With Christmas done and dusted, I know that many of you will be looking at how you can ease the financial pressure next Christmas, or are thinking of ways to save a little extra any way you can.

One of the common suggestions you might see for saving is to go without your daily coffee – I absolutely cannot support this recommendation.  Not only do I love my daily coffee (almost as much as I love visiting my coffee shop!), but baristas need to make a living too!

So in lieu of going without coffee, one of my favorite ways to save extra during the year is to set myself a 52 week money challenge.  The basis of the challenge is that you commit to saving an amount of money each week – how much is completely up to you!

One recommendation is to add a dollar per week ie: week 1 = $1, week 2 = $2 through to week 52 = $52. Another is to reverse this ie: week 1 = $52, week 2 = $51 through to week 52 = $1.

I prefer the reverse option for a couple of reasons. First, I find it easier to save $50 a week at the beginning of the year than in December. Second, as I get used to going without that money I tend to keep putting more away, especially when I’m down to single digit savings.

A simple google search will yield a number of graphics from which you can print one to keep handy – go on, we’re only in week 3 of the year so it’s not too difficult to catch up!

Regards

PS This information is general in nature and should not be considered personal financial advice, please consult a registered financial planner prior to implementing any investment strategy.

In case you missed it, it’s a new year and EVERYONE is talking about creating a “new you”.

But what if you are already ‘Freakin’ Fabulous’ (as suggested by this cute pic I found on Instagram via @businesschicks), what then?

You probably know I already think I am fabulous (said totally in jest with a side of serious), just like I think you’re fabulous too (this is no joke).

So where am I going with this?

I want you to know that it’s OK to acknowledge the things you are good at.  Just as it’s OK to have money or buy nice things, or be fit or be happy (whatever that means for you).

Just like it’s OK to want to make some changes and improve areas of yourself and your life that you aren’t happy with.

But there’s no need to change EVERYTHING.

Put simply – do what is right for you. New year, new you? or New year, same you? Whichever you choose, own it.

Regards

On this day, some five years ago, I woke for the first time as a self-employed woman.

I had officially finished my time in paid employment, I had no clear direction about what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it, yet somehow, I haven’t looked back*!

In my business life, no two weeks are the same.  I juggle my list of commitments and satisfy my appetite for diversity while meeting client commitments and keeping on top of the never-ending stream of emails and education requirements.  Seriously – who would sign up for this?

I have learned many lessons in this time.  I’ve experienced the highs and the lows of being a business owner, I witnessed the best of people and the worst, and I’ve performed at my best and I’ve performed at my worst – I am after all a human being.

But I am still standing, and of that I am super duper proud!

For now I will dream of paid public holidays and annual leave, but want to say, to everyone who has supported me over these five years, particularly my family, I thank you.

*this is a blatant lie – there have been many times I’ve been curled up in a ball crying my eyes out and ready to consider throwing in the towel, but determination and a desire to be my best keeps me going.

PS 2018 is shaping up to be a great year, I best buckle my seatbelt and get ready for the ride, but first I have a small surgery today so my celebrating might have to wait for another day…

Regards