jargon busting insurance indexation

If you’re looking at taking out insurance, it pays to know what you’re getting and how it will affect your future. So we’re looking at one of the most frequently asked questions: what is indexation and how does it affect my insurance?

City limits: should you consider a move to the country?

Despite Australia boasting some of the world’s friendliest and most liveable cities, urban life can be tiresome. Traffic, public transport, growing populations, noise, high rent and house prices, properties stacked on top of one another – it can be hard to find peace of mind in the concrete sprawl.

Keeping illness in check - the importance of regular check-ups

When it comes to health, ignorance is not bliss. Like taxes, illnesses don't just go away if you ignore them - in fact, they can get more serious and more expensive to treat over time. We caught up with Melbourne GP Dr Vyom Sharma to get his tips for living a healthy lifestyle, and to find out how often you should be seeing your GP.

How to pick a unique baby name

Are you jack of boring baby names? There’s never been a better time to buck the trend.

Understanding probate: the ins and outs of dealing with a will

To make sure you have all the information you need, we’ve summed up what you need to know about probate and executing a family member’s will.

Top five stretches to do every day

If you’re a busy mum or dad, chances are you spend most of your day rushed off your feet. But there are a few quick and easy ways that you can help your mind and body balance the stress of a busy life.

From robots to running: tech that promotes exercise

Getting fit doesn't have to be a chore, there are plenty of ways that you can work some exercise into your daily routine and have some fun as well. Here are a few ways that technology can help you stay active and healthy.

Six tips to make moving house stress-free

We’ve all heard (or had) a moving home horror story. Here’s a handy moving guide to make your next shift as stress free as possible.

Dining with kids can be fun for all

Taking your kids out for a meal doesn't have to mean playgrounds, tantrums and kids menus. In this piece, dad, DJ and chef Andrew Levins looks at some tips to help you take the kids out for a night on the town, and have a great time doing it.