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September 24, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

Bigger Than Texas

We’re not sure if it will make the list of 101 must do experiences, but here’s something you may not know:  Texas is home to the world’s biggest parking lot. Seriously. It’s located at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.  But the real question is why do we know or care for such trivia?  Well, SmartyPig is in the midst of the American odyssey and along with the bright lights and showbiz of New York City and the glitz and glam of Las Vegas (stay tuned), Texas seemed a logical place to get a real taste for the Land of the Free and the Brave.  So without further ado, we present SmartyPig’s “choice Texas cuts”; the facts and figures behind the tourist brochure which really make Texas, well, bigger than Texas (with thanks to Legends of America):

  • Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845
  • Rodeo is the official sport of Texas; square dance is the official dance; and chilli is the official food
  • The all American meal, the hamburger, was created in Texas.
  • For $150, you can become a licensed dead animal hauler. Interesting career choice, but somebody has to do it.
  • It’s illegal to put graffiti on someone else’s cow; alarmingly, there is no mention of pigs
  • It’s also illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel — just in case you were tempted
  • If you’re thinking about milking another person’s cow, forget it as it’s illegal. And if you have an unusual haircut (and you’re a child in Mosquite) or drink more than three swallows of beer at one time (in Lefors), watch out, you’re breaking the law.
  • The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in the State of Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.

Fortunately, there are no laws regulating the size of your car, the height of your hat or the stack of ribs on your plate. Some things are sacrosanct, even in Texas. 

And so the journey continues.   Which brings us to our SmartyPig travel tip of the day.  When using your credit card overseas (and let’s face it, most of us have to….albeit responsibly!), be aware that your financial institution may charge you a fee (based on a percentage of the purchase price) on every transaction you make. Look out for it as an “international transfer fee”.  Since you’re here though, we can assume you’ll have SmartyPigged your way to your destination. So, with cash in hand consider making friends with our pals at ANZ Travel Card – lock in your exchange rate with a reloadable prepaid Visa.

Before you bid a bon voyage to your homeland,  take a few minutes and ask the all important question about fees to ensure they don’t start eating into your hard-saved funds while you’re living it up in an exotic, faraway location.  Or Texas.

'Til next time…

Team SmartyPig.

September 22, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

The GFC – One Year On

Time sure flies when you’re having fun. Not sure if you noticed but this week marked a significant anniversary. It’s been 12 months since the collapse of US-based financial institution Lehmann Brothers rocked the financial system to its core, and is attributed with sparking the global crisis.  Granted, it’s not exactly an anniversary worth celebrating but what a great opportunity to reflect on the year that was and, especially in New York, see how the locals reacted.

Fortunately, we had the perfect vantage point, right in the heart of the financial action, Wall Street.

We were mildly going about our own (tourist) business on Monday, exploring the streets of New York’s Financial District.  Only thing out of the ordinary? An extraordinary security presence which could only mean one thing – the President was in town.  So, like so many of the faithful, we gathered by the police barricades near Federal Hall (just down from the New York Stock Exchange), eyeing off the Secret Service agents talking into their cuffs, the sharp shooters located on nearby roof tops, the heavily armoured officers proudly displaying their artillery, ever watchful for a sight, sound or movement out of the ordinary.  (SmartyPig was there too – tucked safely away in his (unchecked) backpack, too nervous to make an appearance!).  Excitement grew as the approaching sirens grew louder – until finally the motorcade made its way into Wall Street.  Women started screaming in delight; the lone protestor, his arm long tired from holding up a placard demanding reform on Wall Street for almost two hours, tried desperately to make an impression on the waiting media throng; we craned our necks for a glimpse of The Most Powerful Man In The Free World (TMPMITFW).  Alas, all we got was a never-ending procession of New York’s finest – motorcycles, squad cars, the imposing Black Suburbans transporting the Secret Service – until finally, the big, black Presidential vehicle, complete with obligatory flags, sped past reminding us for one brief minute of THAT Chaser stunt… was it really TMPMITFW inside? Well apparently yes, however he headed straight for the back entrance, made his speech and moved on, without so much as a peek out the door.  But we digress.  What he said inside Federal Hall on that Monday morning was pure Obama.

As reported in the New York Times,  TMPMITFW chastised Wall Street denizens in the audience at Federal Hall, at the foot of Wall Street. “Instead of learning the lessons of Lehman and the crisis from which we are still recovering, they are choosing to ignore them,” he said. “They do so not just at their own peril, but at our nation’s.  I want them to hear my words. We will not go back to the days of reckless behavior and unchecked excess at the heart of this crisis, where too many were motivated only by the appetite for quick kills and bloated bonuses.”  Bravo Mr President, but we just hope the good people of Wall Street are actually listening because the word on the street is that a year on, what’s most striking is not how much things have changed, but how little.

So you probably won’t be surprised to read that another anniversary has been marked in New York. It may have been 22 years since Gordon Gekko last graced our screens, but be warned folks, he’s back.  Filming on the “Wall Street” sequel began curiously, (coincidentally?) this week. Goodness, what interesting timing.  So for the final word, let’s leave it to Gordon:

The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms – greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge – has marked the upward surge of mankind…”

And that, as they say, is a classic example of life imitating art imitating life imitating art. Just not sure where the fiction begins and the reality ends.

Of course, if you’re looking for another mantra that’s so much better for the soul, stick with SmartyPig:  Simple. Smart. Savings.  Ah, that’s better.

Until next time

Team SmartyPig.

September 18, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

September Giftcard Giveaway – The Results!

As you’ll know, on the third Friday of each month, we give away 3 $100 SmartyPig giftcards via Twitter. Here’s the video of this month’s results.

Thanks to Luke for ensuring the balls were thoroughly shaken up before the draw. Couldn’t have done it without you!

 

 

The winners are (in case you can’t see the video)… 

1. Jason_Byrne

2. benjya18

3. 2pingo

 

Didn’t win? Don’t be sad… we’ll be doing it again at the same time next month!

Team SmartyPig

September 17, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

A Cheap Bite Of The Big Apple

Time to put all our talk into action.  Over the past few months, we’ve been talking a lot about the joy of setting goals and reaping the fruits of your hard 'saved’ labour.  You know what we mean: you’ve made the commitment to save hard and now your dreams are becoming reality.  Regardless of whether it’s a deposit for a house, a new car, school fees, Christmas presents or travel, when you finally reach your goal, there’s a great sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and, let’s face it, great excitement. 

Well far be it for us to not practice what we preach.  We’re big dreamers at Team SmartyPig and for one lucky member of our team (and SmartyPig of course!), the big moment has finally arrived.  So with bags packed, budget set and currency in hand, we’re off to the USA – and our first stop is New York City.  

Now let’s get things straight. When it’s taken such commitment to actually get here, we’re not about to blow it all on the first day, but as everything they say about this city is true (yes, it is the city that never sleeps – last night at around 11.15pm, we were told there was a 90 minute wait for a table!!), you’ll need to be exercising willpower of the greatest magnitude to avoid sending the credit card into overdrive.   But there is a way to live the New York dream without breaking the budget.  With the help of a few locals, we’ve tracked down some priceless experiences that, if you play your cards right, can cost next to nothing.  Yep, save your hard earned Benjamin Franklins for the things that money really has to buy and allow us to share a few things you do in New York on the cheap.  Let’s just call these the Big Apple chapter of our “must do” list.

  • Catch the subway. Yes it’s hot and really dirty but it’s cheap, fast and really the only way to get around Manhattan, unless of course, you love the idea of sitting in traffic gridlock. Choose a different borough every day, then get out and explore on foot. The architecture, the people, the sounds – all uniquely NY and so deliciously fabulous.
  • Take a cab ride. Why? Because Manhattan traffic is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, although debate will rage forevermore as to whether the drivers are highly skilled or completely mad. And obviously the horn is there for a reason – to be honked constantly and for no apparent reason. Feeling super brave? Hire and drive your own car. Just make sure your affairs are in order first.
  • Check out the extraordinary Tiffany Diamond, located in Tiffany’s 5th Avenue store. We didn’t even know this little beauty existed, though at a jaw-dropping 128.54 carats, we’re not sure how we missed it. (And no, that’s not a misprint, it’s actually 128.54 carats.) Apparently it’s only ever been worn on two occasions, the most memorable being the 1961 premiere of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” where only the seriously divine Audrey Hepburn could out-shine the gem. And before you think about setting up your next SmartyPig goal to purchase the Tiffany Diamond, tragically it’s not for sale (besides, how do you save for something that’s 'priceless’?). Fortunately, it costs nothing to take a look.
  • Go to Battery Park, sit on the grass and take a squiz at the Statue of Liberty. Play your cards right and you may even score a bonus: on the night we visited, fireworks were going off right next to Lady Liberty. Breathtaking.
  • If you’re looking for the ultimate New York experience and you’re of legal age, head to the rooftop bar of 230 Fifth (avenue that is) just for a look. Nothing prepares you for the view of the Empire State Building just a few blocks away – so make sure your camera is at hand. It’s probably good manners to purchase a drink while you’re there, but who says it has to be a martini?
  • Keep your eyes open as you never know who might be just around the next corner. This week we happened across the film set of the second Sex in the City movie, just outside Bergdorf Goodman in Fifth Avenue. And did we mention Justin Timberlake was in Saks 5th Avenue? Not sure how that slipped the mind…
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum. When it opened in October 1959, the Guggenheim Museum drew both criticism and admiration, but what was indisputable was that Frank Lloyd Wright had reimagined the idea of the museum. From the street, the building looks like a white ribbon curled into a cylindrical stack, slightly wider at the top than the bottom. Its appearance is in sharp contrast to the more typically boxy Manhattan buildings that surround it, a fact relished by Wright who claimed that his museum would make the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art “look like a Protestant barn”. The true wonder of the Guggenheim can be appreciated from outside and within – and you don’t have to pay a dime to take a look from the ground floor.
  • Wander around the world’s greatest circus, Times Square – if SmartyPig can do it, anyone can. Nothing is too strange or too bizarre in Times Square because literally, anything goes.

To check out SmartyPig’s favourite NY holiday snaps, visit our Facebook page.

Next stop is The Whitehouse.  Just hope the Obamas lay out the welcome mat because it’s not often that SmartyPig comes to town.

Until next time,

Team SmartyPig  

PS – Don’t forget! 3pm AEST tomorrow (Friday 19 September) we’re giving away THREE $100 SmartyPig giftcards. Make sure you’re online, signed up to Twitter and following us at that time – www.twitter.com/smartypigau

 

 

September 15, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

Shoes or Savings: what should you do with your tax return?

If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s lining up for a tax return this year it’s probably time to start thinking about how you can put this “extra cash” to good use.

According to a recent survey conducted by Bankwest, the average Australian tax refund is expected to be worth just over $2,300. Of those taxpayers expecting refunds, more than half indicated they’ll use their refund to pay off debts rather than spending.  Just over a quarter of taxpayers say they’ll take their tax return straight to the bank which leaves about one in five to keep the retail sector ticking by splurging, primarily on 'big ticket’ items such as big screen televisions and holidays. 

So now we know what your average taxpayer plans to do, but what about you?  Are you looking to use your tax refund for a short-term fix or are you focused on something bigger or long-term? Before you take the plunge and commit your funds one way or the other, it’s best to weigh up your options first. You may be surprised at what you can achieve with your tax-funded windfall.

So, with thanks to FIDO, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s consumer watch dog, we present the top tips for making your tax return really worth your while:  

Pay off your credit card:  The quicker you pay off your credit card the less it will cost you in the long run. Need proof? Take a look at FIDO’s credit card calculator and see how if you only pay the minimum balance on a credit card with a $1,000 debt it could take more than 11 years to pay it off.

Boost your super:  Money invested in your super today has longer to earn interest compared to money invested just before you retire. Check out FIDO’s super calculator and see how $300 which is put into your super fund each year for 30 years can grow into $18,000 by the time you reach 60.

Save your money and watch it grow:  If you’re dreaming of a holiday, a new car or a deposit on a home, set up a new SmartyPig goal and watch your money grow.

Pay some extra off your mortgage: If you have a home loan why not use your tax refund to make an extra payment on your mortgage. It could cut your interest bill and take years off your loan.

Set aside money for Christmas: Christmas is coming! Presents can be expensive so put aside some money now (a SmartyPig Christmas goal?) and avoid the panic come December (or plan to enjoy it in the Boxing Day sales?).

When you think about it, there’s really no comparison. You could give in to temptation and acquire that pair of killer heels from Jimmy Choo or use the extra funds to benefit your financial future.  Talk about getting value for money.   

Team SmartyPig

PS – Don’t forget: our monthly giftcard giveaway will be held THIS FRIDAY the 18th of September at 3pm AEST via Twitter (www.twitter.com/smartypigau). Make sure you have access to Twitter, are registered and are following us at that time for your chance to win one of 3 x $100 SmartyPig gift cards.

September 11, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

20 More Things To Do Before You Die…

Earlier this week we started compiling our wish list of 'must do’ life experiences – and it just keeps growing.  Some, you’ll need to save hard for; others are delightfully cheap. The bottom line is, wherever your dreams may take you, it’s time to get out there and start living.  So without further ado, here’s what we’re dreaming about doing today:

  1. Live completely debt free – if only for a while.
  2. Adopt a pet from the RSPCA and discover the absolute joy of unconditional love.
  3. Research and write your family’s history – warts and all. You just never know who you might be related to.
  4. Take the job of a lifetime and work at the London Olympics.
  5. Tour the Grand Canyon – by helicopter.
  6. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa before it falls over.
  7. Drink chianti in Chianti. Or champagne in Champagne. (Bundy in Bundy perhaps?).
  8. Cycle through the Malborough wine region in NZ – just don’t drink and ride.
  9. Grow your own vegetables and rediscover flavour.
  10. Catch the Eurostar from London to Paris.
  11. Give up coffee – for a week, a month or a year and count the savings (and put the change toward your SmartyPig goal?).
  12. Retire early, buy a caravan and tour Australia.
  13. Seek inspiration by watching the greatest movies of all time;
  14. Then make your own short film and post it on YouTube.
  15. Download the greatest songs of all time;
  16. And then include anything by Rolf Harris.
  17. Make a speech…in public and while sober.
  18. Take part in a public demonstration for a cause you truly believe in.
  19. Indulge a passion and start your own small business.
  20. Hire the Rolling Stones to play a private gig for you and your mates. But best set up your SmartyPig goal and pass the hat/widget around now as you’ll need to fork out $10million for the privilege. Perhaps Kylie would suffice?

'Til next time, keep dreaming.

Team SmartyPig

PS – Don’t forget! Our next Twitter giftcard giveaway is on next Friday (18 September) at 3pm AEST. Make sure you have access to Twitter and are all signed up for your chance to win one of 3 x $100 SmartyPig gift cards!

September 8, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

20 Things To Do Before You Die…

A little inspiration is a wonderful thing.  Ours has come in the form of a book that’s made its way to the SmartyPig office, The Wish List by Barbara Ann Kipfer.  It’s a quirky little gift book that’s been around since 2001 but it really throws down the gauntlet and challenges us to get out and start living.  And it presents a compulsively readable list of unexpected goals, designed to plant a few seeds about the infinite possibilities around…if you put your mind to it.

Which really got us thinking. What are the things we’d love to do (and buy!) before we die? A quick whip around the office revealed an eclectic collection of dreams and desires, and over the coming weeks, we’ll share some of our faves with you. But what about you?  Do you have an ultimate list of 'must do’ experiences that you’re gradually working your way through?  Come on, share the love and let us all in on your goals and you never know, you might just inspire us all! 

Anyway to kick things off, we present our first 20 “must do” life experiences, in no particular order:

  1. Live like a local in Manhattan, (that’s New York City in case you were wondering) even if only for a while. Yes, it’s all very Sex and the City, but admit it, we all want what Carrie has!
  2. See the Cinque Terre on the coast of Italy - this is one place that everyone should visit but a word of advice, avoid the European summer and the crowds. And don’t forget to taste the local vino, best served by the ocean with a home-made pasta and local produce. Bliss!
  3. Make the trek to sporting Mecca, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It really doesn’t matter if your passion is footy, cricket or (on those rare occasions) music. When this baby is full, it is extraordinary!
  4. Take up piano – just practice, practice, practice before you organise your first public recital.
  5. Learn to tap dance – see above.
  6. Let the creative juices flow and write some poetry. The great thing about poetry is there are NO rules.
  7. Publish an article or write a blog – apparently anyone can do it…
  8. Celebrate the Year of the Blood Donor and donate blood! – just a few hundred milliliters of your finest could save the lives of up to three people. How good would that feel?
  9. Volunteer – you could sign up to deliver Meals on Wheels, visit an Old Aged Care Facility or really get into the spirit and join Australian Volunteers International to volunteer overseas in a developing country.
  10. Become a chocolate/beer/cheese/wine/donut taster. Mmmmm, donuts……..
  11. Walk on a glacier just for the thrill of wearing ice crampons and squeezing through crevices!
  12. Experience Milford Sound – it’s beyond belief, beyond expectation and beyond words.
  13. Be the next caretaker of Hamilton Island just so you can wear that t-shirt
  14. Quit your job just because you can (but only if you can afford it… you might want to start a SmartyPig goal!)
  15. Take a journey on the Orient Express. Yes, it really does exist.
  16. Run for Parliament (no, seriously) – if you’ve got something to say and really want to make a difference, here’s your chance.
  17. Represent Australia at, well, anything. But if you reckon your form is not quite world-class on the sporting field, why not try Suduko?
  18. Appear on a TV show. Only question is, will it be The Einstein Factor or Jerry Springer ?
  19. Learn another language
  20. Parachute from a plane… that’s actually in the air.

You don’t have to be rich or famous to have dreams and goals.  Most goals though, will need some money to make them happen (even if it’s just a bus fare), so get SmartyPig-ing.  

Happy dreaming!

Team SmartyPig

ps – if you want more, follow us on Twitter – we post new inspirational ideas every day!

 

September 6, 2009 • Posted by Samantha Robinson

Starting A Family (Of People Or Piglets)

 piglet

Thinking of a new way to put your SmartyPig profile to good use?  Here’s a tip. If you’re contemplating the idea of having kids now or in the future, you might want to consider setting yourself a goal to help with the finances. And we’re not just talking obstetrician bills.  Before you know it, you’ll be scratching your head wondering how you’re going to afford childcare, food, clothing, education and did someone mention birthday parties?  It’s a tough gig trying to keep up with the Jones’ and that’s before Junior is even out of nappies!  This baby-business seemed like such a good idea at the time and it can still be, if you set your goals and play your cards right.  Before you know it, you and bub will be reaping the fruits of your, um, labour.

First the scary stuff. Apparently the cost of raising a baby through to adulthood can be up to $600,000.  True, that’s at the high-end of the income spectrum, but even raising a child on a low income and tight budget can still cost upwards of $120,000. According to Dr Paul Henman from the University of Queensland’s Social Policy Unit, most new parents don’t have a clear idea about the cost of raising a child. “They look at whether they can afford it, but on a day-to-day basis,” says Dr Henman. “The overall cost of raising a child to the age of 18 comes as a surprise.” Perhaps it’s little wonder then that according the Federal Government’s latest report, Families in Australia 2008, many Australians are delaying having children or not having them at all, with the ability to financially support a child considered an important factor. It looks like the days of welcoming a baby as an unplanned blessing are well and truly over.

So what can you do to lessen the financial burden of raising a family?  If you have the luxury of time, start your planning (in the financial sense that is) now, even if it’s just to help you get through some big expenses in the short-term like a pram or furniture for the nursery.  The best part is that if you achieve your goal with SmartyPig, then redeem your funds with one of our fabulous best in class retailers, like Babyco, you’ll receive bonus interest on top of your savings in the form of a gift card. 

Aren’t sure what you’ll need? Try the SmartyPig baby calculator to help you figure out what you’ll need and how much to put aside.

Short term goals sorted?  Good!… Now onto the other longer-term goals? You know the ones we mean – a bigger car to fit the Bugaboo; home renovations to accommodate the expanding brood; childcare and school fees.  Whatever it is that appears on your dream wishlist, SmartyPig can help you achieve it.  Just set your goal and a timeframe to achieve it and away you go.

As for how you’ll convince your kids to actually move out of home when they’re 18?  Well that’s one you’re going to have to figure out for yourself. Maybe if you teach them to use SmartyPig in the intervening years, it’s a problem you won’t have to face.

Team SmartyPig

 

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