Beanstalk Single Mums

Dealing with debt and getting your finances back on track

The National Debt Helpline are simply the BEST service. And I am lucky to chat to Deborah Naylor, the NDH Supervisor, who not only has 20 years experience in the financial counselling sector BUT is also a single mum!

We discuss: The stigma around debt and why people find it so hard to reach out; how debt can negatively impact so many areas of your life; how to break-free from a difficult mindset around debt; examples of options available to you when it comes to debt solutions; complex financial situations and how the National Debt Helpline can assist; financial counselling which is non-bias and completely free btw; and how to cope with debt created by another person before a break-up, grrrr ... there are ways.

Guiding teenage boys to grow into healthy, happy men

Maggie Dent and I have a really fascinating chat about raising teenage boys and touch on lots of tips from her new book: From Boys to Men: Guiding teen boys to grow into healthy, happy men.

Amongst other things we discuss: The inner workings of the mind and body of teenage boys and how knowing this can seriously help; tips for chatting to your teenage boy that will keep the peace and defuse conflict; how to "unstick" your unmotivated son; the importance of healthy role models and what to do if Dad is not present or setting a good example; and Maggie's thoughts on how technology can affect your teen boy with key points to deal with it.

Choosing the right private health insurance for your single parent family

Get completely non-bias advice (without the sale) about private health insurance for your single parent family in this chat with Paul Pfitzner from the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman and the brilliant PrivateHealth.gov.au website.

We discuss: How private health insurance works and what is covered; what happens when you separate and whether your current policy will still be valid; what to consider when choosing the right health insurance; a bit about PrivateHealth.gov.au and how it is the only place to compare without the sale; what government incentives and surcharges apply to private health insurance; what is Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) and how it works; and where to go for help if you have a problem with your private health insurance.

Single mum budgeting: Why, how and the tools to use

MoneySmart.gov.au is the BEST personal finance resource and I am excited to chat to the lady who manages it ... Laura Higgins. Our topic: Budgeting. Now, stay with us as it's easier than you think.

 

Listen to us discuss: What a personal budget actually is; the importance of budgeting and tracking your spending; how to simplify the process and make it less overwhelming; the brilliant tools available to help you to budget; top tips to save money if your expenses are too high; how to ensure your money is working for you; dealing with debt through the National Debt Helpline; further support and advice if you are going through financial hardship

How to choose the right child care centre for your little one

Desperately trying to find the perfect child care centre for your little one? Let us help you as I chat to Gabby Hegerty from the new game-changing search and compare child care website, Toddle.

 

We discuss: The advantages of enrolling your child in a child care centre; what actually makes a good care centre; the incredible range of different child care centres available; the red flags to be aware of when choosing a child care centre; what to do if there is no availability at the centre you fall in love with; and how Toddle can streamline the process and help you find the perfect place for your child.

Helpful tips to complete your tax return in 2020

Worried about completing your tax return this year with the added complications of the Coronavirus supplements and work from home? We have you covered as Lucy chats to Karen Foat from the ATO to help demystify your tax return and help you with what you need to know to complete it.

Listen to us discuss: How to know if you need to lodge a tax return; the options this year for people needing to lodge a tax return; whether or not to use a tax agent; the tax implications for people who have received JobSeeker or JobKeeper payments; what you need to know if you have been working from home; how Services Australia balancing works with your tax return and what you need to do; and specific advice for single parents if you separated in the last financial year.

Your step-by-step guide to mediation with Relationships Australia

HELP! We're separated and can't agree on anything! Is this you? If so, then listen to Lucy chat with Tara Houseman from Relationships Australia about everything "mediation".

We discuss: The range of services offered by Relationships Australia to help couples going through separation; the family dispute resolution process i.e. what happens and when; eligibility for mediation through Relationships Australia and why it may not be suitable; the many advantages to resolving matters through mediation; and how to prepare for mediation to ensure the process is as effective as possible.

Got a spare room and needs some help? Here’s an idea for you.

Get free home help in exchange for renting out your spare room! It's super easy. I chat with Ludwina Dautovic, Founder of The Room Xchange, which is an online platform that connects busy households with a spare bedroom with guests who provide an agreed amount of help in Xchange for food and accommodation.

We discuss: The process to become a host; how to know if you'd make a good host; how to prepare your home for a guest; the kind of chores your host could do: how to ensure your exchange works and where to get support if needed; and costs involved (it's free for us - listen out for the code!).

The facts and deadlines to be aware of as EOFY19/20 approaches

Hank Jongen, General Manager at Services Australia, provides facts and deadlines to meet our EOFY obligations on-time and in-order.

He talks as through: When and how to confirm your 2018-19 income; how to find out if you need to lodge a tax return; the deadline to make a lump sum FTB claim for the 2018-19 financial year and whether you are eligible; the $750 Economic Support Payment; what to include in adjusted taxable income; balance timings; the $550 Coronavirus supplement; and mutual obligations for people on Job Seekers.

 

 

 

Expert tips to save time and money in the kitchen

4 Ingredients founder, Kim McCosker, is my guest in this podcast to share her magic and knowledge around saving time and money in the kitchen.

We discuss: The wonder of the 4 Ingredients method and why it's so popular; menu planning and other time saving tips; Kim's top money saving tips for the kitchen; the best herbs and spices to fill your cupboards; Kim's absolute favourite recipes from her repertoire of millions; and various other handy tips including how to make cake with champagne and knowing a tasty strawberry when you see one.