Our experts

JEREMY SHEPPARD

Jeremy is research director at Empower Wealth and co-creator of locationscore.com.au. Jeremy says: “A tin of coffee goes a long way. It’s saved me many times from getting caught head down on my desk in a post-lunch carb coma or choking on a tie-inhaling yawn in a long meeting.”

DAVID BONNICI

David is a motoring journalist at WhichCar.com. au. David says: “Despite my smartphone habit

I still can’t live without an old-school Moleskine notebook, which I use to record impressions about the different cars I drive. I’m yet to find an electronic device that lets me access my thoughts so quickly.”

BEN KINGSLEY

Ben is the founder of Empower Wealth, co-host of The Property Couch podcast and co-creator of locationscore.com.au. Ben says: “My headphones. They close out the noise of the outside world and let in a world of learning through podcasts and audio books. Cheap ones, yes, but that’s because I’ve got two kids so they seem to go missing often.”

RICHARD SCOTT

Richard, a freelance writer and former Money staffer, says: “While not strictly a lobster ($20), I’d have real trouble operating without my monthly subscription fees ($11.99) to Spotify. In fact, I’ve become so dependent on the music streaming service that the prospect of them ever going into insolvency fills me with genuine dread.”

EFFIE ZAHOS

Effie is Money’s editor and author of The Great $20 Adventure. Effie says: “Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. This little gem comes in at just under $20 and is the highlight of my Saturday afternoons. Knowing this crisp drop is at home waiting for me makes 7.30am soccer starts and afternoon chem and physics tutoring all the more pleasurable.”

ANN LOVEDAY

Ann is Money’s art director. Ann says: “I make a pilgrimage to David Jones every other week to stock up on Yorkshire Gold tea. This brew is the perfect morning tonic ideally served up in a bone china mug, reassuring me that all is well in the world. It’s the Penfolds Grange of the tea world, a perfect balance of flavour and character.”