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Antonia Magee is a journalist who always struggled to save her cents.
She noticed that she was not alone in her battle to get on top of her finances and the statistics agree- 56% of Australian women have no long-term savings plan and 1 in 5 women spend their entire pay pack each week.
So, Antonia decided to put her writing skills to good use while helping herself get it together financially,  and consulted with a Financial Planner to write the fiction novel 'Living Thin', which is an entertaining account of one woman's journey from Penniless to Prosperous in a year.
Filled with sensible advice for those looking to whip their finances into shape, the story is loosely based on Antonia's experiences with money and those of her peers.
Here are some of the tips from Living Thin, for those who are thinking of going on a Financial Diet.
Living Thin, in bookstores now, RRP $24.95

 

Tips for Living Thin
• Take control of your own finances – know exactly how much money you have coming in and where it is all going
• Get yourself out of debt before worrying about saving
• Set up a high-interest savings account that is separate from your everyday savings account
• Pay yourself first
• Be Credit Card savvy – know how much interest you are paying on your cards
• Only use your Credit Card for emergency purchases
(A handbag on sale is NOT an emergency!)
• Shop around and negotiate when making expensive purchases.
There is always a better offer.
• Be realistic about what you can and can't afford.
Can you really afford to get your hair cut and coloured every six to eight weeks? Be ruthless – cut back on expenses that aren't essential.
• Prepare a weekly and monthly budget so you can see where your money is supposed to go. Even if you fall off the rails try to stick to it. Preparing a budget will make you think about your finances. Don't be too hard on yourself if you do slip up, just be sure to make up for it.
• Get up a little earlier and have breakfast at home (or take it to work) and make your lunch
• If you can, walk to work. This will save your money, help you keep fit and keep you focused on your savings goal.