I’m on assignment, consigned to pick up bargain goods and highlight the thrifty tradition and enticing experience of opportunity shops. While much shopping is predictable and pricey, the op shop combines the unexpected, the unnecessary and the cut-price indulgence of consuming, all in one. And what better place to start than Ballina in northern NSW - known as an ‘op shop capital’ - comple... read more>

Along with the pandemic we are said to be facing an epidemic of loneliness, in part caused by the ‘connectedness’ of digital communications which still manages to divide us and can be a poor substitute for the real thing. Alongside the all-consuming buzz around everything COVID, a greater concern is emerging about this condition of loneliness, its prevalence and the questions of what we can ... read more>

The one quickest and simplest ways to save money on your private health insurance may be to uncouple yourself from the extras but it’s advice many chose not to follow. You can easily do away with the part of your policy which covers dentists, physios, optical and a range of other allied health professionals and at a stroke save hundreds of dollars. While it might make financial sense for ... read more>

The imminent increase to most private health fund premiums on Oct 1 is a ‘trigger’ moment for us consumers to review costs, compare cover and hopefully find greater value. This year’s average 2.9%, which means some funds will charge more and some less than this figure, has been held over from the usual April 1 annual hike because of COVID-19. A bit of good news is that those with cover, w... read more>

Gas is generating an awful lot of heat right now - and not just in your own home and hearth. We’re being asked to decide if it’s a dangerous fossil fuel or the key to our transition to a cleaner energy future. This volatile debate is hardly going to be resolved anytime soon, so in the meantime how should we feel about using natural gas in the home? I value the gas we use responsibly for h... read more>