For those of you, like my girlfriend, shopping around is second nature. From looking at who has the best styles of dresses available this season, to comparing where she can find the shoes she wants at the best price. It is a pastime which brings her plenty of joy. Opening up her Macbook involves escaping from internet browser windows crammed with ASOS and Lookbook pages.

I’m yet to stumble upon her shopping around for personal finance products online. In fact, I’d say the only thing that gives her pleasure is getting these decisions done quickly and relatively painlessly. She doesn’t derive pleasure from the process which is fair enough. The main objective is to not get ripped off. It’s no small wonder people hate money issues. We enter these decisions emotionally wondering how hurt we are going to get. So, if you are like her, how do you make quick and informed financial choices? The easiest way is to compare online at comparison websites like finder.com.au, which compares credit cards, home loans, savings accounts, life insurance, mobile phones, broadband plans and more. What we want to do with you in the first of our regular monthly blogs, is ask you to share your experiences. The MoMs community should help each other out with tips on these pesky financial essentials.

Speaking of shopping, here are my tips on managing a credit card, what are yours?

Smart saving ideas
1. Use the money you save on low interest offers to repay the balance faster
2. Make lump sum payments to reduce the balance – use tax returns, birthday money or inheritance
3. As you repay and reduce the balance, reduce your credit limit.
4. If you have a credit card debt, you can save money by doing a low interest balance transfer.