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 […]
Continue readingSandwich 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 […]
Continue reading’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 […]
Continue readingNature’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 […]
Continue readingThe 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 […]
Continue readingCrypto 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 […]
Continue readingBuy to Let
To buy or not to buy… that is the question. “Real estate investing, even on a very small scale, remains a tried and true means of building an individual’s cash flow and wealth.” – Robert Kiyosaki Real estate investment has been around for thousands of years and is an asset class that has consistently proven itself over time. It is easy to understand the attraction of a buy-to-let property investment, which is considered a sound investment […]
Continue readingDualistic Thinking
Dualistic thinking assumes a universe where there are only two opposing, mutually incompatible options or realities. This type of thinking is either/or, good/bad, negative/positive, and has a significant impact on our beliefs and behaviours. Our development is stymied by dualistic thinking. The sooner we can break free from this either/or mindset, the sooner we can nurture greater success in the workplace and in our personal lives. This either/or mentality contributes to our fears and concerns by […]
Continue readingInflation Resilience
Inflation Concerns about rising inflation are brewing, particularly in the US. Similar concerns followed the 2009 financial crisis, yet the inflation that was widely expected never materialised. Who Cares? Equities, bonds, and direct property make up most of a family’s portfolio of investments. Property is inflation resilient if the rent you receive increases (at least) in line with inflation every year. Equities protect against inflation over the long term if the companies in your portfolio can […]
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