Introduction

Ignoring all of the politicising of climate change and carbon emissions, have you ever actually wondered what a carbon footprint is?

A simple explanation

Human activity is increasing atmospheric levels of known greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These form a blanket around the earth trapping heat, a process known as the ‘greenhouse effect’, which experts believe is linked to global warming and climate change.

Introduction

There’s nothing subtle in the way COVID-19 hit us. It struck before many of us saw it coming, and, seemingly overnight, we found ourselves in a whole new world.
It’s a world some of us had visited in the past. For example, we might have used Skype or Facetime to chat with distant family and friends. When only a relative few of us worked from home (WFH) we might have used Microsoft Teams or Zoom to stay in touch with colleagues.

Introduction

A growing number of Australians are choosing to return to study as mature-age students. Perhaps caught in the hamster-wheel of mortgage and family, furthering their education wasn’t an option when they were younger.
But that was then.

Introduction

Cleaner air, less traffic, open spaces, lower cost of living…did we mention less traffic? There are any number of reasons to consider a tree change, but if you’re serious about leaving the bright lights behind, better do your homework first.

Introduction

A simple guide from an earlier era suggested eight hours for sleeping, eight hours for work and eight hours for leisure. Nowadays work seems to take up more than its fair share and many people might be seeking a way to maintain or increase their income without increasing their working hours. Creating passive income is one way of achieving this goal.

What is ‘passive income’?

Introduction

“What was it like when you were growing up?” Remember when you asked an older relative that? Remember your enjoyment hearing the anecdotes; being amazed at learning something astounding about this person you thought you knew well?

We’re endlessly fascinated by the successes, failures and adventures of our forebears. Unfortunately, most of us only learn about them long after our loved ones have departed.

How much warmer would be the experience if you could read their life story while they were still alive?

Or what about you? Everyone has a story! Sadly, most of us don’t believe our stories are interesting. Perhaps we don’t know how to begin writing or what to do next.

The first step is to make the commitment. What comes next is:

Introduction

The increase in home-based businesses has been monumental in the past decade with now almost one million Australians earning an income from home.

The types of businesses that can be operated from home are only limited by imagination, just as the reasons for this growing trend are varied. Some people whose jobs are made redundant will be tempted to take the plunge into self-employment; others find it appropriate when children arrive; and there are those who do it to improve their lifestyle.

But can running a legitimate business from home really be a smart lifestyle choice?

Introduction

Many Australians are choosing to retire by the age of 60, or even earlier, ready to do all the things they could only dream about during their working years. However, with improved health services and medical technology the chance of living to 90 years or beyond could be more realistic than many think. Retirement could comprise 40% or more of a person’s adult life!

If you wish to remain happy and healthy during this next phase of life, planning is critically important. Although much of the focus for retirement is on financial wellbeing, good physical and mental health is equally crucial at this time of life.

It’s imperative to stay active – so what will you do with all this spare time?

Introduction

Tasty food is a luxury everyone enjoys. However, in uncertain financial times, there is a tendency to rein in spending and sacrifice pleasure. So how can we continue to enjoy our culinary treats without skimping on portions or breaking the bank?

Introduction

As personal fraud and identity theft increases in our busy society, it isn’t until something happens to someone close that we think about what we would do if it happened to us.

Prepare now by printing off or copying the form below, completing the details and putting it in a safe place – just in case.

Introduction

How would you like to enjoy fresh summer salad and char grilled vegetables straight from your backyard? It’s a great time to get excited about the kitchen garden.

Introduction

Like a lot of people, you have probably made New Year resolutions or promises to yourself that you will change those parts of your life you’re not happy with. And chances are that you have let yourself down by not acting on those promises, or quickly fallen back into old habits.

One of the reasons many New Year resolutions go unfulfilled is that we rarely take the time to think clearly about the result we want to achieve. You could call it ‘the ultimate outcome’.

When you resolve to change one of your life habits or patterns, it's important to be totally clear about the real reason for the change.

Introduction

You might be surprised to know that more than 6 million Australians formally volunteer their time to not-for-profit organisations! This is a staggering yet wonderful statistic - so many people obviously derive satisfaction from volunteering. That feeling of making a difference can be very powerful. It has also been proven that giving your time is highly associated with greater health and happiness.

Introduction

Work-life balance is something many of us continuously strive for but feel we rarely achieve. Here are some simple tips to help you on your way.