There is a thin veneer over everything. When we are distracted by news streams, overwhelmed by direct messaging and tired from keeping up with the Joneses, it’s easy to create a veneer that allows us to store and process more information without having to delve deeper into what’s actually going on beneath the surface. It’s here that paradoxes are formed, and we can miss out on value when we aren’t able to dig deeper and find […]
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Is anchoring holding you back?
One of the challenges of financial planning is its complexity. Not only is it mathematically layered, but it’s also fraught with bias and emotional influence. For most of us, we only scratch the surface of about seven areas of financial planning and allow experts to make recommendations and decisions that will hopefully create a better financial position for us in the future. When it comes to investing (just one area in about seven), there are loads […]
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Stop Seeking – Start Centering
Paradigm-shifting paradoxes Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside awakens. ~ Carl Jung The further we journey in life, the more we realise that life is full of paradoxes. If we can begin to see the opposites around us, and how they can work together for our peace of mind and our success, we can then begin to thrive. You will not find what […]
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The miracle of Meraki
In every culture and creed, there are traditions and philosophies about how to experience the best that life has in store for us, whilst overcoming trials and tragedies. From mindfulness to healthy eating, from exercise to stress management – we are often reminded that what we put in is what we get out. Somewhere, in all of these pragmatic approaches, we can lose sight of the meaning of what we’re putting in, and become focused on […]
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Let’s get schooled
Life as we knew it has changed on so many levels since the pandemic hit. It has created space for people to reconsider options that best meet their needs – in all areas of life. Schooling is one such area that has changed, both in itself and as a choice for those readapting to life in current times. For some, it has been a necessary decision for financial reasons – perhaps due to job loss or […]
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Sandwich generation
The sandwich generation refers to working-age individuals who are in the precarious position of looking after their growing children and caring for elderly parents. They are effectively “sandwiched” between the responsibilities of caring for their children, who require financial, physical, and emotional support, and caring for their ageing parents, who may be unwell, incapable of performing certain activities, or in need of financial assistance. Increasing lifespans and having children at an older age have contributed to […]
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’Til debt do us part
Money problems can derail a relationship. “Money may not buy love, but fighting about it will bankrupt your relationship.” — Michelle Singletary, Author & Award-Winning Personal Finance Columnist for The Washington Post. In her book, “Your Money and Your Man: How You and Prince Charming Can Spend Well and Live Rich,” not only does she offer practical advice for women on how to manage, plan and invest their finances, but she addresses the emotional aspects of […]
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Nature’s the best medicine
When last did you deeply consider the value of spending time outdoors? “Nature itself is the best physician.” – Hippocrates Evidence supporting this age-old philosophy has only continued to grow over time. Now, more than ever, we have drifted further from nature and into predominantly urban living; it is vital to realise the importance of reconnecting to nature. With lockdowns and WFH an ever-present factor in our daily lives, we need to create awareness around activities […]
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The nourishment of nature
A breath of fresh air, the sun on our faces, bare feet in the sand. Spending time outside can provide many small pleasures, which all leave us feeling revitalised. Whether it’s sipping ice-cold lemonade in our backyard or hiking up a mountain, spending time in nature has numerous benefits beyond the obvious. There have been many studies outlining the positive mental effects of being immersed in nature. For example, the University of Michigan conducted a study […]
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Crypto can be taxing
One of the early appeals for cryptocurrencies was that they would not be taxed as they are not fiat currencies (yet), in that they are not owned by a country or used for trade inside of geographical tender regulations. However, as these platforms grow and develop, we are seeing that this is most likely not the case. According to several governments, cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are classified as “intangible assets” – as opposed to, say, property […]
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