We’re huge fans of the new free budgeting game Stand Tall, created by our friends at IHC. Here is the game’s blurb from IHC’s website:
“Stand Tall is a free budgeting game that teaches you how to manage your money. Choose where to focus your finances and learn how to live independently. There are bills to pay, food and travel to budget for, plus loads of fun things to spend your money on. Get it right and your happiness will soar, but spend too much and you’ll have a financial headache!”
In the game, players get to:
- Create their own avatar.
- Learn about managing their money and wellbeing.
- Navigate real life scenarios.
- Create their own calendar to keep on track of everything.
Visit the IHC website to find out more and start playing today.
LinkedIn Learning courses on budgeting
While we’re talking about budgeting, we’d like to remind you that your Wellington City Libraries card gives you access to LinkedIn Learning. Below, you’ll find some of LinkedIn Learning’s free courses about managing your money.
Most budgets fail. But it’s not because the people who made them failed—it’s because they were set up to fail. Budgets are useless if they don’t work in real life. In this course, learn how to create a budget that meets you where you are. Financial planner and fintech consultant Natalie Taylor explains how to overcome the most common budgeting pitfalls, budget based on your values, and set achievable goals. (From LinkedIn Learning)
Managing Your Personal Finances
For many of us who are not financial professionals, worrying about money and saving for the future can be a chore. In this course, financial expert Jane Barratt shows how opportunities arise when you change your attitude towards money. She walks you through the basics of personal finance—earning, spending, saving, and investing—with an eye for finding opportunities to enrich your life. (From LinkedIn Learning)
Personal Finance Tips and Tricks
No matter where you are in your financial life, personal finance experts Jane Barratt and Amanda Clayman can help you get a handle on your finances and lay the groundwork for your financial future. Each video, they offer a new tip, designed to help you make smart decisions about your money. (From LinkedIn Learning)
Books on budgeting and living independently
The library holds many books that might be helpful to those moving out of home and transitioning to living independently! The below booklist covers cheap and cheerful recipes, budgeting and job seeking advice:
Thrifty Vegan: 150 Budget-Friendly Recipes That Take Just 15 Minutes / Beskow, Katy
“150 recipes for simple, speedy and delicious plant-based meals – from best-selling author Katy Beskow. In as little as 15 minutes you can have a delicious meal on the table using readily available, budget-friendly ingredients and fuss-free cooking techniques.” (Catalogue)
Wok for Less: Budget-Friendly Asian Meals in 30 Minutes or Less / Huang, Ching-He
“Quick, simple, wallet-friendly Chinese recipes to cook at home. In Wok for Less, Sunday Times bestselling author Ching-He Huang focuses on these traditional, clever ways to reduce costs – all without scrimping on taste.” (Catalogue)
How to money : your ultimate visual guide to the basics of finance / Chatzky, Jean Sherman
“There’s no getting around it. You need to know how to manage money to know how to manage life – but most of us don’t!”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from catalogue)
Money out loud : all the financial stuff no one taught us / Anat, Berna
“In this nonfiction teen book, “financial hype woman” Berna Anat explains all the stuff young adults need to know about personal finance, covering everything from how and why to make a budget, to understanding the inequalities of our economy and how to work to change them”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)
Budget happy : the win-win secret to saving and spending money / Woodley, Lisa
“Hi, I’m Lisa, and I want to give the word ‘budget’ a makeover! For most people, the very thought of budgeting makes them want to run a mile. It suggests restriction, going without and only buying the cheapest of the cheap. But at its best, budgeting can mean making smart decisions, planning your spending carefully and having plenty left over for treats.” (Adapted from catalogue)
Your money, your future : the realest guide to finding financial freedom / Cook, Frances
“”The biggest goals can be achieved when you’ve got a road map in hand. Quitting your job and living a good life, on your own terms, for decades to come? You can do it!” In this book, top New Zealand finance podcaster and journalist Frances Cook shows you how to change your money so you can live your ideal life. Learn how, on an ordinary income, you can plan for and achieve true financial freedom, with expert advice and step-by-step information.” (Adapted from catalogue)
What color is your parachute? : your guide to a lifetime of meaningful work and career success / Bolles, Richard Nelson
“For more than fifty years, What Color Is Your Parachute? has transformed the way people think about job hunting. Whether searching for that first position, recovering from a layoff, or dreaming of a career change, What Color Is Your Parachute? has shown millions of readers how to network effectively, compose impressive resumes and cover letters, interview with confidence, and negotiate the best possible salary–while discovering how to make their livelihood part of authentic living.”– Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)
Adulting : how to become a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps / Brown, Kelly Williams
“From breaking up with frenemies to fixing your toilet, this way fun comprehensive handbook is the answer for aspiring grown-ups of all ages.” (Catalogue)
