August 2021 Financial Checklist

We’ve officially entered the month of August (time flies when in lockdown). For real though, we hope you’re all staying safe and keeping your spirits high if you’re in any lockdown-affected areas. That being said, here’s your favourite financial checklist to help keep you busy:

1. Stay connected while staying at home

With many Aussies currently stuck at home due to the latest COVID restrictions, maintaining a stable internet connection can be a real challenge.

Not only is the network itself struggling to cope with so much traffic across the country, chances are your current broadband plan just can’t keep up with your household’s data needs at this point in time.

So, if your kids are streaming HD videos round the clock or it’s a constant bandwidth tug-a-war with your partner trying to join work calls, it might be time to upgrade to a higher speed NBN plan.

2. Keep your energy bill in check

Speaking of which, being stuck at home with your flatmates or family members won’t just impact your internet use - it can drive up your electricity use in general.

With more people at home, you’ll likely have more lights switched on and more appliances being used. Not to mention, it’s currently the middle of winter, so you’ve probably been cranking up the heater to keep the place warm.

Needless to say, if you want to avoid an astronomical electricity bill, then it’s worth doing a quick energy provider comparison to see what’s around, then possibly switch to a more competitive offer.

3. Take a look at your credit score

Whether or not you’re about to apply for a loan, it’s always wise to check your credit report from time to time. Or else, you could be walking around with a poor credit score without even realising it.

Repairing a bad credit score and building up a solid credit history takes time - so the sooner you can get started, the better. That way, if you do end up needing to take out a loan down the track, you’ll be in a better position to do so.

4. Get the low-down on digital finance

Here’s what’s been going on at The Finance Burrito this month, boys ‘n’ gals!

Episode #34: Your Money News: Green machines & the best work-life balance scenes

This week on Your Money news, Tom and Liv discuss:

• All the upcoming changes to stamp duty for electric vehicles in NSW .
• YourSuper: A new superannuation comparison tool available in Oz that could help you look out for future you.
• A new global tax initiative that could potentially see Australia pocket an extra 3 billion tax dollars a year.
• Work-life balance: how other countries are successfully making the shift towards working less and living more.

Episode #35: Unwrapped: Jealous that all your mates are earning the big bucks while they sleep? Catch up on everything crypto & investing

Whether you’re an investing noob or a qualified coin-head, get ready for all things crypto and investing in the next episode of our Digital Finance Unwrapped season:

• Get the lowdown on:
• How online investing works.
• Plus, how to make it work for you!
• Learn the history of share trading & how it got to where it is today.
• Then, hear online sharing trading app Superhero CEO John Winters discuss how Superhero empowers people to take control of their portfolios.

Episode #36: Afterpay is making bank & do you need to call your ex before lodging your tax return?

In this episode, the dynamic duo breaks down:

• Buy Now Pay Later provider Afterpay's recent announcement to move into the banking sphere, plus how you can cash in on the action.
• Why you might need to call your ex before tax time - Scared?
• Finally, what’s a burrito ep without a billionaire blasting off into space?

Tune into The Finance Burrito podcast now, kids! While you’re at it, go follow @TheFinanceBurrito on TikTok to see your fave burrito bunch being silly (plus a tonne of seriously cute animal vids).

5. Activate your Midas touch this Leo season

Leo season’s here, and (in true Leo form) you’re going to make sure EVERYONE knows it!

Our mystical Mozo Magic 8-ball says this year you have the Midas touch, Leo … so long as you’re willing to put in the work. But as we all know, hard work is your middle name.

If you do happen to manifest some extra money, then look for ways to get some extra bang for your buck. Perhaps a high-interest savings account?

That’s all for now, folks! Catch you back here in a month for your September 2021 Financial Checklist. For now, head to our life & money hub to keep yourself entertained.