Budgeting is the way to achieve your goals, whether it’s to pay off your credit card debts, start a retirement plan, or set up an emergency fund. But as beneficial as it is, it’s not practised by most adults – in fact, a study by Credit Donkey found that most American adults don’t prepare a monthly budget. 

If you’ve never made a budget before but you want to be more responsible with your money, we’re here to set you on the path toward financial freedom. Build a budget you can live by and allocate your funds the proper way with these top personal finance strategies:

A growing community is one that uses a people-first way of thinking and designing. Businesses that put the safety, well-being, and happiness of the people in their community will continue to grow and thrive right along with the community they serve. Today, Narrabri shares some of the many ways business owners and residents can contribute to the safety, functionality, and attractiveness of their shared community.

Narrabri Shire Council is now part of the NSW government’s OneRoad system, driving information directly from councils through to Live Traffic NSW. The addition of Narrabri Shire came into effect on January 23.

Council will use the platform to publish real-time information about traffic conditions, incidents, roadworks, and hazards – making information readily available for residents and those visiting the shire.

Like all insects, mosquitoes thrive in warmer weather. But what they really need is water. La Niña rainfall and flooding are providing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, with numbers exploding in recent weeks.

People are also seeing giant mosquitoes, tiny mosquitoes, and species they haven’t noticed before. Some of these mosquitoes are around every season but their numbers are booming, thanks to the favourable conditions.

Australia has around 300 species of mosquito. So which do you need to look out for?

First, let’s go over some mozzie basics.

Widespread NSW flooding has seen staff and students use innovative transport solutions to get to school. Linda Doherty and Kerrie O’Connor report.

When Kate Slack-Smith, relieving principal of remote Burren Junction Public School, got stranded by floodwaters, a local farmer and former student came to the rescue to fly her home in his six-seater aircraft.

Mrs Slack-Smith touched down on a farm airstrip to lead her school of 35 students, most of whom have kept attending - rain, hail or shine despite the tiny town, 50 kilometres west of Wee Waa, being surrounded by floods.

Teachers have been hitching a ride on the Wee Waa SES boat to cross the Namoi River and reach the school bus. For farm kids, gum boots have been at the ready to wade through paddocks or into town. Four-wheel-drive buggies are the only way for many farming families to get to school.