Category Archives: Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy

Manifest Your Dreams

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Manifest Your Dreams: Esoteric vs. Practical Approaches

Have you ever dreamt of a life filled with abundance, success, and happiness? We all have! But how do we bridge the gap between dreams and reality? Two popular schools of thought emerge: manifestation and the power of hard work and savings.

The Esoteric Path: Aligning Your Energy

Esoteric teachings believe we are energetic beings connected to a universal flow. Through practices like visualisation, affirmations, and aligning your desires with the greater good, you can supposedly influence this flow and attract your goals.

Key Ideas:

  • Like attracts like: Positive thoughts and visualizations attract positive outcomes.
  • The power of intention: A clear and unwavering desire fuels manifestation.
  • Alignment: Ensuring your goals resonate with the universe’s energy.

 

Practices:

  • Vision boards: Create a collage of your desires to keep them in your focus.
  • Gratitude journaling: Expressing thankfulness for what you have attracts more abundance.
  • Meditation: Quieting the mind allows you to connect with the universal flow.

 

The Practical Path: Building a Secure Future

Those who believe in hard work and savings emphasize the importance of concrete steps. Through dedication, planning, and responsible financial management, you build the foundation for your dreams.

Key Ideas:

  • Effort matters: Goals are achieved through consistent work and strategic planning.
  • Financial literacy: Budgeting, saving, and smart investments pave the way for security.
  • Delayed gratification: Sacrifices now lead to a brighter future.

 

Practices:

  • Goal setting: Define clear, measurable goals and create action plans to achieve them.
  • Budgeting: Track your income and expenses to make informed financial decisions.
  • Investing: Grow your wealth through calculated investments based on your risk tolerance.

 

Finding Your Balance

The truth may lie somewhere in the middle. While hard work and financial planning are crucial, a positive mindset and unwavering belief in your ability to achieve can be powerful motivators.

Here are some ways to create your personal approach:

  • Acknowledge your beliefs: Do you resonate more with the esoteric or practical perspective?
  • Embrace both: Combine positive visualization with goal setting and action plans.
  • Focus on the journey: Enjoy the process of working towards your dreams, not just the end goal.

Remember, manifestation isn’t about instant gratification; it’s about aligning your energy and taking inspired action.

For those that lean more to the esoteric way of life and are searching for practical tools to bring your dreams and vision to life then please join me on my Free Course:

Budgeting on the New Moon

The cost is only $1 and that goes to the Elephant Nature Park.

I have created a course for you to bring some practical tools to help you.

50/30/20 Rule, Financial Literacy

Budgeting 101: Easy Money Management with the 50/30/20 Rule and Meditation

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Before considering starting a budget a few preparations are in order.

In my free course – Budgeting on the New Moon, I start with a meditation practice to clear your mind, settle your breath, soften your shoulders, and rest your tongue.

I hear you: “I don’t have time for all that esoteric nonsense”. Believe me when I say:  “meditating before you think about money is the greatest gift you can give yourself”.  

Come with me for just a few minutes and try it.  Money Meditation.

You’ve probably heard of the 50/30/20 rule popularised by Elizabeth Warren in her book “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.  It’s a mindful way to handle your money, but what exactly does it entail, and how can it transform your financial situation. 

Understanding the 50/30/20 Rule:

The 50/30/20 rule, also known as the “needs-wants-savings” approach, is a straightforward budgeting method that divides your income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings. The basic breakdown suggests allocating 50% of your income to essential needs, 30% to discretionary wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

Caveat:  It is important to note that I am not a complete convert to the 50/30/20 rule mainly due to the state of the Australian economic situation, interest rates and housing issues.  I know of many folks where the ratio is more 70/20/10 depending on their housing situation, addiction to general substances of smoking, alcohol and gambling and their overall wage increase to inflation.

Putting the 50/30/20 Rule into Practice:

Implementing the 50/30/20 is simple:

  1. Evaluate Your Income: Start by jotting down your regular income sources, including salaries and any additional earnings.
  1. Factor in Taxes: Most salary and wage earners have their taxes taken from their gross and are only left with the net wage.  Remember, if you are a sole practitioner in business you need to manage and save for your taxes and only draw the net value allocated to you. The Net income amount is what you base your budget on.
  1. Save and debt reduction 20%:  Debt reduction advice I will leave for another post but for now, prioritise savings by setting aside 20% of your net income and bank it immediately.  Even if you need to re-draw on it at a later stage, get into the habit of banking the 20% as this will build a habit. 
  1. Cover Your Needs (50%): Allocate half of your income to essential needs such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and minimum debt payments. These are expenses you can’t do without.
  1. Indulge in Wants (30%): Reserve 30% of your income for discretionary wants like dining out, entertainment, travel, and non-essential purchases. These are the things that enhance your lifestyle but aren’t vital for survival.

By sticking to this breakdown, you’ll ensure that you’re covering your necessities, enjoying life’s little luxuries, and building a safety net for the future—all within your means.

Paying Yourself First:

An integral part of the 50/30/20 rule is the concept of “paying yourself first.” This involves prioritising savings by setting aside a portion of your income before spending on anything else. By making saving a non-negotiable part of your budget, you’ll cultivate healthy financial habits and work towards achieving your long-term goals.

Does the 50/30/20 Rule Deliver Results?

Whether you’re a student managing a tight budget or a seasoned professional aiming for financial freedom, the 50/30/20 rule is a practical and effective way to manage your money. It provides a clear framework for budgeting and empowers you to take control of your financial future.

Is the 50/30/20 Rule Realistic?

Yes, the 50/30/20 rule is realistic and adaptable to various financial situations. While you may need to adjust the rule to fit your lifestyle and priorities, the core principles of saving, spending, and prioritising remain the same. It’s a flexible guideline that can be tailored to suit your individual circumstances and goals.

Exploring Other Budgeting Methods:

If the 50/30/20 rule doesn’t resonate with you, don’t worry—there are plenty of other budgeting methods to explore. From the 40/30/20/10 rule to the 75/15/10 rule, there’s a budgeting approach for every financial objective and lifestyle preference. Experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you.

Beyond the basics:

Automate savings and debt payments to “set it and forget it.”

Remember, the most important thing is to find a budgeting system that works for you and helps you achieve your financial goals.

Financial Literacy, Heartbeat of Balance

The Heartbeat of Balance

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Nature is your sanctuary. It grounds you, inspires you, and reminds you of life’s constant flow. Just like nurturing plants, you love to learn and grow in those areas of your life that have been unkept, unloved and hidden.

You want to discover your relationship with money.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your finances. Understanding numbers shouldn’t be scary. It’s about taking control, making informed decisions, and building a secure future.

But beyond numbers, you seek balance. Each morning, you find solace in meditation, letting go of anxieties and creating space for clarity and joy.

Meditation allows you to release what no longer serves you. It clears your mind, opens your heart, and helps you connect with the rhythm of life.

This rhythm echoes in everything you do.  From brewing fragrant teas, gardening even if it’s as simple as a few potted plants on your window ledge.  You love sharing laughter with friends under the open sky, you savour the simple pleasures of life.

You know it’s not about having everything. It’s about appreciating the little things, finding beauty in the everyday, and nurturing the connections that truly matter.

In a world often chasing external validation, you find peace in tending to your inner garden. Through nature, numbers, and mindfulness, you weave a tapestry of balance, inspiring others to stay calm, stay in peace and stay grounded.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind and at peace.

You are INVITED.

A budgeting course like no other.  It costs just $1 and this is donated to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. Course preview.

Bookkeeping, Financial Literacy, Free Course

Do the course – Help the Elephants

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Why I am charging $1 for my Free Course

For just a dollar, you’ll unlock practical budgeting tools, moon rituals for prosperity, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to a future where elephants thrive.

Imagine gentle giants trumpeting in gratitude, their trunks swaying in the lush Thai jungle. That’s the sound of hope, the music of a future where these magnificent creatures are safe and cherished. Elephant Nature Park (ENP)  is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre in Northern Thailand, founded by renowned elephant rights advocate Saengduean Chailert (known by her nickname, Lek). It is the first elephant sanctuary of its kind established in Asia and currently providing a caring home to over 100 elephants.  Many of the elephants living in the sanctuary of the Elephant Nature Park have been rescued by Save Elephant Foundation from street begging, elephant riding and circus shows where they often sustain both physical and psychological injuries.  The park’s herds are blind, elderly, crippled, or orphaned. These beautiful giants are now free to live peaceful lives in natural surroundings, where they’re loved and respected.

Remember, even a small action can create a ripple effect of positive change.

If you would like to donate more please head over to their website and donate directly.

Budgeting on the New Moon, Financial Literacy

Budgeting on the New Moon

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Why You Need a Budget

Budgeters are twice as likely to report no financial worries, compared with spenders.

If you’ve read any personal finance advice, you know there’s one simple rule that comes up time and again: You need a budget.

A budget is a roadmap for where your money will go so you can make your hard-earned income work for you. Budgets assign your money a job and show spending limits for specific expenditures so you can use your money responsibly.

Creating a personalised budget is essential to developing the right spending habits, setting aside money for the long term, and ensuring the money in your bank account goes where it needs to. But how do you make a budget?

Getting started with your first budget may seem complicated, but this Budgeting Course will walk you through every step in the process. You’ll learn how to budget, how to avoid common budgeting mistakes, and how to ensure your budget is one you can stick to.

Jump in, get started, and design a budget you can live on in no time.

https://www.susanhart.com.au/courses/budgeting-on-the-new-moon/

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to paying off debt quickly, as the best approach depends on your specific situation and financial goals. However, here are some effective strategies you can consider:

  1. Understand Your Debt:
  • List all your debts: Include the balances, interest rates, minimum payments, and due dates for each debt.
  • Calculate your total debt: This gives you a clear picture of the mountain you’re tackling.
  • Prioritize your debts: Choose a repayment method, like the Avalanche (highest interest first) or Snowball (smallest balance first).
  1. Increase Your Income:
  • Look for extra income sources: Take on a side hustle, sell unused items, or freelance your skills.
  • Negotiate a raise at your current job: Highlight your achievements and market value.
  • Reduce unnecessary expenses: Analyse your spending habits and cut back on non-essentials.
  1. Attack Your Debt:
  • Pay more than the minimums: Even small extra payments can significantly reduce interest and shorten your payoff timeline.
  • Consider debt consolidation: This can simplify your payments and potentially lower your interest rate.
  • Explore balance transfer cards: Transfer high-interest debt to a card with a 0% intro APR period to save money.
  1. Stay Motivated:
  • Track your progress: Celebrate milestones and visualize your debt-free future.
  • Find an accountability partner: Share your goals and progress with a supportive friend or family member.
  • Reward yourself: Set small rewards for achieving milestones to keep yourself on track.

Why Start a Budget and Review on a New Moon

There are several reasons why people choose to start something new on a new moon:

  1. Symbolic Fresh Start:

The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, a time of darkness and emptiness. It’s seen as a blank slate, a clean canvas, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts. Starting something new during this phase feels like planting a seed in fertile soil, ready for growth and possibility.

  1. Connection to Natural Rhythms:

Many cultures and traditions view the moon as a powerful celestial body influencing our emotions, energy levels, and even luck. Aligning oneself with the new moon’s energy is seen to tap into a flow of renewal and receptivity, enhancing the chances of success in new endeavours.

  1. Manifestation and Intention Setting:

The new moon’s darkness is often associated with introspection and setting intentions. It’s believed to be a powerful time to focus on your desires, visualize your goals, and plant the seeds of what you want to manifest in the coming lunar cycle. Starting something new during this phase feels like imbuing it with your focused intentions, increasing the chances of it blossoming into fruition.

  1. Reduced External Influences:

The darkness of the new moon coincides with less moonlight, creating a quieter, more introspective atmosphere. This can be helpful for focusing on yourself, your goals, and the first steps of your new project without distractions or external influences.

  1. Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs:

Many cultures around the world hold specific beliefs and rituals associated with the new moon. Some see it as a time for cleansing and releasing negativity, while others view it as a powerful time for attracting abundance and prosperity. Starting something new during this phase can be a way to connect with these cultural and spiritual traditions, seeking their guidance and blessings.

The reasons people choose to start something new on a new moon are varied and personal. Whether it’s driven by symbolism, a connection to natural rhythms, a belief in manifestation, or simply a preference for a quieter, more introspective atmosphere, the key is the intention and focus that comes with aligning oneself with this powerful phase of the lunar cycle.

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid taking on new debt: This will only prolong your journey to becoming debt-free.
  • Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to manage your debt, consider consulting a financial advisor or credit counsellor.
  • Remember, paying off debt is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, consistent, and celebrate your victories along the way. You can do this!

Wishing you all the best on your successful budgeting journey

Love Susan x