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Woolies faces up to $10b fine after pleading guilty to 1000 charges

<p>In what seems like a cascade of misfortune for Woolworths, the retail giant has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy.</p> <p>A week fraught with bad press took a turn for the worse when outgoing CEO Brad Banducci <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/last-chance-mr-banducci-woolies-ceo-threatened-with-jail-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced the threat of jail time</a> for his refusal to address questions in a Senate inquiry probing supermarket price gouging. Now, the company is grappling with the repercussions of admitting to underpaying over a thousand former Victorian employees for their long service leave entitlements.</p> <p>The admission, made in a Melbourne court, revealed that Woolworths fell short in compensating at least 1,235 former workers, amounting to a staggering $1.24 million in underpayments spanning from November 2018 to January 2023. While some employees were owed only modest sums, others were deprived of significant entitlements, with figures reaching up to $12,000 in the most severe cases.</p> <p>The Melbourne Magistrates' Court learned that Woolworths, alongside its related company Woolstar, breached Victoria's Long Service Leave Act on a startling 1,227 occasions. The revelation came to light during an internal audit of the company's IT systems, prompting Woolworths to self-report the discrepancies to Victoria's Wage Inspectorate.</p> <p>Woolworths' barrister, Saul Holt KC, highlighted the company's commitment to rectifying the situation, after discovering the discrepancies during an audit of its IT systems and self-reporting it to Victoria's Wage Inspectorate. "That's just the right thing to do," he said.</p> <p>However, the gravity of the breaches places Woolworths at risk of facing a potentially astronomical fine, with a theoretical maximum exceeding $10.25 billion. While such a penalty could spell financial catastrophe for many, including a corporate behemoth like Woolworths, legal experts suggest that a more realistic figure would be capped at approximately $480,000, in line with typical penalties in Victorian magistrates courts.</p> <p>The magistrate presiding over the case, Nahrain Warda, has deferred her decision until Wednesday, April 24, leaving Woolworths in a state of uncertainty. In addition to the impending financial penalty, Kathleen Crennan, representing the Wage Inspectorate of Victoria, advocated for Woolworths to be convicted, denouncing the underpayments as inexcusable. "There's really no excuse for this to have happened in the first place," she said.</p> <p>In the face of mounting legal challenges and public scrutiny, Woolworths' reputation as an employer is under scrutiny. Despite assertions of being an "exemplary employer", founded on principles dating back to 1924, the company's track record is marred by repeated instances of underpayment scandals. </p> <p>As Woolworths awaits the magistrate's verdict and braces for the fallout from its legal battles, the spectre of underpayment casts a long shadow over the company's corporate governance and raises broader questions about accountability within the retail industry.</p> <p><em>Images: Woolworths</em></p>

Legal

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"Nat Bass gaff": Huge national anthem blunder at Bathurst 1000

<p>They say "old habits die hard", and it seems not even celebrities are immune after Natalie Bassingthwaighte made an embarrassing mistake on the grid at the Bathurst 1000. </p> <p>On Sunday, thousand of race fans flocked to Mount Panorama in the Central West of NSW to watch the annual battle between Holden and Ford as the drivers prepared for 161 laps amount the mountain. </p> <p>Before the drivers set off, former Rogue Traders lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte stood on the grid to perform the Australian National Anthem. </p> <p>Unfortunately, she appeared to make one major mistake during her performance.</p> <p>On January 1st 2021, the national anthem made a change in the opening verse, with the second line changing from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free”.</p> <p>Bassingthwaighte, however, is seemingly a creature of habit as she appeared to sing the old version of the anthem ahead of the historic race.</p> <p>The mistake didn’t get past those watching on from home with several users online pointing out the error.</p> <p>“Oh no Nat Bass gaff during Bathurst national anthem ‘for we are young and free’ and so close to our Voice referendum,” one wrote.</p> <p>Another added, “She sung the old version, not the new one.”</p> <p>The anthem was changed under Scott Morrison's government, who said while announcing the change it was “only right” the anthem reflected and acknowledged First Nations people.</p> <p>“While Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect,” Mr Morrison said.</p> <p>“In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation."</p> <p>“Changing ‘young and free’ to ‘one and free’ takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much. It recognises the distance we have travelled as a nation."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Only days left for one Aussie state's residents to make $1000 claim

<p dir="ltr">New South Wales residents who faced the brunt of July 2022’s floods have only one week remaining to claim their $1000 lump sum payment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Disaster Recovery Payment [DRA] - of $1000 per adult and $400 per child - as he set off to tour some of the hardest hit regions in July 2022. The news gave some hope to those who had lost everything in the disaster that swept through their homes, and the chance to secure the likes of clothing, food, and temporary shelter.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the peak of the devastation, over 100 evacuation orders - amounting to roughly 85,000 people - had been issued across the state, with thousands of properties inundated, with SES crews responding to over 370 flood rescues, and a frightening 7600 help requests. </p> <p dir="ltr">People living in the local government areas [LGAs] that were directly impacted by the floods are eligible, although certain criteria must be met. Service Australia outlines that you (or a dependent child to whom you’re the principal carer) must be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible visa, be in an eligible LGA, and must be claiming the payment for the first time. </p> <p dir="ltr">Those whose homes suffered major damage due to the floods and required either repair or replacement in certain areas, as well as those whose “major assets” - the likes of caravans, vehicles, water tanks, and sheds - were also in need of repair or replacement are eligible for the payment as well. </p> <p dir="ltr">And residents who were seriously injured, or had an immediate family member (who is/was an Australian citizen) die or go missing in the floods, are also eligible. </p> <p dir="ltr">Furthermore, individuals who lost income as a direct result of the floods may be able to get the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment [AGDRP]. If this is the case, they are then also able to claim the DRA.</p> <p dir="ltr">As for which LGAs the payment covers, residents from the following who felt the floods’ impact should look into it: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Cumberland, Dungog, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kiama, Lake Macquarie, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Mid-Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Valley, Narromine, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Oberon, Parramatta, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Randwick, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Strathfield, Sutherland, The Hills, Upper Lachlan, Warren, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, and Wollongong. </p> <p dir="ltr">New South Wales residents who are eligible only have until April 5 to make their claim. To check your eligibility status, <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/who-can-get-new-south-wales-floods-july-2022-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment?context=62849">head to Service Australia</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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“People are going to die”: Over 1000 uncared for after council aged care services end

<p dir="ltr">More than 1000 elderly residents on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have been left without care after the local council stopped providing care services and made more than 110 staff redundant.</p> <p dir="ltr">In July, private aged care service providers took over the care of more than 3500 residents who had previously been cared for by the council, with 2063 people transferred to Mecwacare and 1554 to Bolton Clarke, per <em><a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/victoria/nobody-s-checked-i-m-alive-more-than-1000-stranded-as-council-retreats-from-aged-care-20220808-p5b81l.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WA Today</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Aimee Bonfield, a spokeswoman for Bolton Clarke, said “essential services” were being provided for 300 residents, with services starting or scheduled for another 200.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All remaining clients have been contacted and we remain in touch on a regular basis to update on progress and to address any immediate needs,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Bolton Clarke has a strong track record of understanding local needs and supporting wellbeing and independence for older people on the Mornington Peninsula.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But, at least 1000 residents have been left without care, including Barbara Rimington, who has a fused back from spinal surgery and has undergone surgery for lung cancer and was receiving assistance with cleaning from the council.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since Bolton Clarke took over on July 1, the 77-year-old said she hasn’t received any care and is “one of the luckier ones” because she is still relatively independent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The council said they are monitoring,” she said. “Pig’s arse they are. Nobody has contacted me to see if I am still alive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rimington said she was worried for others who needed help with shopping, since there are limited delivery options available on the peninsula.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Are any of these people eating?” she said. “People are going to die. Some people are totally isolated. It’s an indictment on the whole of society.”</p> <p dir="ltr">89-year-old Michael Nolan said he and his wife, 85, were left in the lurch by Mecawacare and haven’t received care for more than a month.</p> <p dir="ltr">The council used to provide assistance to Nolan once a fortnight, helping with cleaning and tasks around the home, such as checking smoke alarms, changing light bulbs, and changing bed sheets.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Mecwacare] has been on the job since July 1 and nothing is happening,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We have to try and do the cleaning ourselves and we tackle it a little bit at a time, but it takes us days and days to do because I can’t bend down, otherwise I fall over.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Mecwacare has had months and months to prepare for this. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is typical of the former federal government, they want to give everything over to private enterprise.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony Marsh, the mayor of Mornington Peninsula, said the council decided to “transition” away from using its own staff to prepare for the federal government’s open-market system, and that the council had no say in the providers that would replace them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The peninsula had no provider other than council delivering these services and we needed to ensure our residents had choice and the advantage of a competitive market environment,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We did not get a say in the appointment of new providers; that was done by the federal government.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh said the council was assured by both providers and the government that essential services would continue from July 1, and that an offer to keep some staff on “to help with the transition” was turned down.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The welfare of our older residents is a major priority for council, and we will continue to advocate to the federal government to make sure older people receive the support they need to remain independent and involved in the community,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">A government spokesman said the government was “continually reviewing” the transition and selection process for councils that chose to exit the Commonwealth home support program and was aware of the situation on Mornington Peninsula.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e0887fa8-7fff-732a-46d4-1c85b94eac52"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“The department is aware of the transition of clients from Mornington Peninsula Shire council to Mecwacare and Bolton Clarke and is actively working with My Aged Care and the providers on outstanding transition issues,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Desperate mum offers $1000 for help with kids on a flight

<p dir="ltr">A desperate mother-of-three has offered to pay someone to help look after her children on a long-haul flight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Facebook, the woman offered $1,000 to help with her four-year-old, two-year-old, and two-month-old on their Malaysia Airlines flight from London to Sydney on June 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Anyone heading from London to Sydney who wants to make $1,000??” her post began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Offering to pay this to someone if you book onto my flight and help me with my 3 children please. Read on for details.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ll be travelling alone with my 3 children so I really need someone to help me. Hoping there is someone out there doing this trip anyway so would already be paying for a flight, which makes this a bonus if you don’t mind helping with little ones. </p> <p dir="ltr">The mother also explained in the post what the helping hand would be required to do on the 23.5 hour long flight.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Type of things you might be helping with: holding the baby so I can help the older girls, helping the 4 year old and 2 year old with their meals, keeping 4 year old and 2 year old entertained - puzzles, books, get their tvs and headphones sorted etc.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Also maybe have the baby in the baby carrier for a nap so I can help the older girls/ give them attention.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In an attempt to entice someone to take the position, the woman explained that it would basically cost around $42 an hour - despite not expecting them to help the full 24 hours.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Whenever the older girls are asleep you wouldn’t need to do anything and even when they’re awake I am happy for them to watch as much tv as they like so all you might need to do then is make sure headphones don’t fall off, put on the next movie etc. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will also do as much as I can, but I’ll have the baby to look after as well.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She explained that her eldest daughters had recently been on a long flight but this time she has a newborn baby and her husband won’t be joining them.</p> <p dir="ltr">The mother received messages of good luck and support from members of the local group.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Good luck mama!I know it is very hard work and I can’t imagine with 3 kids but if it helps I am sure the flight attendants will do their best to help out. I flew alone with my baby (4 months) to France and they were super lovely. They held my daughter while I had go to the bathroom, played and even took photos with her. Hopefully you find someone but I am sure people will help on the plane xx,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hope you find someone lovely to help. Have a great trip,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m sure the universe will send you the right person on that flight. Best of luck and don’t stress. Call Malaysia Airline and see if they offer help I’m sure they do!!” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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This woman went on 1000 dates to find her perfect match

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One woman has undergone a Herculean effort to find “The One”, and has managed to find them in a surprising way.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anna Swoboda, originally from Poland but now living in Sydney, entered the online dating world when she was 22, after she was convinced she would find her one true love.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have always believed in love. I am a romantic and a lover. I knew there was someone out there for me,” Anna <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/online-dating-australia-tips-by-sydney-woman-anna-swoboda-who-met-1000-men-to-find-love-c-4851501" target="_blank">told</a> </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">7Life</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I had seen friends make compromises and settle down. I couldn’t do that. I vowed to settle UP. The circle of men I could meet through friends was small, so I felt the best way to find someone special, my needle in the haystack, was to get out and meet lots of men.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I kept looking.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The now-41-year-old ended up going on more than 1000 dates in her pursuit for love.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There were years where I would go out on dates five times a week, and years where I wouldn’t date at all because I was in a relationship,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I also consciously took a few years off dating.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As for discerning whether a first date would turn into more, she said she knew instantly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I would know quickly if it was going to work or not. But I was always curious and genuinely interested in all my dates,” she explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I would feel men’s vulnerability and make sure that even if it wasn’t going to work, we should have a good time and both feel comfortable and valued. Men are much more vulnerable than they let on.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After 1000 dates, two serious relationships and nine failed relationships, Anna met her now-fiancé through a mutual matchmaking friend three years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He had just returned from living overseas, and she was convinced we would be great together, so she made the introduction. She was so right,” Anna recalled.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My fiancé and I are very compatible and have the same mindset. This is what makes a huge difference.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reflecting back on her dating history, Anna admitted that she wouldn’t have gone on many of the dates she went on.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Dating is not a numbers game,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s about really understanding your requirements and compatibility. At the time I wasn’t clear about the ultimate vision for my life and my relationship.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I also wasn’t fully aware of my limiting beliefs in regards to dating and relationships.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now a relationship coach, Anna has started her own matchmaking business, called <a rel="noopener" href="https://heartmatch.com.au/" target="_blank">HeartMatch</a>, to help others find love.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There is someone out there for everyone,” she said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Anna Swoboda</span></em></p>

Relationships

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Bathurst champ hits back at controversy as team radio audio is revealed

<p>Bathurst winner Scott McLaughlin isn’t worried about being stripped of his title despite an investigation into his team’s alleged go-slow tactics during an intense race.</p> <p>Officials are further investigating Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard’s “disgraceful” Bathurst 1000 safety car tactics after charging his ford outfit with breaching team order regulations.</p> <p>Coulthard was initially hit with a drive-through penalty after he slowed down and held up the field behind his teammate McLaughlin, who went on to win the Bathurst 1000.</p> <p>However, Coulthard now faces a fine or loss of championship points as officials are investigating whether his actions influenced the outcome of the race after following team orders to slow down.</p> <p>“I didn’t know anything about it until the press conference after the race,” McLaughlin said to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/champ-hits-back-at-bathurst-controversy-as-team-radio-audio-revealed/news-story/322d50327a4570f2fe0c613e5a3be01d" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“We did our bit. We had a fast car, we won the race, so we’ll just get on with it, it’ll sort itself out.</p> <p>“It certainly wasn’t intentional from our point of view, Fabian was just doing something he needed to do, but I just pushed on.</p> <p>“We had a great car all day and unfortunately for him (Coulthard) there is a bit of conjecture there, but he drove a great race and I feel bad for him, that’s for sure.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">It was the controversial talking point of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bathurst1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bathurst1000</a> 🗣 Hear what was said on the Team Radio in Car #12 and Car #97 <a href="https://t.co/QQACup5rcR">pic.twitter.com/QQACup5rcR</a></p> — FOX MOTORSPORT (@Fox_Motorsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fox_Motorsport/status/1183578366076538880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 October 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Critics weren’t happy when a then third placed Coulthard backed up the field as top two Jamie Whincup and McLaughlin fuelled up during the safety car period with 26 of the race’s 161 laps left.</p> <p>Coulthard’s slow pace under the yellow flag, where drivers are not allowed to overtake, extended the gap between Shane Van Gisbergen and the leading duo from one to 47 seconds.</p> <p>McLaughlhin went onto beat Van Gisbergen by 0.68 seconds.</p> <p>Holden legend Mark Skaife told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/motor-sport/v8-supercars/bathurst-1000-2019-all-the-raceday-updates-and-news/live-coverage/763455ab65ce094b8a24ee497a06b98e" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a></em><span> </span>the Ford man had nothing to worry about. “I have no doubt that Scott is the winner,” Skaife said.</p> <p>“Scott was the fastest all week. He qualified fastest in the wet, broke a record in the shootout and won a last-lap duel with Shane.”</p> <p>However, Coulthard has vowed to clear his name as he feels like a “scapegoat”. He said to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/coulthard-bathurst-controversy-safety-car/4557381/" target="_blank">Motorsport.com</a>:<br /></em></p> <p>“I’m getting absolutely smashed for something I was told to do.</p> <p>“I need to clear my name. It’s not my style. I don’t race like that, I’m a clean racer.</p> <p>“To see what I’m reading, I’m getting pretty shafted for it. I’m the scapegoat.”</p> <p>Runner-up Van Gisbergen wasn’t happy about being held up by the safety car either.</p> <p>“We got held up in the safety car by someone, it made it tough (to win),” said the Holden star.</p> <p>“(But) that car (Coulthard) has been the sacrificial lamb all year (for DJR Team Penske).”</p>

Domestic Travel

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This driving habit may soon land you a $1000 fine

<p>Queensland drivers who are caught peeking at their phone screen behind the wheel may soon be hit with a hefty fine.</p> <p>As part of its effort to curb road deaths, the Queensland government plans to introduce a $1,000 on-the-spot fine for motorists who use mobile phones while driving – more than double the current penalty of $400.</p> <p>Those caught offending for the second time may also have their licences revoked.</p> <p>Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the move is necessary to discourage distracted driving. “I think increasing the value of the fine to $1,000 for distracted driving and similar offences will deter this dangerous behaviour,” said Bailey.</p> <p>“People are literally killing themselves and killing others because they can’t keep their hands off their phone.”</p> <p>The government said it had been reviewing penalties for driving offences after 40 people died on Queensland roads in the past two months. Bailey said 38 people were killed and 1,224 hospitalised by distracted drivers in the state in 2017.</p> <p>According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/drivers-to-be-hit-with-1000-on-the-spot-fines-for-using-a-mobile-phone-while-behind-the-wheel-queensland-news/140fd9d3-9934-4727-8241-5e0dfbc04ff0" target="_blank"><em>9News</em></a>, the new laws are likely to be introduced by the end of the year.</p> <p>Should the rule be established, the fine will be the highest in Australia. The same offence currently attracts a fine of $534 in South Australia, $484 in Victoria, $470 in the ACT, $337 in NSW, $250 in the NT, $400 in Western Australia and $326 in Tasmania.</p>

Legal

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The 1000-year-old coins that could help rewrite Aussie history

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">James Cook declaring that Australia was “terra nullius” in 1770 might not have been the right move at the time as a new copper coin could rewrite Australian history. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In an interview with </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Guardian</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, archaeologist Mike Hermes revealed he found an ancient coin on a beach in the Wessel Islands which he believes to be from Kilwa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kilwa is more than 10,000 kilometres away and is now known as Tanzania. The coin dates from before the 15</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> century.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Portuguese were in Timor in 1514, 1515 — to think they didn’t go three more days east with the monsoon wind is ludicrous,” he said to </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/1000yearold-coins-found-in-northern-territory-may-rewrite-australian-history/news-story/65af0dc01d5046af142dbff3919065a6"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’ve weighed and measured it, and it’s pretty much a dead ringer for a Kilwa coin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And if it is, well, that could change everything.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tests on the coin’s origins currently remain inconclusive, but Hermes hasn’t given up. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wessel Islands are an uninhabited group of islands off the north coast of Australia and became a strategic position to protect the mainland in World War II.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 1944, five coins were found by an Australian soldier called Maurie Isenberg. He didn’t know what they were at the time and pocketed them in a tin. Isenberg rediscovered the coins in 1979 and sent them off to a museum to be examined where it was found that the coins were 1,000 years old.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The discovery of the coins raises more questions than answers about colonisation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If James Cook wasn’t the first person to discover Australia, who was?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How did 1,000-year-old coins end up on a remote beach on an island off the northern coast of Australia?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Did explorers from distant shores explore Australia before 1770?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The discovery of the coins was forgotten about until anthropologist Ian McIntosh got the ball rolling again in 2013 when he led an expedition to Wessel Islands. Unfortunately, the journey failed to find any more coins. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the coins not having any monetary value, for archaeologists such as McIntosh, they are priceless.</span></p>

Money & Banking

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$1000 travel mistake you could be making

<p>Aussie travellers are being hit with hidden fees on travel cards that in some cases, are costing more than the trip itself.</p> <p>Financial comparison website <strong><a href="https://mozo.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mozo.com.au</span></a> </strong>has revealed which travel money cards could see travellers fork out more than $1000 in bank fees.</p> <p>The company’s banking experts researched 314 travel money products from 89 providers and found that prepaid travel cards often offer the best value for money, rather than credit and debit cards.</p> <p>Mozo’s director Kirsty Lamont warned travellers to be cautious of annual fees that may be charged on travel cards.</p> <p>“A travel credit card can be very appealing when planning a trip overseas, especially when you’re able to nab complimentary travel insurance and rack up a few frequent flyer points,” Ms Lamont told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/money/the-1000-travel-mistake/news-story/ac3c2b451b7ae66d0fc1d29a87151c31" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">news.com.au</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>“That said, don’t succumb to slick marketing — some travel credit cards have annual fees that could cover a return trip to tropical Fiji.”</p> <p>Another hidden cost that travellers get hit with is foreign exchange conversion costs, along with overseas transaction and ATM fees.</p> <p>“Travellers should always look out for the annual fee as this is where you can get really slugged, and it pays to always keep an eye on the foreign exchange margin on overseas transactions, which can range from 0 per cent to 5 per cent on a debit card and 0 per cent to 3.65 per cent on a credit card,” Ms Lamont said.</p> <p>“Overseas transaction fees and ATM fees can also leave a major dent in your pocket. If you’re booking everything from flights to accommodation to evening meals on your travel credit card, those charges can really add up. A travel credit card with a spend of $10,000 can incur charges ranging from $0 to $1089 which is quite the margin.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="497" height="275" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819779/1_497x275.jpg" alt="1 (171)"/></p> <p>Heightening the problem for travellers is that some companies will purposefully confuse customers when explaining the costs involved.</p> <p>Last year, consultant and writer James Cridland posted the complaint letter he sent to Commonwealth Bank after a disappointing experience using its travel card.</p> <p>He demanded a refund as he was charged $87 more in fees than if he’d just used his CBA debit card.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Got a <a href="https://twitter.com/CommBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CommBank</a> Travel Money Card? It’s a complete ripoff. This complaint letter explains why; and got me a refund of over $100. <a href="https://t.co/WNIo0ogXVw">pic.twitter.com/WNIo0ogXVw</a></p> — James Cridland (@JamesCridland) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesCridland/status/902710497274765312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>James explained in the letter that he was interested in the Travel Money Card so he could avoid the international transaction fee.</p> <p>Despite being promised a “cost effective way to access your money overseas”, Cridland was hit with foreign exchange rate conversion costs which made him spend more than he would’ve done with his debit card.</p> <p><strong>Which card should you use?</strong></p> <p>According to Mozo, travellers should use credit cards if they want to make large purchases overseas, rack up reward points or take advantage of free travel insurance. However, the downsides of credit cards overseas include cash advance fees when using ATMs to withdraw money, annual fees and negative exchange rate fluctuations.</p> <p>Mozo said prepaid travel cards are good for those who want to lock in an exchange rate before leaving for the trip. But the downside of a prepaid travel card is that the currencies of smaller countries may not be supported and any leftover funds need to be converted to AUD when you come back home.</p> <p>Mozo found that debit cards have small or no ATM withdrawal or currency conversions fees as funds are converted into the local currency when you use it. However, customers are also subject to negative fluctuations in exchange rates.</p> <p class="mol-para-with-font">Mozo selected HSBC as the Travel Money Bank of the Year and Bankwest took the title of Travel Credit Provider of the Year. </p>

Travel Tips

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How I’m spending less than $1,000 on groceries this year

<p><em><strong>Lyn Webster is a dairy farmer from New Zealand who has made a vow to spend less than $1,000 on groceries this year. Here’s how she’s going to do it.</strong></em></p> <p>I am back in the shed refreshed from an idyllic week relaxing with family at Kai Iwi Lakes near Dargaville and thinking about goals for 2018.</p> <p>My friend included me in a planned overseas trip to Las Vegas in October but my gut feeling was to decline.</p> <p>I felt bad as it sounded fun and I did not want to be rude but the more I think about environmental impact the less inclined I am to go out of New Zealand on a plane ever again.</p> <p>It's weird because overseas travel plans seem to be on everyone's agenda or bucket list these days with weekends in Rarotonga, African safaris and Mediterranean cruises more available and affordable than ever before.</p> <p>Travel and tourism is trendy with good deals and cheap rates heavily advertised.</p> <p>As a dairy farmer I am acutely aware that everything we do has an effect on the environment.</p> <p>Milking cows, driving a car, eating food – we humans are constantly consuming resources and some are constantly criticising the actions of others while remaining seemingly blind to their own impact.</p> <p>If the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is vital to the future of life itself, then why is air travel for fun ignored as arguably one of the worst contributors worldwide of carbon dioxide and global warming?</p> <p>Cheap fares are surely a travesty in this instance. Yet I have not heard one conversation about it, which is in stark contrast to the environmental impact of my main activity, dairy farming, which is slated in the media ad nauseam.</p> <p>At least what I do produces something useful - food, which is more than could be said for a frivolous boozy break in Las Vegas.</p> <p>And so I have already told my friend the Las Vegas trip is not for me, I will stay home and milk my cows and I felt a little bit upset saying it but I know it was the right decision for me.</p> <p>I am not going to go to Las Vegas just because I can.</p> <p>In my opinion, there needs to be a huge change in our collective mind set, globally, as to what activities are acceptable and which are not. Lowering our sights and learning to enjoy life closer to home and appreciating what's on our own doorsteps could be a start.</p> <p>I doubt my opinion will be a popular one with cheap fares and technology making the world seem a smaller more accessible place and people hankering for the perceived glamour of globetrotting.</p> <p>Nonetheless it's not for me to tell others what to do but I can govern my own decisions which leads me to my big plan for 2018. As well as staying home and milking my cows I am aiming to spend less than $1000 on groceries this year. Why on earth would I do that?</p> <p>Last year to promote my book about sustainable grocery shopping, <em>Pig Tits and Parsley Sauce</em> I did a 'stay out of the supermarket challenge' which lasted for 57 days.</p> <p>I really only stopped because I had visitors coming for Christmas.</p> <p>This challenge involved me using the resources I have - raw milk, home kill meat and free range eggs to live, rather than running off to the supermarket as is most people's habit.</p> <p>To achieve it I made bread, butter, cheese and yoghurt as well as pastry, pizza bases etc. I even learnt to mill my own flour which was really easy and fun to do.</p> <p>I document my progress on my Facebook page, which has nearly 6000 followers. You are <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.pigtitsandparsleysauce.co.nz/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">welcome to join</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Thing you could try this challenge?</p> <p><em>Written by Lyn Webster. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

Money & Banking

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1000 days, 48 countries and 100 Airbnbs: Reflecting on our incredible travel journey

<p><strong><em>Debbie and Michael Campbell are the authors behind the popular travel blog <a href="http://seniornomads.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Senior Nomads</span></a>, where they document their indefinite travels around the world. Here Michael shares the anniversary of 1000 days and 100 Airbnbs travelling around the road.</em></strong></p> <p>We left Seattle in July 2013 with the idea that we would be gone for a year. We downsized our belongings, severely cut our monthly expenses, and rented our house. We were free to travel to our hearts content for at least 12 months.</p> <p>But, in fact we hedged our bets not knowing if we'd really like living a nomadic lifestyle and bought round trip tickets from Seattle to Paris and back returning home for Christmas that year.</p> <p>Well, you can tell from the title of this blog that after putting our toe in the water for that first 6 months we took to this new lifestyle like a "fish to water"! Since then, we’ve only returned to Seattle twice.</p> <p>Sometimes it is hard to believe that we are still living out of two suitcases almost three years later. In fact last week we celebrated 1,000 days as Senior Nomads – and now we are truly homeless because last summer we sold our house! Now home is the Airbnb we live in wherever we are at the moment.</p> <p>In addition to celebrating 1,000 days on the road, we are also living in our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/6229018/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_Narcis" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">100th Airbnb</span></strong></a>! We are in the charming Spanish city of Girona about 60 miles north of Barcelona near the French border. Along the way we've explored 47 countries – tomorrow, we head to the tiny country of Andorra and that will bring us to number 48. We’ve been to139 cities, taken 46 free walking tours, we've had 40 different phone numbers, and have made more friends than we can count.</p> <p>To get to all these places we have ridden on almost every form of public transportation you can imagine: trains, planes, buses, minivans, ferry boats, Coco taxis (in Havana) and a horse a horse drawn cart. We have also walked our fair share of miles, which we now track in kilometres. We did the math and we’ve walked the equivalent of hiking from Seattle to Washington DC. Whew!</p> <p><img width="500" height="364" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21581/sn2_500x364.jpg" alt="Sn2"/></p> <p>We continue, on average to read a book a week and our Kindles still perform flawlessly as we download books from Amazon as well as borrowing e-books from the Seattle Public Library. Who knew at you could log into your library account from anywhere on earth and download a new book in a matter of seconds? We can also stream KUOW and KING FM anywhere we happen to be. And of course, we use FaceTime, Skype and Google Hangout to stay connected with friends and family.</p> <p>On evenings when we are not at a free event, reading, or Debbie’s not cooking, you’ll often find us playing one of our three favourite games: Scrabble, dominoes and backgammon. Our best guess is that we’ve probably racked-up over 400 combined games. Although we have not kept track of who won every game in our daily journal, we’ve both known victory and defeat while laughing and learning along the way. Note: 2 letter words in Scrabble are the keys to success (especially ZA, QI, XU and XI).</p> <p>Along the way we have celebrated holidays, birthdays and even a few wedding anniversaries. Last fall, we tallied 37 years since we were married in Epiphany church in the Madrona neighbourhood of Seattle in 1978. I just checked and we should have received alabaster gifts for that one but I don’t recall receiving any, but that’s okay, I am sure they would be too heavy to take with us.</p> <p>Back on day 500 we shared our credo in the Senior Nomads blog.</p> <p>"We will keep doing this as long as we haven't run out of money, stopped having fun, stopped learning, fallen out of love, or fallen over and can't get up".</p> <p>Looking back, we concluded that post with this comment: “So far so good!” We are happy to say that now, almost three years into our adventure, we feel incredibly blessed to once again say, “So far so good!”</p> <p>The only advice we would give to anyone thinking of striking out as Senior Nomads would be sure you are traveling with your best friend. And bring your own pillows.</p> <p><em><a href="http://seniornomads.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to read more of Debbie and Michael’s popular blog.</em></p> <p><em>To book accommodation on Airbnb, please visit their <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_guest" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">website here.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/why-airbnb-was-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-my-health/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Why Airbnb was the best thing to happen to my health</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/airbnb-breathes-new-life-into-cuban-tourism/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Airbnb breathes new life into Cuban tourism</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/tips-for-airbnb-hosting-success/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8 tips for Airbnb hosting success</span></strong></em></a></p>

Accommodation

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1000s of shoppers don’t come to a lost child’s aid in social experiment

<p>A social experiment by a children’s services provider has seen thousands of shoppers completely ignore a young child standing alone in a busy mall.</p> <p>Key Assets Australia set up this experiment in Brisbane’s busy Queen Street Mall. Two child actors, Samuel and Ava, were told to stand alone in the mall, looking frightened.</p> <p>Startlingly, of the thousands of people who passed Samuel and Ava over the course of eight hours only 21 people stopped to see if they were alright.</p> <p>Key Assets’ Executive Director Rob Ryan said a child lost in a shopping mall was a “perfect metaphor for what is happening to children in need”.</p> <p>“This number [of children in foster care] has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years, but the number of foster carers is in decline,” he said.</p> <p>“We hope that this social experiment will help bring attention to the desperate need for more foster carers in Australia and encourage those who have never thought about it, to reach out to us.”</p> <p><em>Video credit: Key Assets Australia </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/vintage-photos-capture-pure-innocence-of-children/">Vintage photos capture the pure innocence of children</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/how-to-bring-up-a-happy-child/">22 tips for bringing up a happy child</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/heartwarming-photos-that-prove-every-child-needs-a-pet/">15 heartwarming photos that prove every child needs a pet</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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9-year-old girl donates 1000 dolls to children in need

<p>An American girl is well on the way to achieving her new year’s resolution of collecting one thousand Barbie dolls to give to one thousand children living in homeless shelters and foster homes.</p> <p>Nine-year-old Gianni Graham from Norfolk, Virginia, came up with the idea when she received two Barbie dolls for Christmas. She decided to donate her two dolls to kids in need, as well as aim to collect 998 more.</p> <p><img width="331" height="418" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14529/dolls_331x418.jpg" alt="Dolls (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“Gianni explained to me that the Barbie can be a friend to the young girls when they feel that they have no one to talk to,” Whitney, her mother, said.</p> <p>Gianni set herself a goal of collecting one thousand dolls in two months, but through her Instagram page, she’s garnered the support from donors around the United States. Gianni has reached 600 Barbies in two weeks.</p> <p>Gianni plans to write a personalised letter with each doll she gives to the disadvantaged children.</p> <p>“I feel like girls in shelters should have the same as girls not in shelters,” Gianni told WTKR.</p> <p>“I wanted to inspire them and give encouragement.”</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/best-advice-ever-received-video/">People aged 5 to 105 reveal the best advice they’ve ever received</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/cheap-school-holiday-activities/">30 cheap – or free – holiday activities to do with grandkids</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Man buys 1000s of undeveloped negatives at auction and discovers unknown street artist

<p>When historical hobbyist John Maloof bought a box full of undeveloped negatives at a local auction for $380, he never expected to stumble across one of the most important street photographer of the 20th century. As he was developing the photos he quickly released these were no ordinary snapshots of the fifties and sixties but evocative portraits of the everyday experiences and struggles of all segments of life in and around the big city.</p> <p>Maloof soon embarked on a journey to find the mysterious photographer. Her name was Vivian Maier, a nanny who kept everything to herself. But John found her too late; Vivian had died in 2009 at 83 years old.</p> <p>Since then, Vivian Maier’s work has captivated the art world – her pictures gaining international media attention with exhibitions in London, New York, Los Angeles, Oslo and Hamburg. Maloof even made a documentary about Vivian and her work called Finding Vivian Maier, which was released in 2013. </p> <p><img width="622" height="622" src="http://i1.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000192.jpg?zoom=2&amp;w=700" class="entry-thumb td-modal-image"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i1.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000132.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="1960s. Chicago, IL" class=" wp-image-1014"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i2.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/vivian-maier-00005.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="Undated, New York, NY" class="size-full wp-image-981"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i2.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000091.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="Undated, Chicago, IL" class="size-full wp-image-998"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i1.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000211.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL. 1962" class="size-full wp-image-1011"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i1.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000111.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="Undated, New York, NY" class="size-full wp-image-1003"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i2.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Vivian-maier-000201.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="Undated" class="size-full wp-image-1010"/></p> <p><img width="630" height="630" src="http://i2.wp.com/upshout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/vivian_maier_0121.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=630%2C630" alt="vivian_maier_012" class="alignnone wp-image-979"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/06/old-chalkboards-uncovered/">Century-old drawings on school chalkboards uncovered</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/06/koala-joey-and-mum-in-surgery/">These pictures of a baby koala clinging to his mum during her surgery will make you feel things</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/06/centenarian-sews-1000-dresses/">This 100-year-old woman has sewed over 1,000 dresses for charity</a></strong></em></span></p>

Art

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1000s of handmade paper flowers cover Portugal streets

<p>After a four year hiatus, Portugal’s “Flowers’ Festival” is back and more spectacular than ever.</p> <p>In the last week of August, the streets of Campo Maior in Alentejo are adorned with thousands of handmade paper flowers. The most amazing part is how the community came together to create this masterpiece, with an estimated four months of preparation going into this festival. </p> <p><img width="545" height="363" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8720__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="543" height="815" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_85021__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="539" height="359" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8620__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="541" height="812" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8253__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="533" height="355" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8353__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="533" height="355" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8560__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="533" height="355" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8710__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="536" height="357" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8485__880.jpg"/></p> <p><img width="532" height="354" src="http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_8744__880.jpg"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/07/inspiring-balcony-gardens/">10 inspiring balcony gardens</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/05/most-beautiful-gardens-in-world/">8 of the most beautiful gardens in the world</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/05/benefits-a-community-garden/">7 reasons why you should join a community garden</a></strong></em></span></p> <p> </p>

News

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Clever ways to save $1000 without realising you’re saving

<p>Here is some less conventional advice about saving that won’t be as strenuous as making a budget.</p> <p><strong>1. Check your local Facebook groups</strong></p> <p>If you’re in need of some goods you think someone might be tossing out, have a look for your local “Facebook Buy Nothing” group. You might be able to swap some of the barely-used items in your house for a free bike, for example.</p> <p><strong>2. Buy plane tickets during sale times</strong></p> <p>When buying online, there’s usually a happy hour for purchasing tickets. It differs for airline to airline, but it’s a great way to shave off a little money on your next flight.</p> <p><strong>3. Make your own laundry detergent</strong></p> <p>Everyone has to do laundry at some point during the month. Often DIY detergent does a decent job of cleaning your clothes as a standard name-brand detergent. If you’re willing to Google a recipe, you could bring your detergent costs down to just a few dollars. Make sure you test your home-made detergent on small patches of your clothes before you dump all your laundry into the wash with it – just to be on the safe side.</p> <p><strong>4. Eat out less</strong></p> <p>You don’t have to stop eating out completely, but giving up just one night that you would usually reserve to eat out will give you instant results. If you spend $30 on a drink and a meal one night a week and cut back on that, you’ll end up saving about $120 a month, or $1560 a year.</p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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