One of the great joys in life is travelling. For Australians it’s virtually a rite-of-passage. In my late teens I spent a year aboard and loved every moment of it.  Twenty years later I still experience a thrill every time (more…)

Divorce is a difficult time. No matter what the circumstances, coming to terms with the breakdown of a long-standing relationship can be traumatic. For many separating couples, the added pressure of issues like child custody and property settlement can cause an already fragile relationship to shatter. And yet keeping a level head can be critical when you are trying to negotiate a positive financial outcome for yourself. And yet for some reason, women seem to end up worse off after divorce on this score. (more…)

Discovering you are pregnant is one of the most exciting moments in life.  A new baby triggers feelings of elation, excitement and possibly surprise.  But once the emotions settle and reality sets in, there are other more practical issues to consider.  (more…)

Recently I was walking through Sydney’s CBD at lunchtime.  I’m not there that often so I found the vibrancy and congestion of the place quite intense.  It’s certainly a different world from the day-to-day of getting 4 kids ready for the school run!  I confess I felt out of place among all the impeccably dressed business men and women rushing around. Walking past the gorgeous shop window displays only fuelled the insecurity I felt about my own, let’s call it, “relaxed” appearance. (more…)

I’ve just been on holiday with my eldest daughter Lucia. It was just the two of us for a week, and the experience was lovely. In my household, four children means that one-on-one time can be a bit of a rarity. On the trip we had time for plenty of conversations. We discussed everything, from friends, family, school, current events, careers - and even money. (more…)

My two elder children who are 8 and 10 have reached the age where they recognise the value of money. They save it, spend it - but above all desire it. And while their weekly allowance isn’t directly aligned to their jobs list, it means I have some kind of bargaining tool for household chores. Money talks! (more…)