February 2022 Financial Checklist

If the sudden influx of roses, hues of pink and heart-shaped everything didn’t tip you off, it’s V-day month, folks. Not to mention, it’s also the last (and possibly the hottest) month of summer. 

So don’t be fooled. February might be the shortest month of the year, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Lucky for you, your fave financial checklist is here to help you through!

1. Learn your love language this Valentine’s Day

“It must be love, love, love.” (*ba dum*). Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But before you start planning an extravagant date for your significant other, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.

Despite what every marketing team in the world wants you to think, you don’t have to spend a fortune on lavish gifts or lunches to have a meaningful V-Day. There are plenty of cheap date ideas or other ways to woo your “one and only” for less. 

Speaking of which … Go take Gary Chapman’s Love Language Quiz . You (and your wallet) might be pleasantly surprised to find that your other half favours ‘quality time’ or ‘words of affirmation’ over gifts. 

2. Keep your summer energy bill in check

It’s officially the last month of summer. But it’s not over yet folks. February is often one of the hottest months of the year Down Under. Which means your next energy bill could be through the roof if you get too careless with your aircon use. 

Curb the heat by keeping the blinds or curtains shut in your home throughout the day to help block out the sun. And remember, if a southerly breeze rolls in, take advantage of it by opening all the windows so you can cool down the house. Use the AC if necessary but try to keep it as a last resort.

3. Budget for back to school shopping

It’s amazing how two people can have totally different emotional responses to the same thing. Take a ‘back to school’ commercial for example: what’s a child’s worst nightmare is music to a parent’s ears! 

Assuming you’re of the latter group - although the start of a new school year brings relief, the thought of back to school shopping might give you grey hairs. That is, until you check out our top 4 back to school budget tips!

4. Spice up your life with The Finance Burrito podcast

Now that you’ve gotten back into the swing of things after the silly season, you might be keen to tune back into all your usual podcasts - like The Finance Burrito! 

Time for a quick recap on the latest episode, shall we … ‘Previously on The Finance Burrito’ (I’ve always wanted to say that):

Ep. #53: Your Money News: Buy Now Pay Later debt is on the rise, but who stole $30K worth of GNOCCHI?!?

Here’s what dynamic duo Liv and Tom talk about in the latest episode of TFB:

• How more people are going into debt from Buy Now Pay Later
• Why it’s critical your details are up to date with Centrelink if you were a victim of the Robo debt fiasco
• ‘The Right to Repair’: Should consumers be able to fix their devices & not be forced to go back to the big tech companies?
• ‘The Italian Job 2’ just went down in Brisbane after a truck carrying $30,000 worth of gnocchi got stolen

Get some more spice in your life by following ‘@TheFinanceBurrito’ on Instagram  and TikTok .

5. Take a risk this Aquarius season

“This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius! Age of Aquarius!” It’s Aquarius season people! Which means it’s time to shake things up and take some calculated risks.

This year the Mozo Magic 8-ball predicts our water bearers will benefit from stepping beyond their comfort zone and turning their dreams into a reality. So whether you’re keen to start a side hustle or to start making TikToks - in 2022, give it your best shot Aquarius.

That’s all for now folks! We’ll catch you back here next month for your March 2022 Financial Checklist. For now, go check out our life and money hub!