I was at a Christmas party the other night and one thing I noticed is that everyone seemed to be working a lot and hardly getting to see their families. I listened to a lot of conversations and was amazed at how much people want to upgrade all the time.
I’m not immune from wanting to upgrade things but I often wonder at what cost does this really come? I mean there were quite a few who had not seen their significant other all week. Literally, they were coming home at midnight only to have to leave at 5am. Others were tag teaming it, husband gets home, wife goes to work, also working weekends.
I understand with high interest rates and things the cost of living can be high and some people are locked into contracts and have no choice but many do have a choice and choose to live this way.
Personally I’d rather not upgrade or wait a bit longer and have more time with my family and doing things I loved. I have spent enough time with my husband working crazy hours and my kids pretty much never seeing him and him missing out on virtually every family event to never want to be in that situation again.
I am slowly upgrading things in my home such as our lounge, a new bedroom suite etc... but each thing is only being done when we have the cash for it. I could not justify going into debt just because I want things.
In Australia getting credit is getting harder but frankly it is still too easy and I still see so many getting in way over their heads.
Not long ago we got some new doors installed and did it on interest free terms. We could have paid cash with no discount or we could go interest free. I chose interest free as it means we can earn interest on our cash and pay the card in full before the due date 12 months later. We were told we would get sent a card and just needed to pay it off. We assumed the limit would be what we were purchasing. Not so. The limit was $14,000!! That’s right. With this card I could buy up big, especially when interest free offers were on, all I would have to do is swipe my card! Then if I didn’t pay it off in time they would make an absolute killing off me.
I was horrified. We rang up and dropped the limit to what we owed and have been paying it off so as not to pay interest at the end.
I mentioned this to my sister in law and said how easy it would be to max it out if I had no self control. She said if she had gotten it, it would’ve been maxed. The interest rate on this card is 10% more than most cards. 10 PERCENT! That is quite a difference. If you were to go on a low rate card the difference is a lot more.
So many people I know if given a card of this size would max it out purely because they want stuff. Then they would spend years paying for the stuff.
Yes, I like stuff, but I like not worrying about credit card bills and other debt. I like knowing we do not have to work 24/7 just to pay everyone else so we can have a big TV.
Are you living to keep up with the Joneses and have the latest or are you living life?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
7 ways to help your business
Being a business owner is not always easy and sometimes finding money to expand or even to start is hard. Here’s some ideas for finding extra money.
1.) Subletting part of your premises. There are many businesses that go hand in hand. If you are not offering a service similar to another business you could advertise or ask around to see if anyone might be interested in renting space from you. In one of the salons I worked they looked at the possibility of subletting one of the rooms in the back to a beautician, or the nail table to a nail technician or even renting chairs to hairdressers. There are a lot of options if you think outside the square.
2.) Apply for a Government grant. There are a variety of them out there to help small businesses. This site allows you to select your state and see what grants/workshops/assistance is available to you.
3.) Find sponsorship. With a good written proposal about the benefits of sponsoring your business and what you would like in terms of sponsorship you have a much better chance of other businesses saying, ok, I’ll help you.
4.) Find a silent partner. This is a big decision. A silent partner basically helps fund but not run the business and receives some profits in return. This might not be so easy if your business is not doing so well and it depends on how comfortable you are opening your business up to someone else. It can be a great help though.
5.) Business counseling and advice is available for free through the government. They have access to a lot of information and things to help. They might even be able to negotiate better deals for your current rent/loans/whatever is costing you a lot of money.
6.) Sell things on consignment. Is there a business which is compatible with yours which would be interested in having things in your business on consignment? It gives you the opportunity to sell things without paying for them first.
7.) Have a sale. A sale is what a lot of people do first but it is not always affective. Most people are looking for a big discount with sales and when you are in financial trouble it is not always possible to give a large discount.
If your business is costing you more and more money and you are just unable to keep up with expenses it might be time to consider closing. As hard as it is sometimes it is not worth holding onto a failing business. Some turn around and become profitable again, but many do not.
It might help to have someone sit down and look at it objectively to see if it is worth keeping or where you might be able to plug some leaks in the business budget.
1.) Subletting part of your premises. There are many businesses that go hand in hand. If you are not offering a service similar to another business you could advertise or ask around to see if anyone might be interested in renting space from you. In one of the salons I worked they looked at the possibility of subletting one of the rooms in the back to a beautician, or the nail table to a nail technician or even renting chairs to hairdressers. There are a lot of options if you think outside the square.
2.) Apply for a Government grant. There are a variety of them out there to help small businesses. This site allows you to select your state and see what grants/workshops/assistance is available to you.
3.) Find sponsorship. With a good written proposal about the benefits of sponsoring your business and what you would like in terms of sponsorship you have a much better chance of other businesses saying, ok, I’ll help you.
4.) Find a silent partner. This is a big decision. A silent partner basically helps fund but not run the business and receives some profits in return. This might not be so easy if your business is not doing so well and it depends on how comfortable you are opening your business up to someone else. It can be a great help though.
5.) Business counseling and advice is available for free through the government. They have access to a lot of information and things to help. They might even be able to negotiate better deals for your current rent/loans/whatever is costing you a lot of money.
6.) Sell things on consignment. Is there a business which is compatible with yours which would be interested in having things in your business on consignment? It gives you the opportunity to sell things without paying for them first.
7.) Have a sale. A sale is what a lot of people do first but it is not always affective. Most people are looking for a big discount with sales and when you are in financial trouble it is not always possible to give a large discount.
If your business is costing you more and more money and you are just unable to keep up with expenses it might be time to consider closing. As hard as it is sometimes it is not worth holding onto a failing business. Some turn around and become profitable again, but many do not.
It might help to have someone sit down and look at it objectively to see if it is worth keeping or where you might be able to plug some leaks in the business budget.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thinking BIG
I have been thinking a lot about what my dream house would be. I have been envisioning owning it in 2012, with no mortgage.
I used to think it was impossible because of how expensive the city I live in is and work opportunities are better here for my husband. I also didn’t want to live too far from our families, which greatly limited where I could buy.
Donald Trump said “You have to think anyway so think BIG!”
I agree with this whole heartedly. Why waste your thoughts on something smaller when if you focussed your energies on something bigger you are more likely to achieve the bigger goal?
You may or may not have heard the following poem, but its one I love and I think could be applied in many situations, not just financial.
I bargained with Life for a penny
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;
For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.
I worked for a menial’s hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid
~ Jessie Belle Rittenhouse (1869–1948)
This is why I decided last year I wanted to be a millionaire. On here I simply put millionaire but in my mind I wanted to be totally financially free.
On here I said I wanted it by 2015, my 30th birthday, in reality and in my mind, I wanted it well before that.
I put $1,000,000 in cash and assets by my 30th birthday because I thought it was achievable. It would stretch me but I knew I could do it. I didn’t want to reach too far and fail online for the whole world to see. I was too scared to put myself out there fully, but I am going to now.
My REAL goal is to be financially free at 28. I will have enough properties and shares to live off the rent and dividends. I will own all my property outright. I will be doing what I love and my husband won’t have to work. I will have a house on the beach. I will have what I have always dreamed of.
There is no reason I can’t achieve this. I am thinking BIG. I am not focussing on the figures I am simply focussing on what I will achieve.
I want this for my family. My husband has done unusual hours and worked hard our whole marriage. I feel like my daughters and I hardly get to see him because of his work. I feel like he misses out on so many family events because of work. I do not want his work getting in the way of life any more.
Obviously there is an amount we need to be generating in income to be financially free and we need ways to be able to achieve that. I know that by having this as our goal and working towards it things will happen to make it possible.
I used to think it was impossible because of how expensive the city I live in is and work opportunities are better here for my husband. I also didn’t want to live too far from our families, which greatly limited where I could buy.
Donald Trump said “You have to think anyway so think BIG!”
I agree with this whole heartedly. Why waste your thoughts on something smaller when if you focussed your energies on something bigger you are more likely to achieve the bigger goal?
You may or may not have heard the following poem, but its one I love and I think could be applied in many situations, not just financial.
I bargained with Life for a penny
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;
For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.
I worked for a menial’s hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid
~ Jessie Belle Rittenhouse (1869–1948)
This is why I decided last year I wanted to be a millionaire. On here I simply put millionaire but in my mind I wanted to be totally financially free.
On here I said I wanted it by 2015, my 30th birthday, in reality and in my mind, I wanted it well before that.
I put $1,000,000 in cash and assets by my 30th birthday because I thought it was achievable. It would stretch me but I knew I could do it. I didn’t want to reach too far and fail online for the whole world to see. I was too scared to put myself out there fully, but I am going to now.
My REAL goal is to be financially free at 28. I will have enough properties and shares to live off the rent and dividends. I will own all my property outright. I will be doing what I love and my husband won’t have to work. I will have a house on the beach. I will have what I have always dreamed of.
There is no reason I can’t achieve this. I am thinking BIG. I am not focussing on the figures I am simply focussing on what I will achieve.
I want this for my family. My husband has done unusual hours and worked hard our whole marriage. I feel like my daughters and I hardly get to see him because of his work. I feel like he misses out on so many family events because of work. I do not want his work getting in the way of life any more.
Obviously there is an amount we need to be generating in income to be financially free and we need ways to be able to achieve that. I know that by having this as our goal and working towards it things will happen to make it possible.
Monday, November 15, 2010
This weeks moment of clarity
This past week I have been really unwell. I have had a few problems, but one particular problem knocked me flat for a few days and at a terrible time for me. My husband’s brother got married on the weekend and I was so sick, I nearly fainted a few times, I felt so bad because I wasn’t able to enjoy their day with them properly. I was there, but so dazed I was almost not there.
What’s my point?
It made me look at my life again. I have been full steam ahead with projects of mine which is good, but I got my priorities all out of whack. I have been so focussed on getting a few things done that I forgot about everything else.
This week, being unable to do much for very long without passing out gave me the opportunity to look at how I am spending my time.
I have a few things I want done before the end of the year. I am studying and wanted to finish the first part of my diploma by the end of December. I can ask for an extension, so if I feel I won’t be able to complete it, all is not lost.
I am renovating my house and have some new furniture arriving the week of Christmas so need some rooms completed in the house. Also we want to sell it, so are trying to get it all done as quickly as possible.
I have a new project which came up about a month ago. It is very exciting and I have been working hard on it, but I have not been using my time to the best of my ability for it.
Besides those three big things are my daughters. Lately I have been feeling like I am not spending enough quality time with them. I have been so focussed on finishing the house and things that I tend to want to do things myself simply because it is quicker.
I realised this week I need to slow down and spend more time with them. They are what is most important to me. They are what really matters. Yes, my other 3 big priorities affect them and will benefit them long term, but I do not want them growing up without a relationship with me and feeling like their parents were there, but not really if that makes sense.
I happened to be reading my newsfeed on facebook just a little while ago and I happened upon a blog update from I am wicked cheap about her project 365 days to a wicked great mom. She is aiming to spend some quality time with at least one of her kids every day.
It really hit home to me and is something I am going to aim to do from now on. I am still focussed on my other priorities but I need to ACT on my priorities, not just say my daughters are number 1. I need to make them number 1!
This week was a moment of clarity for me. I have these from time to time and this week it was so clear what I need to change in my life.
Are there things you need to change to reflect your priorities?
Click on the button above if you'd like to read more about I am wicked cheap's 365 project or if you'd like to join in too.
What’s my point?
It made me look at my life again. I have been full steam ahead with projects of mine which is good, but I got my priorities all out of whack. I have been so focussed on getting a few things done that I forgot about everything else.
This week, being unable to do much for very long without passing out gave me the opportunity to look at how I am spending my time.
I have a few things I want done before the end of the year. I am studying and wanted to finish the first part of my diploma by the end of December. I can ask for an extension, so if I feel I won’t be able to complete it, all is not lost.
I am renovating my house and have some new furniture arriving the week of Christmas so need some rooms completed in the house. Also we want to sell it, so are trying to get it all done as quickly as possible.
I have a new project which came up about a month ago. It is very exciting and I have been working hard on it, but I have not been using my time to the best of my ability for it.
Besides those three big things are my daughters. Lately I have been feeling like I am not spending enough quality time with them. I have been so focussed on finishing the house and things that I tend to want to do things myself simply because it is quicker.
I realised this week I need to slow down and spend more time with them. They are what is most important to me. They are what really matters. Yes, my other 3 big priorities affect them and will benefit them long term, but I do not want them growing up without a relationship with me and feeling like their parents were there, but not really if that makes sense.
I happened to be reading my newsfeed on facebook just a little while ago and I happened upon a blog update from I am wicked cheap about her project 365 days to a wicked great mom. She is aiming to spend some quality time with at least one of her kids every day.
It really hit home to me and is something I am going to aim to do from now on. I am still focussed on my other priorities but I need to ACT on my priorities, not just say my daughters are number 1. I need to make them number 1!
This week was a moment of clarity for me. I have these from time to time and this week it was so clear what I need to change in my life.
Are there things you need to change to reflect your priorities?
Click on the button above if you'd like to read more about I am wicked cheap's 365 project or if you'd like to join in too.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Not Buying It
I bought the book "Not Buying It" by Judith Levine recently and was pretty excited about reading it. This week I finally had some time and I must say I am a little disappointed.
I don't know what I was expecting, but I found it hard to really get into. It is about her year of not buying anything unneccessary, which she does pretty well at, but I just can't seem to connect with her through the book. I like to connect with characters in a book I am reading, especially if it an about me/something I did book and I don't get that with it.
I do think it is a great idea and she does very well at it. I think more people should re-evaluate their lives and consider buying less.
I didn't agree with some of her tactics such as letting friends pay for everything. Her friends knew the "only way" to spend time with her was to pay for her. I disagree. She could have sought a variety of ways to entertain for free instead of having them pay all the time.
I just found th ebook to not really flow well and I just couldn't get into it. If it is on your list of books to read I would reccommend getting it from the library (like I should have).
I don't know what I was expecting, but I found it hard to really get into. It is about her year of not buying anything unneccessary, which she does pretty well at, but I just can't seem to connect with her through the book. I like to connect with characters in a book I am reading, especially if it an about me/something I did book and I don't get that with it.
I do think it is a great idea and she does very well at it. I think more people should re-evaluate their lives and consider buying less.
I didn't agree with some of her tactics such as letting friends pay for everything. Her friends knew the "only way" to spend time with her was to pay for her. I disagree. She could have sought a variety of ways to entertain for free instead of having them pay all the time.
I just found th ebook to not really flow well and I just couldn't get into it. If it is on your list of books to read I would reccommend getting it from the library (like I should have).
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Being lazy gets expensive
I realised today just how expensive being lazy can be. There are so many things when if dealt with straight away or done differently can save you so much money.
It occurred to me when I was hanging out my washing. It was a rather warm and humid day today and I just did not feel like going outside to hang my washing. I did it and as I did it got me thinking just how many things cost me money because I am too lazy.
You see, I could have put them in the dryer. It only costs about $1 to run a load, but since I end up doing a load almost every day, that’s almost $365 a year.
There are other things such as take away once a week for $30 (I don’t do this, I am using it as an example), not switching off electrical appliances when they aren’t in use, not treating stains on my clothes as soon as I spill something, not planning meals properly then buying too much food and throwing it out, not grouping errands to save fuel, wear and tear on the car, not paying bills on time and getting late fees, these are just a few of the things I thought of.
Not to mention the health problems associated with being lazy. If you are too lazy to cook dinner and grab take away chances are it won’t be healthy. If you are too lazy to walk to the shops within walking distance and drive instead, if you are too lazy to do any exercise you will end up putting on weight. Eat unhealthy foods and not exercising leads to all sorts of health problems. Not only are they expensive to treat but your whole quality of life changes.
Going back to the take away and other small things we do because “we can’t be bothered doing it properly/frugally”, whilst they may seem small, have you ever added them up?
Take away once a week = $30wk/$1560yr
Standby rates on electricals = $400+ yr
Ruing clothes = $200+
Extra errands = $20 wk/$1040yr
Late fees = $200 +yr
These are just a few minor things yet they add up to $3400+. That is a few thousand dollars a year. Imagine if you looked at all the “little” things this way and added up their annual value. Would it scare you?
Not only do these little things add up they can result in missed opportunities. Watching these little things and changing our lazy habits can result in money for a house deposit, the money to start a business, invest in shares or a dream holiday.
I realise sometimes we are just too tired to do things, but more often than not it is sheer laziness that stops us from doing things we know we should, but just can’t be bothered.
How do you change that? Baby steps.
1.) Pick one habit you could change and work on it at first. Don’t try and change everything at once or it will overwhelm you and you won’t change a thing.
2.) Be diligent and consistent. It takes work to change habits, it doesn’t happen instantly. You took time to form these habits, now it will take time to change or break them.
3.) Get enough sleep. If your laziness is a result of being too tired, go to bed earlier. If you are staying up to watch a TV show or play video games you really have no excuse, it is a waste of time and it is costing you money.
4.) Recognise the changes you have made and be proud of yourself.
It is hard to change but it is worth it. Tiny things add up and whilst it may only be a few cents here, one dollar there it all adds up.
Take care of the cents and the dollars take care of themselves.
It occurred to me when I was hanging out my washing. It was a rather warm and humid day today and I just did not feel like going outside to hang my washing. I did it and as I did it got me thinking just how many things cost me money because I am too lazy.
You see, I could have put them in the dryer. It only costs about $1 to run a load, but since I end up doing a load almost every day, that’s almost $365 a year.
There are other things such as take away once a week for $30 (I don’t do this, I am using it as an example), not switching off electrical appliances when they aren’t in use, not treating stains on my clothes as soon as I spill something, not planning meals properly then buying too much food and throwing it out, not grouping errands to save fuel, wear and tear on the car, not paying bills on time and getting late fees, these are just a few of the things I thought of.
Not to mention the health problems associated with being lazy. If you are too lazy to cook dinner and grab take away chances are it won’t be healthy. If you are too lazy to walk to the shops within walking distance and drive instead, if you are too lazy to do any exercise you will end up putting on weight. Eat unhealthy foods and not exercising leads to all sorts of health problems. Not only are they expensive to treat but your whole quality of life changes.
Going back to the take away and other small things we do because “we can’t be bothered doing it properly/frugally”, whilst they may seem small, have you ever added them up?
Take away once a week = $30wk/$1560yr
Standby rates on electricals = $400+ yr
Ruing clothes = $200+
Extra errands = $20 wk/$1040yr
Late fees = $200 +yr
These are just a few minor things yet they add up to $3400+. That is a few thousand dollars a year. Imagine if you looked at all the “little” things this way and added up their annual value. Would it scare you?
Not only do these little things add up they can result in missed opportunities. Watching these little things and changing our lazy habits can result in money for a house deposit, the money to start a business, invest in shares or a dream holiday.
I realise sometimes we are just too tired to do things, but more often than not it is sheer laziness that stops us from doing things we know we should, but just can’t be bothered.
How do you change that? Baby steps.
1.) Pick one habit you could change and work on it at first. Don’t try and change everything at once or it will overwhelm you and you won’t change a thing.
2.) Be diligent and consistent. It takes work to change habits, it doesn’t happen instantly. You took time to form these habits, now it will take time to change or break them.
3.) Get enough sleep. If your laziness is a result of being too tired, go to bed earlier. If you are staying up to watch a TV show or play video games you really have no excuse, it is a waste of time and it is costing you money.
4.) Recognise the changes you have made and be proud of yourself.
It is hard to change but it is worth it. Tiny things add up and whilst it may only be a few cents here, one dollar there it all adds up.
Take care of the cents and the dollars take care of themselves.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Mini Update
I thought it might be time for an update on what I have been up to and how I am doing.
Things are a bit all over the place at the moment. I moved interstate a few weeks ago, but my house was so badly damaged from the tenants I have spent those weeks just trying to repair it. It is coming along nicely though and should hopefully be mostly finished by Christmas.
So far I have had to bleach and scrub the entire house, sand back, putty and repaint walls and ceilings, taken rubbish to the dump (thanks to my big brother and his car and dads trailer), bought new lights to replace these ones, priced curtains, new kitchen, floor boards and driveway. There is a lot of work to do. Some is being handled by professionals, some by us.
My shares are performing well and I will be buying more soon. I have been watching shares I am considering buying, and so far all the ones I like seem to increase or maintain sort of level, no major drops in prices, so that is good.
I have been looking at property in the area we are now living in. I wanted to move back to Canberra originally, but some things have come up since I moved and it is better to stay here.
I am busy with a new project which I am EXTREMELY excited about. I won’t tell you much right now, but when it is further into happening I will. It was something suggested to me, not something I thought of myself and the person who suggested has been helping heaps, so fingers crossed it all goes well. (That was a bit cryptic, I know, sorry. You’ll know more soon! Promise.)
I didn’t get to have a garage sale before we left, but I have a date set to do one here, provided nothing comes up. It seems I have something on every Saturday almost from now until Christmas! There a lot of stuff still in boxes here and some of it I am thinking I will just sell.
My book, 26 Ingredients has been going ok, not fantastic. I have some plans for it next year so hopefully that will help it along.
I have cashed out quite a few survey rewards lately which has been really nice and helpful. I now have gift cards for Christmas presents, some of the renovations here and some cash.
Paybox.me is progressing well. I log in daily, do some a survey and get paid. I wrote about it here. It is not money in my hand yet, but if it does work it will be a nice amount.
My total hasn’t changed much in the last few months, in fact it has only gone up by a few thousand, so I am just above the $50,000 mark. One thing I have found hard now is not spending it. I have seen so many things I want to buy, but need to realise that I just can’t have everything.
The long term reward of saving, investing and being financially free is much better than a new hand bag!
Things are a bit all over the place at the moment. I moved interstate a few weeks ago, but my house was so badly damaged from the tenants I have spent those weeks just trying to repair it. It is coming along nicely though and should hopefully be mostly finished by Christmas.
So far I have had to bleach and scrub the entire house, sand back, putty and repaint walls and ceilings, taken rubbish to the dump (thanks to my big brother and his car and dads trailer), bought new lights to replace these ones, priced curtains, new kitchen, floor boards and driveway. There is a lot of work to do. Some is being handled by professionals, some by us.
My shares are performing well and I will be buying more soon. I have been watching shares I am considering buying, and so far all the ones I like seem to increase or maintain sort of level, no major drops in prices, so that is good.
I have been looking at property in the area we are now living in. I wanted to move back to Canberra originally, but some things have come up since I moved and it is better to stay here.
I am busy with a new project which I am EXTREMELY excited about. I won’t tell you much right now, but when it is further into happening I will. It was something suggested to me, not something I thought of myself and the person who suggested has been helping heaps, so fingers crossed it all goes well. (That was a bit cryptic, I know, sorry. You’ll know more soon! Promise.)
I didn’t get to have a garage sale before we left, but I have a date set to do one here, provided nothing comes up. It seems I have something on every Saturday almost from now until Christmas! There a lot of stuff still in boxes here and some of it I am thinking I will just sell.
My book, 26 Ingredients has been going ok, not fantastic. I have some plans for it next year so hopefully that will help it along.
I have cashed out quite a few survey rewards lately which has been really nice and helpful. I now have gift cards for Christmas presents, some of the renovations here and some cash.
Paybox.me is progressing well. I log in daily, do some a survey and get paid. I wrote about it here. It is not money in my hand yet, but if it does work it will be a nice amount.
My total hasn’t changed much in the last few months, in fact it has only gone up by a few thousand, so I am just above the $50,000 mark. One thing I have found hard now is not spending it. I have seen so many things I want to buy, but need to realise that I just can’t have everything.
The long term reward of saving, investing and being financially free is much better than a new hand bag!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
26 Ingredients on sale!! Limited time
For this month only 26 Ingredients is a special discounted price, just in time for Christmas. It is only $19.95 + $3 p&h. Only when bought from here though.
25% of the royalty from 26 Ingredients goes to Yasminahs Gift of Hope who provide journals and other resources of help and comfort to the parents of those who suffer miscarriages, premature births, still births and neonatal death.
* This offer is only for Australian residents
Keeping a time diary
Keeping a time diary is a great way to see how you really use your time and what habits you can change to find the time you need for all those little things that just never get done due to lack of time.
I think most of us would be surprised at the amount of time we waste. Not every minute of every day needs to be productive, we are supposed to have wind down/chill out time. I am sure though we watch more TV, surf useless sites, hang out on facebook much more than we realise.
Would you keep a time diary to see where you could find time?
Since we are all given 24 hours a day the only way to ‘find time’ is to use the time we have efficiently.
You don’t need to keep the diary forever. 1 week would give a decent indication of what is going on. 1 month would be better. All you have to do is write down the time you spend doing things.
For example
7 am – 8:30am woke up, got ready
8:30am – 9am travelled to work
9am – 12:30pm work
12:30 – 1:30 lunch and chatting with colleagues
1:30 – 5pm work
5pm – 5:30pm travel home
5:30 – 6:30 cooked dinner
6:30 – 7pm ate dinner
7pm – 7:30 cleaned up
7:30 – 9:30 TV
9:30 – 11:00 got things ready for the next day, surfed the net, got ready for bed
11:00pm – 7am sleep
Now for many this is a pretty typical day. Your commute might be longer or shorter, you might spend less time watching Tv or surfing the net, might go to bed earlier etc... This is just a generalization.
Looking at it more closely we can see that a lot of time is wasted watching TV and surfing the net. But look at some of the smaller things, like getting ready – is there anything you can do to make this faster?
If you spent 2 hours on the weekend or on one night making a few meals you could freeze some which would free up time cooking dinner. Yes it takes a bit of time to make a few meals, but if you are preparing all your meals for the week in one 2 hour block, it will save you close to 5 hours each week.
If you saved 30 minutes each morning getting ready, that’s 182.5 hours a year or 7.6 days, that’s just over 1 entire week.
If you save 5 hours a week when cooking that’s 260 hours a year or 10 days!
If you stopped watching TV that’s 728 hours saved or a whole month! That’s right 30 entire days.
Obviously your time would be different, but isn’t it amazing. I mean just changing those 3 things would result in 1170 hours a year/48 days/almost 7 weeks! What could you do with that much time?
There’s other little changes you could make too. Say you want to learn another language, why not do it on your commute to work. If you drive, just pop the cd in and you would have 1 hour each work day where you are learning. Don’t drive? Are there books you have always wanted to read but never got around to? Are there things you could do online via your phone e.g. pay bills, blog, emails etc...
Don’t just view time like that as wasted time. Put it to use. Re-evaluate your day and what you are doing with it.
Other things to think about are do you function better with more sleep? Are you a morning person or an evening person? Change things in your schedule to suit your body clock.
I know I am more productive when I have had a decent amount of sleep. I used to think I was an evening person, but I think that is just because I got used to staying up late and sleeping in. Now I go to bed earlier, I sleep better and feel much better the next day.
What things can you change or do you view as time wasters?
I think most of us would be surprised at the amount of time we waste. Not every minute of every day needs to be productive, we are supposed to have wind down/chill out time. I am sure though we watch more TV, surf useless sites, hang out on facebook much more than we realise.
Would you keep a time diary to see where you could find time?
Since we are all given 24 hours a day the only way to ‘find time’ is to use the time we have efficiently.
You don’t need to keep the diary forever. 1 week would give a decent indication of what is going on. 1 month would be better. All you have to do is write down the time you spend doing things.
For example
7 am – 8:30am woke up, got ready
8:30am – 9am travelled to work
9am – 12:30pm work
12:30 – 1:30 lunch and chatting with colleagues
1:30 – 5pm work
5pm – 5:30pm travel home
5:30 – 6:30 cooked dinner
6:30 – 7pm ate dinner
7pm – 7:30 cleaned up
7:30 – 9:30 TV
9:30 – 11:00 got things ready for the next day, surfed the net, got ready for bed
11:00pm – 7am sleep
Now for many this is a pretty typical day. Your commute might be longer or shorter, you might spend less time watching Tv or surfing the net, might go to bed earlier etc... This is just a generalization.
Looking at it more closely we can see that a lot of time is wasted watching TV and surfing the net. But look at some of the smaller things, like getting ready – is there anything you can do to make this faster?
If you spent 2 hours on the weekend or on one night making a few meals you could freeze some which would free up time cooking dinner. Yes it takes a bit of time to make a few meals, but if you are preparing all your meals for the week in one 2 hour block, it will save you close to 5 hours each week.
If you saved 30 minutes each morning getting ready, that’s 182.5 hours a year or 7.6 days, that’s just over 1 entire week.
If you save 5 hours a week when cooking that’s 260 hours a year or 10 days!
If you stopped watching TV that’s 728 hours saved or a whole month! That’s right 30 entire days.
Obviously your time would be different, but isn’t it amazing. I mean just changing those 3 things would result in 1170 hours a year/48 days/almost 7 weeks! What could you do with that much time?
There’s other little changes you could make too. Say you want to learn another language, why not do it on your commute to work. If you drive, just pop the cd in and you would have 1 hour each work day where you are learning. Don’t drive? Are there books you have always wanted to read but never got around to? Are there things you could do online via your phone e.g. pay bills, blog, emails etc...
Don’t just view time like that as wasted time. Put it to use. Re-evaluate your day and what you are doing with it.
Other things to think about are do you function better with more sleep? Are you a morning person or an evening person? Change things in your schedule to suit your body clock.
I know I am more productive when I have had a decent amount of sleep. I used to think I was an evening person, but I think that is just because I got used to staying up late and sleeping in. Now I go to bed earlier, I sleep better and feel much better the next day.
What things can you change or do you view as time wasters?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Can you provide? Getting an education
I have been thinking a lot about being a parent, in particular and at home parent. I’ve watched those close to me separate/divorce/become widows/have their partner permanently disabled/lost their job/partner lose job etc... and it got me thinking...
Besides an emergency fund, could you provide for the family if your partner was no longer around/unable to provide? I know so many people who could not. They have no qualifications, no work experience, no idea of how to provide financially.
My parents always encouraged us to get an education, something to fall back on if anything were to happen. We were encouraged to be at home mums, hence the “if something happens”. Also the possibility of no kids scenario.
Many people feel once they have kids they can’t do study or need to wait until their kids are much older to get a qualification in something. This is not the case. It can be harder to study with kids but it is not impossible. Besides, the earlier you get that qualification, the quicker you can earn money with it.
The traditional going to school full time is not the only way to get an education. There are many courses by correspondence. Many schools will also help work out a plan for you, working around your children to enable you to go to school part time. I have had a few friends do this and they now have employment they never thought they’d have.
Many occupations can be done from your home. Once you have finished your study you may be able to set up a business from home. This is especially beneficial if you can work it around your children. If anything happens to your partner you would have immediate income, which is not affected by kids school/activities etc...
Getting an education and qualifications also gives a sense of confidence. You have power. Why? Well, you know you can take care of yourself and your family.
There are so many ways you can make money and so many professions you can do from home.
What’s stopping you?
Work out what it is that is holding you back. How can you change that?
Just too hard with the kids? Could you organise a babysitting club so you can have some no cost child free time?
Not enough time? Keep a time diary for a week. Basically write down what you are doing all the time. How long did you spend on different things? It might surprise you to see you are wasting 10 hours watching TV. I don’t even own a TV anymore. They drain so much time. Do you spend way too much time surfing the net for nothing, just because you are bored? Could you alternate your current work times so you are not travelling in peak hour? This could free up a few hours a week.
No support/no one believes you can? I know you are capable of more than you can imagine. It is simply a matter of applying yourself and pushing through. It can be hard with so much negativity, especially when it is those closest to you who put you down. Can you distance yourself from them a little? If it is friends who are always negative, you don’t need them. They are not really your friends. You want positive people in your life.
What other excuses/reasons do you have? Maybe we can help you find a solution. Leave a comment to let us know.
Joining Soap Box Sunday. I may not have ranted and raved as much as I could have, but I am passionate about this! Click here to check it out
Besides an emergency fund, could you provide for the family if your partner was no longer around/unable to provide? I know so many people who could not. They have no qualifications, no work experience, no idea of how to provide financially.
My parents always encouraged us to get an education, something to fall back on if anything were to happen. We were encouraged to be at home mums, hence the “if something happens”. Also the possibility of no kids scenario.
Many people feel once they have kids they can’t do study or need to wait until their kids are much older to get a qualification in something. This is not the case. It can be harder to study with kids but it is not impossible. Besides, the earlier you get that qualification, the quicker you can earn money with it.
The traditional going to school full time is not the only way to get an education. There are many courses by correspondence. Many schools will also help work out a plan for you, working around your children to enable you to go to school part time. I have had a few friends do this and they now have employment they never thought they’d have.
Many occupations can be done from your home. Once you have finished your study you may be able to set up a business from home. This is especially beneficial if you can work it around your children. If anything happens to your partner you would have immediate income, which is not affected by kids school/activities etc...
Getting an education and qualifications also gives a sense of confidence. You have power. Why? Well, you know you can take care of yourself and your family.
There are so many ways you can make money and so many professions you can do from home.
What’s stopping you?
Work out what it is that is holding you back. How can you change that?
Just too hard with the kids? Could you organise a babysitting club so you can have some no cost child free time?
Not enough time? Keep a time diary for a week. Basically write down what you are doing all the time. How long did you spend on different things? It might surprise you to see you are wasting 10 hours watching TV. I don’t even own a TV anymore. They drain so much time. Do you spend way too much time surfing the net for nothing, just because you are bored? Could you alternate your current work times so you are not travelling in peak hour? This could free up a few hours a week.
No support/no one believes you can? I know you are capable of more than you can imagine. It is simply a matter of applying yourself and pushing through. It can be hard with so much negativity, especially when it is those closest to you who put you down. Can you distance yourself from them a little? If it is friends who are always negative, you don’t need them. They are not really your friends. You want positive people in your life.
What other excuses/reasons do you have? Maybe we can help you find a solution. Leave a comment to let us know.
Joining Soap Box Sunday. I may not have ranted and raved as much as I could have, but I am passionate about this! Click here to check it out
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