Here are some of my favourite FI resources and services that I enjoy!
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that I may receive a small commission if you choose to sign up via those links. I NEVER promote services that I don’t use or love myself – see Get Rich Slowly’s post on the topic.
Productivity & Virtual Assistant Resources
Readers of the blog may know that I made a career switch from festival and event organiser to virtual assistant & online project coordinator in 2020. Here are some of my favourite tools.
5 Day VA Challenge (free) by Digital Nomad Kit – I did this stand-alone short course to launch my virtual assistant work in May 2020. Using these tips helped me land my first client, now worth $26k to me so far. The VA Starter Kit is an optional paid course that follows on. Suitable for all
Otter.ai – Transcription service. I use to dictate blog drafts or to upload files to auto-create an editable transcript (eg. from podcast audio or Zoom calls). Free plan includes 600 mins per month. https://otter.ai/referrals/J5CCNHXF
Reclaim.ai – When juggling multiple calendars, Reclaim can sync to add “busy” blocks across calendars, so you and your clients can see a more accurate picture of availability.
Calendly – Let others schedule themselves into your calendar at times you specify, automatically blocking out options when you have other appointments.
LinkedIn Learning (aka Lynda.com) – Plenty of courses in software and skills you can use across many careers.
Finance Services – Australia
Bank Australia – I use this bank for my everyday banking, as they are community-minded and ethical, as opposed to the ‘Big 4’ banks in Australia. With community grants, environmental initiatives and green lending, Bank Australia are good people!
Raiz – A handy app/website that rounds-up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in diversified share portfolios. This is a good starting point to get comfortable with investing, and a great way to save the $5000 needed to start with Vanguard’s managed funds.
Shop Back – Get cash back for online purchases, with free $15 to start. Click link or use referral code: kOYo4e
Cash Rewards – Another cash back site, giving credit back from your online purchases. Get a free $10 to start.
Housesitting & Houseswaps
As readers may know, I regularly use housesitting for free accommodation while travelling overseas or for local staycations. Here are the sites I use.
Trusted Housesitters – The largest global site and my favourite! Lots of sits especially for USA, Canada, Australia, UK and parts of Europe. (Note: Get 25% off membership if you use my link or referral code RAF216125).
Aussie Housesitters, Kiwi Housesitters, Housesitters America, and Housesitters Canada – These country-specific sites are part of a network and housesitting reviews can be cross-posted across multiple sites. Get $10 off membership for each site using the promo codes below:
- Aussie Housesitters, use my link or referral code E4FGUR
- Kiwi Housesitters, use my link or referral code JLV4NY
- Housesitters America, use my link or referral code 5D3RRX
- Housesitters Canada, use my link or referral code F4GD5M
Aussie Houseswaps – Another source of free accommodation. Get $15 your membership by using my link https://www.aussiehouseswap.com.au/r/16549-8FE7E or enter referral code 16549-8FE7E