Blog

  • Play point 84: 6 weeks into the New Year. How’s your Financial Fitness? Is it supporting the New You?

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Life is for living, not being stuck like the rat on the treadmill going in circles. So what did you plan for 2019? Chances are it involved money. Often our goals are (in)directly linked to money. Even if it was just to spend more time on oneself we know that time is money. To take time out means you aren’t earning money (unless you have passive income which is another topic).

    Money is just like a licence. It gives you freedom to go places and do things. Financial fitness means you can spend time and money on your passion, spend money on loved ones, create memories and live life to its fullest. On your deathbed I doubt you’ll wish that you spent more time at work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”New financial vision – How can you change your habits?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Research shows that personal financial health affects a person’s workplace productivity. You can find references at https://yourmoneymistress.com/financial-bondage-business/ and at https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/financial-health-boosts-productivity.aspx

    So, what do you do? Well apart from asking your employer to run workplace training which is an increasing trend, adopt the motto More LOVE – Less DEBT!! You see research has also shown we get the same endorphin rush from being in love (with life or someone / something), as we do from spending money. So get your Fix of Feeling Fantastic from Being in Love with your life! Start with a healthy connection with yourself. And how do you do that?

    You go inside yourself to find out your values, what matters most to you and what gives you the greatest joy. Without worrying about what others think. Ensure you’re being honest with yourself and then have a clear, communicative channel with all those who matter to you. When you interact with others from a place of authenticity, everything flows more smoothly and people will feel that easy energy radiating from you. For some it may feel uncomfortable at first but your WHY will keep you going. Your newfound truth will actually provide relief.

    Changing old habits become easier if you replace them with new ones, such as instead of jumping online to shop go into your bedroom / garage / happy place and look at all the wonderful things you’ve already bought. It may just show you how many purchases you made that weren’t necessary too. The main thing is to replace your old habit. If you just try and resist it by continuing your current activity that may work but a habit indicates that something needs to be done.

    And herein comes the concept of Financial Fitness! Often times we spend money to fill an emotional void. So if you’re in a mood, then make a move. Meaning if you’re feeling low, get up. Go for a quick walk, dance to a song and if you’re in a confined space you can always clench body parts and release a few times. Your mental state will change for the better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Get personal clarity and improve cashflow, at work and at home” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Two other C words I like, Clarity and Cashflow. If you’re clear about what you want it will be easier to achieve. With a clear head you’ll be assertive when it comes to others pushing your financial boundaries. Which can happen at work. Think about who’s turn it is to buy coffee or what car that person drives.

    Businesses gain a lot when they have a financially stress free workforce. They’ll be less susceptible to fraud, won’t see employees leaving for higher paying jobs (meaning added recruitment costs), nor an employee spending time on their finances at work. If you’d like more information on how to have Financial Literacy delivered in the workplace go to either http://www.financialfitness.com.au/enquiry.php or https://yourmoneymistress.com/contact-us/.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 19th-21st November 2018 – Visiting Canberra

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]As Your Money Mistress flies into Canberra to teach on 19th November for a private company she is staying for a couple of days to catch up with anyone who would like to. If you’d like to catch up or have an appointment (individually or for group training), she will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday the 20th / 21st November. YMM will then be back sometime around 12 months from now

    More details can be found here and remember that National Financial Fitness (NFF) and Your Money Mistress (YMM) consults are tax deductible due to the general investment information that we cover. An appointment is 2 hours and you need to book before 16th November so she can bring your Financial Fitness pack, as well as send you the Pre-Appointment Questionnaire.

    If you’d like to call her direct on 0412 1800 01 to answer questions you’re most welcome, otherwise you can complete the Booking form here (individuals place NA where appropriate). Please note you need to confirm the Entered details and Security check for the form to be submitted.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3580″][vc_column_text]Dates: 19th-21st November 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 24 March: Bad Debt Bootcamp®

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Description

    This Trademarked Bootcamp increases your level of financial fitness, regardless of your start point. It’s Financial coaching that has you balancing your budget with the loves of your life, be they people, travel, expensive hobbies or the dream of living in a bush cabin.

    We cover

    • The Psychology of Money (our greatest barrier to building wealth)
    • Why Procrastination is Expensive
    • Subconscious limiting beliefs
    • How to Retrain our Brains for Success (and enjoy money managment)!
    • How to Dominate the Different types of Debt
    • SMARTER Goal Setting
    • How to discuss money with your honey
    • The unique Basic Budgeting Process that saw Julie, a single Mum of 3 buy 2 investment properties within 2 years and Caitlin pay off $12,000 and save $5,000 all within 5 months!

    This course delivers information from a nationally recognised qualification and all attendees receive a Take home pack including:

    • Your Debt Demystifier
    • Your Simple Spending Plan
    • A Scenario Budget
    • A Wealth Check up
    • Your 10 Point Action Plan
    • Lucky door prizes

    A Money back guarantee applies, that no one has availed themselves of since 2004. This is because the financial trajectory of their lives and the lives of their loved ones has changed for the better, forever! Check out www.yourmoneymistress.com/about for testimonials of others who have Whipped their Wallets into Shape!
    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3452″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Date & Time:

    Saturday, 24 March 2018

    10 AM to 4 PM

    Location:

    Level 1, 3 Parkland Blvd Brisbane

    Opposite the Park

    Brisbane City[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Play point 83: Travelling tips

    In the National Financial Fitness (NFF) newsletter, I mentioned how travelling overseas made me realise that Australia is indeed a wonderful country. Nothing new there, right?

    What I want to do though is offer some tips for travellers, points I’d forgotten since my last overseas jaunt.

    1. Check your credit card and travel club benefits for concierge services. I didn’t realise I had two free personal assistants to help with researching and booking my travel plans. This gave me another source and bargaining tool with the travel agent.
    2. Your mobile (cell) phone service provider can provide a travel pack for as little as $10 for just one day while you’re away if you really need to use your own Sim card. A better way is to get an in country Sim with data and then ringing your home country service provider’s international number for your voicemail.
    3. Speak to the locals and ask for their opinions and suggestions.
    4. Wait until towards the end of your trip to shop and the Direct Factory Outlets aren’t always the best place to shop. Go to the malls where the locals go.
    5. Upon return some currency exchange places offer a guarantee that they’ll beat any competitors rates without commission.

    Lastly, sit back and relax. While some holidays can be filled with adventure you don’t want to be stressed if things don’t go according to plan. And it’s the same with Christmas and other areas of our lives. Always look to the positive and you’ll always win! Xx

  • 30 November: Men and their money. Partners welcome and preferred

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

    This 3 hour interactive session is specifically designed for men and women who are not easily offended. Ideally, partners also attend as any plan is best achieved when Team members know their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they can work together.

    It covers tips for communicating about cash flow, as well as general differences between men and women. By adjusting our perspectives and seeing our differences as complimentary we can achieve great things. Guaranteed to be fun, eye opening and improve performance, both at work and at home.

    Participants receive a Take home Play Pack including a copy of The Bedside Guide to S&M: How to have Sizzling sex and More money in your relationship.

    Refreshments provided.

    For more information and to book your seat check out here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3472″ img_size=”Full”][vc_column_text]Date and Time
    Thu. 30 November 2017
    6.00 pm – 9.00 pm AEST

    Location

    Level 1, 3 Parkland Blvd

    (Opposite Roma St Parkland)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 21 November: Bad Debt Bootcamp®

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Description

    This Trademarked Bootcamp increases your level of financial fitness, regardless of your start point. It’s Financial coaching that has you balancing your budget with the loves of your life, be they people, travel, expensive hobbies or the dream of living in a bush cabin.

    We cover

    • The Psychology of Money (our greatest barrier to building wealth)
    • Why Procrastination is Expensive
    • Subconscious limiting beliefs
    • How to Retrain our Brains for Success (and enjoy money managment)!
    • How to Dominate the Different types of Debt
    • SMARTER Goal Setting
    • How to discuss money with your honey
    • The unique Basic Budgeting Process that saw Julie, a single Mum of 3 buy 2 investment properties within 2 years and Caitlin pay off $12,000 and save $5,000 all within 5 months!

    This course delivers information from a nationally recognised qualification and all attendees receive a Take home pack including:

    • Your Debt Demystifier
    • Your Simple Spending Plan
    • A Scenario Budget
    • A Wealth Check up
    • Your 10 Point Action Plan

    A Money back guarantee applies, that no one has availed themselves of since 2004. This is because the financial trajectory of their lives and the lives of their loved ones has changed for the better, forever! Check out www.yourmoneymistress.com/about for testimonials of others who have Whipped their Wallets into Shape!
    Sign up for Bad Debt Bootcamp today and have More Money, More Time and Less Stress!

    Refreshments provided.

    For more information and to purchase tickets for the evening course click here

    To purchase tickets for the one day workshop check out here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3452″ img_size=”Full”][vc_column_text]Starting 21 Nov

    1 x Full day (9 am – 5 pm)
    Saturday, 2 Dec

    Location

    Level 1, 3 Parkland Blvd

    (Opposite Roma St Parkland)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Play point 82: Why is rehab like money management?

    From the age of 14 I had problems with my ankles. Netball and other sprains to the point when, after years in the Army, I’d roll it every six weeks requiring a few days of rest. Although it wasn’t really rest. In any workplace your reputation is affected by your ability to perform and in the Army that was largely physical performance.

    So it was a stressful time for me as I didn’t like to be seen as not pulling my weight and it really affected my self-confidence. Invariably I’d get back into the game well before my ankle was ready.

    Eventually I had an ankle reconstruction and since then, I only roll the ankle about once a year. The first time I rolled it though, after the reconstruction, I remember the familiar feeling of doom sweeping over me, thinking that I was going to be bedridden again every six weeks. I realised that I had to do things differently this time so took special care and was much more diligent with my rehabilitation.

    Now over my latest sprain I’m still aiming for a game of squash one day, something I haven’t done for about 20 years. Just walking around the squash court was a new experience. Although I played squash as a child for many years, getting back on the court was as much mental as physical. Eventually I’ll make it to a netball court without ankle strapping and will prepare myself mentally and physically. There’s a lot to be said for visualisation.

    So what does this have to do with money management? Well I didn’t realise the error of my haphazard rehabilitation ways until I hit rock bottom and needed the reconstruction. Quick fixes so I could get back out there never allowed the ankle to return to full strength. I was kidding myself that it was back to hundred percent because I worried about what other people thought of me and felt really uncomfortable on the sideline.

    Can you already see the similarities? If your money management techniques are haphazard you will not be in a strong position financially to overcome those unexpected falls, the last of which will be the final straw. Whether it’s financial, mental or physical fitness, the key is to have a strong foundation and healthy habits to maintain that strength. Consistent small actions that become a part of who we are. Yes we slip up occasionally but with this foundation, we can spring backup to the standard we’ve previously achieved.

    So start today. Just five minutes of financial exercise, be it looking at your expenses in a certain area or working out why you feel the way you do about money. Indeed our mindset around money is either our biggest hindrance or greatest asset. Ask someone to be your Financial Fitness friend helping each other to build a strong financial foundation. For more information you can go to www.financialfitness.com.au/

  • Play point 81: How easy is it to be happy?

    With all that is going on in the world today sometimes it’s hard to be completely overflowing with joy. I know that sometimes I feel quite overwhelmed, hearing about human abuse, animal abuse and environmental abuse. And I don’t even watch the news! It comes through on my Facebook feed or via the many emails I’m subscribed to, (ironically) with the intention of making the world a better place. I guess the only way to fix something is to first raise awareness of it and then, not dwell on it but rather find a solution.
    Luckily my close friends share my values of making the world a better place and instead of just talking about something, actually do something. They research, hold events and yes, post on Facebook 🙂 We know how to pick each other up because we care for each other. We know that smiling, hugging and laughing is important for a healthy mind and body. In my Doctor’s office (yes I go occasionally, if only for my annual check-up), there is a great poster. It says that we should meditate for 20 minutes a day and if we don’t have time for that, then we need to meditate for an hour. I love it!
    And years ago I saw Tim O’Toole, the founder of the Beechworth bakery franchises, speaking about how he was at a very low point in his life as a single Dad and called Lifeline Counselling. He was asked what was the worst time of the day, responding with about 6 PM when he was helping children with homework, trying to cook dinner and watching the news. The Lifeline counsellor advised him to turn off the news. He joked that occasionally he now turns on the news and nothing has changed. I think you get the point that there is always going to be negativity but there is always going to be positivity as well. It’s nature’s way for balance. So my answer to the question of how easy is it to be happy involves one or all of the following:
    1. Start the day with some quiet time, calm breathing and / or exercise (gentle all rigorous as you prefer). Perhaps even say a mantra or two and examples of mine can be seen at post??
    2. Think about the tasks for the day and imagine a positive result, including seeing yourself at the end of the day about to get into bed feeling content with the day’s activities.
    3. Limit the amount of news that you see each day. I look at the ABC app once-a-day and occasionally the radio news, which is all I need to interact with others on current issues.
    4. Make sure you complement someone (including yourself), smile and laugh by the time the day’s out. Basically “Connect!”
    5. Do an activity that you enjoy just for the fun of it! This can be dancing around the kitchen while preparing dinner to your favourite three-minute song.
    6. Keep a journal. I endeavour to write something that I’m grateful for and a lesson that I have learned for every day of the year. I started on January 1, 2016 and am still going. Admittedly I might be a few days behind but I always make sure I go back and complete the entries for that day. It reinforces those moments.
    7. Learn to live with less stuff. I’ve said before that less stuff means less stress because you don’t have to do find it, fix it, insure it or feel obliged to replace it. And in the long run you will have more money, more freedom and more happiness!!

  • 21 February: Venue booked – Joint Venture event

    Come along to this informative evening run by Rachael Hunter of Argentium Finances. Rachael is one of the most reputable brokers in Canberra and it is because of her that I was able to move to 300 acres in the beautiful northern rivers region of New South Wales. Much more information to follow however know that you will walk away with information and tools to help you advance your property purchasing and investment strategy.

    Event date: Tuesday, 21 February
    Location: Canberra

  • 11 February: Intelligent Investing HQ & Your Money Mistress Presents: Revenue & Relationships – The ‘Secret Sauce’ for Business & Personal Success

    Just Some of What You’re Going To Learn…

    • Uncover your subconscious limiting beliefs
    • Discover how to retrain the brain to enjoy money management
    • How to Save Money and Have More Time – Define Your Investment Target
    • The Reverse Investment Analysis Method – What Investments Are Right For You…And Why

    More information available here

    Event date: Saturday, 11 February
    Location: Brisbane