Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised the family-sized takeaway fish and chips cost $120 as it wasn’t your average battered flake. But it got me thinking about the fancy prices some of us pay for top-end versions of everyday delights such as $10 loaves of bread or $5 coffees. Is there a cost limit you just wouldn’t go over, however rich you felt - be it a meal, a mobile phone or a pair of shoes?... read more>

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised the family-sized takeaway fish and chips cost $120 as it wasn’t your average battered flake. But it got me thinking about the fancy prices some of us pay for top-end versions of everyday delights such as $10 loaves of bread or $5 coffees. Is there a cost limit you just wouldn’t go over, however rich you felt - be it a meal, a mobile phone or a pair of shoes?... read more>

The Christmas tree has been packed away and the last of the ham finally eaten – yes, Christmas has come and gone for another year.  But try telling that to your bank accounts! This is the time of year when Aussies feel the festive financial stress of having to repay our over-stuffed credit card bill.  To help FiftyUps who want to pay down their debt, we asked the gurus at CreditCardCom... read more>

If you’ve ever been a little late paying a bill or like me, found yourself out of work and not in a position to pay your mortgage, you’ll understand how shameful this can feel.  Or if you’ve ever tried to negotiate a better interest rate directly with your lender, you’ll know how small and powerless a person can be. It’s at times like these that a broker can be invaluable, and that’s why ... read more>

    While travelling in the US a few years back, I picked up a copy of a foreigner's guide to Australia. I was looking forward to reading about all the great things about my country. The first line deflated my balloon. “Australians are lovely, warm people….until they get behind the wheel of a car.” What makes normally easy-going, friendly people suddenly lose it on the road? ... read more>