There’s a proverb of sorts, Beauty is as Beauty does And according to Walt Disney (video has sound) at any rate, it means being kind and doing something nice for someone who feels down. Every single day. Because beauty is about what’s on your inside, not the outside. And you can Google to your heart’s […]
The What, Why, and How of Pleasure
When times get tough, one of the first expenses cut is pleasure. In the face of all other considerations, it becomes frivolous and wasteful. And yet, without pleasure, life can look and feel very grim. The other day I was watching one of a series of news reports by Geoff Thompson on Australia’s housing affordability […]
The Joyful Memories from Gifts of Love
I took advantage of the recent gloriously summery weather to catch up on some washing, starting with the towels because they take the longest to dry. As I hung them on the line, carefully stretching and straightening them out so they dry square (and are easier to fold neatly), I realised I hadn’t bought any […]
Electricity Humbug
The other day, our electricity went out, and I was a little surprised about how dependent on it we’ve become. Even though I’ve written about that before. Aside from the alarm not going off, the central heating didn’t kick in, the hot water tank didn’t stay hot, and even worse – the coffee machine wasn’t […]
How to Mind the Beeswax of Business
I’ve been thinking about minding the beeswax of business. It started when I was happily watching a period drama. You know the kind of thing – lovely clothes, beautiful houses and lush gardens. Cold relationships between the rich and aristocratic families, but much warmer with their domestic servants. So it came as a bit of […]
How to Choose What To Do First
It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I have so much to do that I’m not sure what to do first. Or second. Or last for that matter. I’ve been sick, DB’s been sick and pretty girl’s been sick. She was so sick she slept through the last episode of Game of Thrones! (Actually, I […]
House Deposit Holistic Spending Plan
We have this thing called “The Great Australian Dream,” which is basically to own a house on a quarter acre block. This dream has its roots in returning servicemen wanting to live the good life they fought to defend. It was part creating a comfy family nest, part preventing the land going to “undesirables”, and […]
How to Win in the Sales Season
It’s sales season again – that time of year when it seems everyone is trying to get their hands in your wallet. Preferably to empty it, leaving you (and their competitors) with nothing. But you can win the sales season, “all” it takes is a bit of research and planning. Know what you want, and […]
How to do a Holistic Personal Finance Annual Review
Here in Australia, we’ve only got another three weeks to lodge our tax returns, so it seems like a good idea to talk a little about the kind of personal finance annual review you could be doing to improve your future. Annual Review The main reason I’m linking your annual review to the fiscal year […]
Debt Reduction Holistic Spending Plan
Here in Australia, the major banks have increased their mortgage rates, and the “average” borrower (whoever that is) will be paying another $50 a month. I think that most people will actually be paying more. And when you add that to increasing credit card debt, it’s time to think seriously about debt reduction. Vision, Mission, […]
Start a New Business Holistic Spending Plan
It’s tax time here in Australia, and when people see their numbers in black and white on their returns, many start wondering about going into business for themselves. That makes it a good time for a Start a New Business Holistic Spending Plan. The most important part of starting a new business is knowing why. […]
Your Role as a Purchasing Agent
Have you ever thought about your role as a Purchasing Agent? Or are you like most people who just buy stuff? You might find it interesting to know that you need formal qualifications to buy things for a living. In Australia, the Diploma of Purchasing “qualifies you to apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in a […]