Beautiful budget weddings

Love is free, right? Not according to Bride to Be magazine whose national survey found that the average Australian wedding now costs $49,000. So this week we take a walk down the aisle with Jennifer Rayner, a wedding planner with Amaranthine Weddings & Events, as she gives us some tips about planning a beautiful, budget-conscious wedding.

Begin with the end in mind— The first place to start, even before you set a date, is with a budget. Understand how much you can afford and how long you may need to save. The friendly team at MyBudget is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call. “Know what is a ‘must',” says Jennifer, “And, with everything else, be willing to compromise”. MyBudget also recommends hiding your credit card! If you can avoid borrowing to pay for your wedding, you’ll avoid starting your married life in debt.

Ceremony & reception— The equation is simple: less people, less money. If you must have a big wedding (there’s one of those “musts” Jennifer warned us about) she says that cocktail-style weddings save money because they demand less waiting staff, crockery, cutlery and glassware than sit-down dining. Some venues may also allow you to self-cater. If you’re planning a sit-down reception, consider a self-serve buffet as opposed to an a la carte menu. Or how about a party at home?

Flowers & décor— Jennifer recommends using greenery for centrepieces. “If your heart is set on flowers, large flowers such as lilies and hydrangeas can fill an arrangement cheaper than smaller ones. Candles are another way to create a beautiful ambience while saving on the cost and labour of floral centrepieces.”

Bridal wear— With the rising popularity of the Internet, brides are increasingly shopping for their gowns and bridesmaid dresses from online stores and eBay. Jennifer warns, “There are some great success stories—brides who get beautiful dresses from overseas manufacturers at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a bridal boutique.” MyBudget’s Chantelle—pictured here on her wedding day with husband, Darren—is one such success story. Chantelle had her gown and outer-coat custom made through an online manufacturer and she was delighted with the outcome. But Jennifer warns that you run a risk ordering online from an unknown manufacturer—make sure you do your research. If buying from a boutique, it pays to shop around. Call stockists (usually listed on the designer’s website or catalogue) to find the lowest price in town. Gowns are also the perfect item to buy second hand. They’ve only been worn once and often for less than 12 hours!

Little things that add up— Don’t hire cars; borrow like-coloured cars from friends or family. Find a talented friend to do the wedding party’s hair and makeup, or practice doing your own. Ordering a cake? Forget to mention that it’s for a wedding—the word “wedding” tends to attract premium pricing. Serve your wedding cake for dessert. Toss the bouquet and opt for a single lily or simple posy. Print your own invitations and use standard-sized envelopes to avoid extra postage. Look for a photographer whose wedding package includes you owning the negatives. This is likely to save you considerable money on photo printing costs. Upload your digital photos to an online service such as Kodak or Snapfish. Not only can friends and family members view and order photos direct from these services, but you can create a gorgeous wedding album using their photobook templates. Forget about a DJ or wedding singer; manage your own music from an iPod.

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au.

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/.

Get on top of your finances. Contact MyBudget today on 1300 300 922 or at www.mybudget.com.au.

Cut your red meat bill

Last week we talked about ways to beat rising grocery prices. This week I want to suggest reducing your red meat bill for a fitter you and a fatter wallet.

An American study has found that eating red meat daily increases the chances of dying early. The study of 500,000 people found that those who ate 115 grams or more of red meat each day (the equivalent of a small hamburger patty), were 30 percent more likely to die in the next 10 years than those who didn’t. The most likely causes of death were heart disease and cancer. Sausage and deli meats increase your risk further.

Doctors suggest cutting down to two or three serves of red meat a week. The study emphasises that you don’t have to turn completely vegetarian—any reduction in red meat consumption is good for your health!

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au.

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/.

Get on top of your finances. Contact MyBudget today on 1300 300 922 or at www.mybudget.com.au.

Beat rising grocery prices

From 'The Advertiser' on 12 February, 2010: The rising cost of groceries is hitting people in the hip pocket, as many householders continue to feel the impact of the global financial crisis. The latest Westpac ASFA Retirement Standard found that in the year to September 2009, the cost of food was up 2.5 percent. And according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) figures, Australian grocery prices have risen 41.3 percent since 2000. This was higher than Britain’s 32.9 percent and America’s 28.4 percent. But experts say there are ways to beat the price rises…

MyBudget’s tips for keeping your food bill under control:

• The less time you spend at the shops, the less you spend! Only go food shopping once a week.
• Set a food budget and stick to it!
• Plan your meals in advance and make a grocery list. Again, stick to it! This will help avoid impulse purchases and will minimise trips to the shops.
• Scan for items across the shelves, as well as up and down. Brands often pay a premium to have their items placed at eye level and in prime positions.
• Consider home brand products, especially when it comes to staples, such as flour and sugar.
• Don’t compare items based on the ticket price. Packaging can be deceiving, so always compare the unit prices of items (per 100g or 100ml).
• Try grocery shopping online. Shopping online allows you to easily compare unit prices of items and to work within your budget.
• Consumer advocacy group, Choice, reports that Coles and Woolworths remain the overall cheapest places to shop.
• Scan grocery catalogues and newspapers for weekly specials.
• Check out produce markets for seasonal items. Buying direct from the farmer can cut out the middle man and save you money.

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au.

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/.

Twenty-seven percent of South Australians have money struggles - most of them women

By Callie Watson from The Advertiser, 16 February 2010

...and young women struggle with budgets

Women in their 20s are the South Australians most likely to struggle with debt and be "financially unfit", a study suggests.

Bankwest today released its 2010 Financial Fitness Index, which measures what it deems are vital signs of someone's ability to manage their money, including mortgage repayments and rent, credit card debt, savings, insurance and annual income.

The results reveal that 27 percent of SA respondents were considered "financially unfit", compared to 16 percent last February.

Women under 30 make up the majority of those who struggle to save and keep track of their funds, according to the report.

Financial service MyBudget director Tammy May said almost 70 percent of the company's 6000 clients were women and the ages of those seeking financial help had dropped significantly in recent years. She blamed the busy lifestyles of young people for their cash-strapped situations. "We're constantly on the go, eating out all the time and, when you think of women, the costs soar because of haircuts and colours, clothes and, in some cases, looking after children," she said.

The report defines "financially unfit" as having little or no regular savings, little or no insurance coverage and big housing costs relative to income.

Just over 21 percent of South Australians were viewed as financially fit and 52 percent were deemed to be borderline fit, the report found.

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Wage inequity also contributes to financial stress for women. The national average weekly earnings for men is currently $891.20 total earnings and for women $588.50 total earnings.

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au. Please include your name and contact details in case we’d like to contact you.

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/.

Languages of love

A quick survey of my friends and colleagues indicates that most people are planning a low-key Valentine's Day this year. Some are planning to exchange cards, others may go out for dinner or order take-away, and a significant proportion are planning to let the day slip by like any other. And why not? Every day is an opportunity to say "I love you" in simple, meaningful ways.

Dr Gary Chapman, author of the book 'The 5 Love Languages', says that receiving gifts is only one of the languages of love. Dr Chapman, a marriage counsellor for 30 years, noticed that each of his clients had a "love language" - a primary way of expressing and interpreting love. He identified five of these love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. You can work out what love language you speak by taking one of Dr Chapman's quizzes.

This Valentine's Day, consider non-material ways of saying you care. Not only may they be more affordable, but they may actually mean more to your loved one.

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com. Please include your name and contact details in case we’d like to contact you.

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/.

"Cycling With the Stars"

Last week I posted a blog about ways to exercise outside of the gym and one of the resounding responses I heard from people was “I don’t have time to exercise!” I have to agree. Regular exercise sounds easy in principle, but it’s the thing that always gets bumped from my schedule, too. I have busy work days followed by just as busy evenings - I get home, the kids jump all over me, it’s time to make dinner, help with homework and, before I know it, get ready for bed. So here’s another cost-conscious and time-wise exercise tip…

A basic second hand stationary exercise bike will set you back around $50 and upwards. (Have a look at eBay. And, of course, don't buy a bike 'sight unseen' - check that it's working before you part with any money).

You can even cycle while you watch TV. I like to think of it as "Cycling With the Stars"!

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/

Get on top of your finances. Contact MyBudget today on 1300 300 922.

Gym junkie or junk the gym?

A sure-fire tip for better budgeting is to separate your essential expenses from your optional ones. It’s usually obvious which side of the page an expense belongs on, but what about a gym membership? Good health is one of the essential keys to living well, so is hitting the gym a luxury or something you can’t live without?

I can’t answer that question for you, but I’ve teamed up with my good friend, Emma Galbraith, a personal trainer, to bring you some money saving fitness ideas.

The numbers are conservative and approximate. Precise figures will differ according to your age, weight, gender and other factors. It goes without saying: Consult your doctor before attempting exercise and stop immediately should you experience pain or discomfort! (Sorry about the ‘legalese’).

Stretch your legs… Walking is free, and 45 minutes of brisk walking will burn around 120 calories, not to mention the good things it does for your heart. Walk on soft sand at the beach for an even tougher workout. Emma suggests using park benches and stairs for exercises like step-ups and tricep dips.

Get a green thumb… Thirty minutes spent pushing a walk-behind power lawnmower will burn 130 calories. A further half-hour of weeding, followed by half an hour of pruning and trimming, will burn another 170 calories.

Resistance is useful… Resistance training using your own body weight can be done at home. You don’t need to be at the gym to do lunges, push-ups and sit-ups. I have a friend who does tricep and bicep curls in her kitchen using cans and milk cartons!

Do you have hot tips and handy hints for saving money? Email your ideas to moneytalks@mybudget.com.au

Refer a friend to MyBudget and go in the running to win a $300 Westfield shopping spree. Entry forms and conditions can be found at www.mybudget.com.au/raf/

Get on top of your finances. Contact MyBudget today on 1300 300 922.