Saving
TRAVEL
Bargain airfares - if you get the timing right
John Collett Booking flights at particular times before departure can yield big savings. The busy Sydney/Melbourne route has the biggest variation in ticket prices among the mainland capitals.
EXTREME BUDGETING
The Aussie family that saves $60,000 a year
![Jasmine and Aaron Boothey of Adelaide and their children, daughter Blair (5) and son Hamish (2).](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/e/f/3/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gpefoe.png/1466038643328.jpg)
Kate Jones Consumerism is the norm for many Australians but not for Jasmine and Aaron Boothey who save two-thirds of their take-home pay.
MIND OVER MONEY
Why the winter sales will be better this year
![<p>](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/z/o/m/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gpayp0.png/1464942243052.jpg)
Caitlin Fitzsimmons If you feel that the winter sales are earlier and better every year, you're right. And this year the bargains will be more plentiful than usual.
INNOVATION
Apps and tools to manage your money
![Robo-advisers won't fully replace humans just yet.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/g/n/i/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp5is4.png/1464746130533.jpg)
Adam Courtenay Our mobile devices are becoming the go-to instruments of convenient commerce, offering something that consumers are only just beginning to come to terms with – a world of instantaneous self-wealth management.
Save on winter heating
![<p>](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/5/m/b/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp4c0t.png/1464499620512.jpg)
John Collett Winter officially arrives this week and many households will be worried about the cost of keeping warm.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Safer shopping on your mobile phone
![Shopping on a smartphone is convenient but there are security risks.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/3/k/m/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp3k9t.png/1465420969433.jpg)
Angus Kidman Shopping on your mobile device is obviously convenient, but it also can create potential security risks.
MIND OVER MONEY
Is an au pair right for your family?
![<p>](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/z/o/m/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp12lu.png/1464942243052.jpg)
Caitlin Fitzsimmons Greens leader Richard Di Natale copped flak for having an au pair, but for those of us outside politics it might be worth considering.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves
![Marg Joiner, a volunteer manager with Zoos Victoria, has recently completed the VicSuper Super Woman money program.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/y/a/h/g/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goya26.png/1463972649182.jpg)
Christine Long Women are tackling budgeting and finance head-on with help from VicSuper's online financial fitness course.
Why learning money smarts is like fitness training
![Keep on running: Make your finances as healthy as your body.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/6/0/m/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goukl3.png/1465029051668.jpg)
Annika Bradley Taking control of your finances is a bit like moving to a healthier lifestyle.
INSIGHT
How to supercharge your savings with honeymoon rate hopping
![Erica Jong is prepared to put in the work to switch savings accounts for a better rate.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/s/n/f/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gog8az.png/1463528269962.jpg)
Kate Cowling With interest rates at record lows, switching between high interest savings accounts could make you four times what you would otherwise earn in interest. But beware the catch.
MIND OVER MONEY
Set stage to keep fun in your life
![A limited number of $20 tickets to see performances by the Sydney Theatre Company, such as Disgraced, go on sale every week.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/p/q/0/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goqa6m.png/1463401613059.jpg)
Caitlin Fitzsimmons I found myself sharing a stage last week with a hip hop artist, a jewellery designer and entrepreneur, a medical doctor and a singer-songwriter.
TIP OF THE WEEK
How to get a 4G mobile service for less
![Save money by choosing the right monthly SIM plan.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/7/9/w/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohpf2.png/1465868920582.jpg)
Angus Kidman Only Telstra, Optus and Vodafone operate mobile networks in Australia, but you don't have to buy your service through them.
MONEY BRAIN
Financial lessons from the Third World
![Reaping rewards: Savers can learn from the lending criteria that microfinance group Grameen places on loans in Third ...](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/s/2/n/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go5loe.png/1461029837368.jpg)
Catherine Robson The requirements microfinance lender Grameen Australia places on poor borrowers in the developing world read like a play book for good financial management in any country, even Australia.
INSIGHT
Savings at seven-year low and may dip further
![Lower petrol prices deliver a windfall to consumers.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/o/y/1/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gn9gtk.png/1461749744389.jpg)
Clancy Yeates For years, we've been told "the cautious consumer" is making life harder for retailers and other businesses that rely on household spending.
TIP OF THE WEEK
The hidden childcare subsidy for grandparents
![Many grandparents don't know they are eligible for government payments for looking after their grandchildren.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/2/x/a/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gn2x3f.png/1456473864200.jpg)
Barbara Drury Tip: Grandparents and other informal carers can be paid for babysitting through the Registered Care Provider scheme.
MIND OVER MONEY
Can appliances be both smart and durable?
![The day is coming when our homes will be packed with "smart" devices and appliances.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/0/q/4/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gn0q3o.png/1456272983883.jpg)
Caitlin Fitzsimmons Would you expect an oven that cost $2999 to conk out after seven years?
CHILDCARE
Informal childcare makes family life work
![Freny Kalapesi with her three young children and her babysitter, Stephanie Palmer.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/u/3/r/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmrmn7.png/1455672252604.jpg)
Barbara Drury They say it takes a village to raise a child and that certainly holds true for mother of three Freny Kalapesi.
LOYALTY
A $7000 Valentine's gift from me
![It's time to fall in love with the cash you could preserve by switching or ditching your current provider.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/0/g/s/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmqvic.png/1456980441931.jpg)
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon When it comes to money, loyalty comes at a price.
EDUCATION
Back to school, but at a price
![Marcelle Gomez and her husband Christian are saving so they have options when 15-month-old Cruz hits high school.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/f/p/x/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmfmzk.png/1453942913092.jpg)
John Collett Education costs are rising faster than inflation, so if you want choices about schools for your children, you need to plan ahead.
WELL HEELED
What are you prepared to suffer for?
![If you're not prepared to suffer for a goal, it's not worth it to you.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/5/p/s/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmbot0.png/1453424230729.jpg)
Melissa Browne Are we destined not to change or can we salvage our goals made for 2016? The short answer is yes and no.
'We were scammed': Debt management firms leaving clients worse off
![Cathie and Demetrio Scarfone were "scammed" out of $2200 by a credit repair firm.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/a/w/w/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmars4.png/1453403981432.jpg)
Esther Han Debt vultures promise to sort out your money problems, but sometimes, they can make matters worse.
How to shop like an investor and save money
![Woolworths is investing at least $600 million into reducing grocery prices.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/2/j/p/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmaxd7.png/1459232959285.jpg)
Andrew Legget Four tips to ensure you never pay more than you need to when grocery shopping.
Beating the curse of problem gambling
![Matt Torcasio has quit gambling with the help of girlfriend Lauren Britt and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/c/z/5/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gmavaz.png/1453845674023.jpg)
Leo D'Angelo Fisher Matt Torcasio is proof that there is hope for the millions of Australians affected by problem gambling.
TIP OF THE WEEK
A plan-free way to save
![An iPhone 6s Plus bought outright and run on prepaid credit could cost as little as $1736.60 over 24 months with ...](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/s/o/4/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gma67a.png/1459220526320.jpg)
Erin Turner There's one instance where no plan is the best plan of all: when it comes to your mobile phone.
DIRECT DEBITS
How to protect yourself from direct debit risk
![The declining Australian dollar means US-based online services are becoming more expensive.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/5/h/o/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gm4zkf.png/1454626116128.jpg)
Paul Wallbank As online subscription services take off, direct debits on credit and debit cards are becoming more common.
THE HONEST BROKER
The rules of a midlife crisis
![Some people rediscover windsurfing as a midlife crisis sport.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/5/i/p/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gm4zmc.png/1452728571285.jpg)
Marcus Padley The definition of financial happiness in a relationship is understanding the boundaries and not crossing them, and understanding each other's expectations and meeting them.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Master reverse Feng Shui to nab a bargain
![Followers of Feng Shui believe the number four is bad luck.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/4/w/c/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gm4qgj.png/1452660251180.jpg)
Luke Metcalfe Reverse Feng Shui is about harnessing negative energy to get more home for your money.
SAVINGS TIPS
10 ways to save money right now
![Where there's a will there's a way to save money.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/z/y/9/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gm21wi.png/1452474927113.jpg)
Bessie Hassan Altering a couple of old habits and developing new ones could see you save significantly.
Kickstart 2016 with a financial health check
![The new year is a good time to review your money goals.](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/1/5/y/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gm15ke.png/1452650129997.jpg)
Kate Jones The new year is an opportunity to reset your money management and build prosperity - like electrician Paul Buhagiar who paid down $26,000 of his home loan last year.
MIND OVER MONEY
Are you paying the Vague Tax?
![<p>](/web/20160616063251im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/z/o/m/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.glyx9i.png/1464942243052.jpg)
Caitlin Fitzsimmons My budget requires a certain allowance for costs incurred while my mind was absent.