Fiona Smart, Back With A Update:

We spoke to Fiona round about a year ago. She had just started budgeting. But how is she going now?

And has she been going forward with her budget or backwards? Fiona had alot of credit card debt last time we talked, lets hope she has been able to get rid of some of it.

To see Fiona’s first interview click here - CLICK HERE.

OK Fiona it’s been over a year since we talked, how are you doing with your budget; what has changed over that time?
Hi Adam...

Well, I have gone a bit backwards with life...less hours at work, kids demanding more; all bills are more...  but I’m still getting there!

How are your credit cards going, are you still using them or have you paid them off?
Well Adam, I have paid one off and have less than half on the other two to go... slow and steady!

Do you feel like you are more aware as a budget shopper and respect the value of a dollar?
Yes, I’m always going to the clearances at Target, Kmart, and Big W to buy the kids’ clothes, school clothes and stuff for next season...and buying in bulk at the supermarket or fruit and veg shop.

I’m actually trying to get a home garden with fruit trees and vegetables going at the moment too!

What do you feel your weaknesses are with money?
Sales and my kids wanting/needing everything!

What are your strengths with money?
I think I am better at saying no, or that I am cooking dinner this week or taking my lunch to work!

Have you got any saving tips for our readers?
If you have kids, shop at clearance times; get the cheapest clothes for next year! And maybe grow your own fruit and vegetables... I’m still trying to do that so we will see how successful it is...my kids have a strawberry pot and that’s going very well.

The global financial crisis has been around for over two years now, have you personally suffered during this time?
Yes I have Adam... I have lost hours at work, some fortnights there is NO work for me, so that is very hard... trying to pay for everything with nothing coming in.

Fiona you have children, what are you teaching them about money?
They get pocket money every week for doing the dishwasher, feeding pets and cooking once a week. If they are naughty or forget to do their job they lose a dollar. Every Sunday, we sit down and go through how much they have lost or how much they have earned. My son has saved up for an iPod Touch and my daughter spending money for her netball trip!

Fiona if you could go back to your 18th birthday, what would you tell yourself to do differently with money? 
Not to get credit cards!

Tell us about this year with your budget, how has it been going?
This year has been financially hard for me, not getting regular hours; getting 5-15 then none for a fortnight but I have managed to keep my credit card schedule. I have totally payed one off and the other two are below their halfway mark, so that’s good to see. My son has started drums lessons so there’s another $250 per term plus his basketball and footy expenses. My daughter is the same with her netball but she has been chosen to play for CANA in the school holidays in Townsville so I had to find another $1800 quickly! Plus everything has gone wrong with my car, 4 new tyres, blown up radiator and wheel problems

Thanks Fiona again for sharing your budgeting experiences with our readers.