Psychology of spending: How to create good spending habits and avoid keeping up with the Joneses – Mary Holm

I’m not saying that applies to every purchase. We can all look back on certain holidays or concerts with great pleasure, or point to items in our homes that we’ve loved for years. But those are the standouts. So much of what we buy just becomes the new ordinary. Next time you buy a treat, […]
Every Bite Bay of Plenty: Programme teaches how to cut household food waste

Cousar said the growing programme was being delivered through 11 hubs nationally. Envirohub BOP project co-ordinator Hannah Cousar said the Every Bite programme was about inspiring people to be more sustainable with food and save money doing so. Photo / Supplied She said reducing household food waste would save money, lower emissions and reduce pressure […]
Heat wave health risks: How to spot heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat stress occurs when we produce more body heat than normal. Jim Cotter, a professor at the University of Otago school of physical education, says “we’re physiologically designed to deal with heat better than any other species”. “When we produce more, or it’s difficult to get rid of it, or we get a bit added […]
Divorce coach Fran Young: How to spot a cheating husband and enjoy life after marriage

Where did you grow up? In Pukekohe, my dad was a market gardener, and mum owned a takeaway. As a kid, I used to thin lettuce, grade and wash carrots. When I was 10, I helped in the takeaway – it was slave labour. After I graduated at Waikato Uni I went to Japan and […]
Money tips to align spending with values and feel richer – Nadine Higgins

Hopefully the moral of the story is clear: the power of perspective. It’s often not your situation that is the problem, but how you view it and what you’re comparing it to. (I hasten to add the takeaway isn’t “make your situation worse so you can appreciate what you once had”). At this time of […]
Beach safety: How to spot a rip, and what to do if you’re caught in one

“The safest beach in New Zealand is a beach that’s patrolled by surf lifeguards.” Chaz Gibbons Campbell says one of the best ways to keep yourself safe in the water is to know how to float. Photo / Brydie Thompson He said one of the best ways to keep yourself safe in the water was […]
Gaslighting can mar holiday gatherings. Here’s how to identify, avoid it

Gaslighting in your family can be disguised with loving and caring messages that seem to demonstrate warmth and interest. Your aunt may ask: “Did you find that special someone yet? You know, you could talk to a professional about how to date,” leaving you feeling insecure and second-guessing yourself. Gaslighting can also be overtly aggressive […]
How to protect an inheritance from break-ups – Mary Holm

I would think about it as a retirement fund, which would immediately benefit you because you would no longer have to save as much for that purpose (keeping the KiwiSaver contributions going, of course, to the extent they are matched by your employer or Government). The original writer should of course get legal advice of […]
Christmas Dinner Recipes: How To Make A Non-Traditional Meal This Festive Season

Make your Christmas one to remember with some alternatives to your usual favourites. Salmon Fillets Wrapped in Bacon with Hollandaise These salmon fillets are elegant and prepared in a flash. The key to quick hollandaise is having the butter bubbling hot when you add it to the egg yolks. Once you have mastered this, there’s […]
Parenting guide to Christmas gifts: How to avoid entitled kids – Nadine Higgins

In short, I don’t want to create entitled little monsters … I’m just not entirely sure HOW you do that. I’m far too new to this parenting gig to profess any kind of expertise – so I decided to seek some advice. Is it too soon? It’s clear my 2-year-old understands far more than he […]