THE ART OF MINDFUL SPENDING: HOW TO COMBAT IMPULSE BUYING In the rush of daily life, the urge to make spontaneous purchases can be compelling. Yet, giving in to this impulse often leads to clutter, not just in our homes but in our financial lives as well. Warren Buffett wisely advised, “If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.” This caution speaks volumes about the value of […]
Author: anthonyb@timslatter.com
Are you a cog in the machine?
In the grand machinery of personal finance, we all play a role. But have you ever stopped to consider what kind of role you’re playing? Are you the one tirelessly turning the cogs, or have you become the overseer of a well-oiled financial plan? Let’s picture two scenarios: Imagine Sarah, who wakes up every morning, rushes to her 9-to-5 job, and diligently works to earn her paycheck. She’s constantly aware of her bank balance, carefully budgeting […]
Being kind to the inner critic
Sometimes, we can be hardest on ourselves (and others) when working with money! This could be because we’ve been taught to think that our success is largely determined and defined by numbers, investment strategies, and external factors that impact our financial well-being. However, true financial success is most often rooted in our internal world—our thoughts, beliefs, and the narratives we tell ourselves. So – it’s a much bigger picture. As we begin to explore this bigger […]
Is all debt bad?
Debt, in its many forms, can often feel like a heavy chain that restricts financial freedom. Whether it’s the revolving cycles of credit card balances, the long-term commitment of a mortgage, or the daunting totals of student loans, each type of debt comes with its unique challenges and strategies for management. Debt is often a “necessary evil” in today’s world. So, whilst many will not be able to avoid it, it’s helpful for us to create […]
Retirement needs to be revisited
70 is the new 60! We live in an era where longevity is increasing, and living costs are surging; the traditional concept of retiring at 65 is undergoing a significant transformation. It’s becoming evident that the golden years of retirement, once anticipated as a time of leisure following a fixed endpoint in one’s career, no longer aligns with the financial and personal realities many face today. Traditionally, retirement has been sold as the ultimate reward after […]
Crafting a life rich with purpose
It’s clear that we need to rethink, revisit, and recalibrate the way in which we prepare for retirement—not only financially, but socially and emotionally as well. One of the best ways to effectively plan for the future is to start as early as possible. For some, this means laying the groundwork early in life, taking advantage of every opportunity to secure a stable and fulfilling retirement. However, not everyone has the opportunity to consider their whole-of-life […]
The essential interplay of love and money
Love and money—two forces that drive our lives in profoundly different ways. While one fills our hearts, the other fuels our ambitions. But what happens when these worlds collide? Integrating love into our financial decisions doesn’t just add a layer of complexity; it transforms money management into a shared journey of goals, dreams, and sometimes, necessary compromises. This integration can bring about a sense of joy and fulfilment, inspiring us to make more meaningful financial choices. […]
How will your assets be distributed?
Estate planning is a vital process that involves preparing for the transfer of a person’s assets and responsibilities after their death. While the fundamental principles of estate planning are widely recognised, the specific laws and practices can vary significantly between different countries and cultures. This makes it crucial for us to not only understand the universal components of an estate plan but also to seek local legal advice to align our plans with the specific legal […]
Fostering healthier relationships through intentional conversations
“How will they react?” “Will this ruin our relationship?” We all have thoughts like this when we are faced with the inevitability of a tough conversation. The scary uncertainty can make us shy away from addressing issues that need airing, leading to unresolved tensions and misunderstandings. Taking the next step is an art form that calls for courage, compassion, and clarity. Avoiding difficult discussions is a common human tendency, yet it can lead to even more […]
Financial planning mistakes to avoid
Financial planning is a lot like setting out on a journey—it requires foresight, preparation, and smart decision-making. However, amidst the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to veer off track. Here are some common financial pitfalls and how to steer clear of them: Firstly, not having clear financial goals is like driving without a destination. You might enjoy the ride for a while, but soon you’ll find yourself lost, wasting time and resources. Setting precise, actionable […]