She was inflicted with the writing bug when she was just five: "Enid Blyton was my hero," she says. "I used to plaigarise her stories, replacing the lead character with myself."

Pay less

Can the company I work for give me an annual pay rise less than the rate of inflation?
AV, Auldana, SA
The short answer: yes. But it depends on your situation. Firstly, inflation measures how much prices increase over a year – the Reserve Bank of Australia tries to keep this low by tinkering with interest rates and money supply. Next, pay rises: in Australia there’s a minimum level of pay every employee is entitled to. Beyond that it’s between you, your union (if you have one) and your employer to negotiate. Go to fairpay.gov.au for excellent information on this.

Premium age

Should I take out health insurance before I turn 30? How do I choose a fund?
LP, Flemington, Vic
For every year after age 31 that you delay getting private health insurance you’re charged an extra 2 per cent of premium. Two per cent each year may not sound much, but it makes a big difference over time. Research funds to find one that’s right for you at privatehealth.gov.au, a government site listing every health insurance policy from every fund in Australia.

Best interests

I’ve racked up a credit card debt with 20 per cent interest. Should I transfer the debt to a lower interest card, or one with an interest-free period?
MC, Newport, NSW
Consider your spending habits (honestly) to make this decision: a long interest-free period is only useful if you pay off your card each month; otherwise, a lower interest rate will be more useful because it will cost you less. A great site that compares credit cards by fees, interest rates and reward programs: canstar.com.au.

Super woman

My super's all over the place. How to find it and roll it over?
AT, Newtown, NSW

You're not alone. There's about $12.9 billion "lost" superannuation in Australia. Head to the Australian Tax Office website and check out their "Superseeker" service ato.gov.au/superseeker. You'll need your name, date of birth and tax file number. If there's any missing super, contact your previous employers and ask them for the funds' details. Then, transfer to the fund of your choice.

Love costs

Before my partner and I split, we shared a credit card - I was primary card-holder. Now I'm being chased for a big debt he ran up...
DB, Carlton, Vic

Having him as a supplementary cardholder is like going guarantor for his spending, sadly. Make an appointment with the bank to talk repayment options. They might suggest ways to reduce the debt, such as transferring it to a lower-interest card or consolidating it into a personal loan. Bank not willing to negotiate? Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service on 1300 780 808.

Retail therapy

Whenever I'm depressed I spend money. Help!
HY, Darwin, NT

According to Professor Karen Pine, author of Sheconomics (sheconomics.co.uk), 79 per cent of women cheer themselves up by shopping. You've taken an important step by recognising you're spending as an emotional outlet. Try to change this: exercise can manage low moods, so next time you're feeling down, hit the pavement instead of the mall.

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