My light-bulb moment

Money talks … and so should we. In some circles talking about money is considered gauche or taboo, but it’s a belief that could be costing us a lot of moolah.

- Julia Newbould

Sharing tips with friends and family on best-value products and services, cheapest home loans, savings hacks and useful money apps can be a real eyeopener and financially beneficial.

Most recently, I’ve had a closer look at my insurance and energy bills. My car insurance was up and my green slip was more than $700. When I looked into it, I found out the increase related to a minor accident I had a couple of years ago. Otherwise it would have been at least $300 cheaper a year. Unfortunately, I’d paid the amount without question over the two preceding years.

I was pleased with myself after sorting that out and slashing my bill. Until I told my partner, that is, and found that he was paying around $100 less than my newly discounted premium.

Swapping information with others can often win you the best deals – for instance, recommendations for professionals such as doctors, dentists, tradies, lawyers, financial advisers, mechanics and accountants who don’t cost the earth but provide a good service.

From now on I’m going to be more open about money affairs.