Category Archives: LIFE

Crafting a life that balances action with introspection, peace with productivity, is an art form in itself. In moments of stress or uncertainty, turning to specific practices can provide solace, clarity, and rejuvenation. It’s a tough challenge when we simply think about our schedule or responsibilities, but it’s even tougher when we think about managingContinue reading “When pausing becomes productive”

In a world that often glorifies the “stay positive” mantra, it’s easy to fall into the trap of toxic positivity — the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation, people should maintain a positive mindset. But is there such a thing as too much positivity? According to Dr. Susan David, a psychologistContinue reading “Embracing emotional honesty”

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to push aside the administrative tasks that seem daunting or time-consuming. Yet, when tax season rolls around, many find themselves overwhelmed by the mountain of financial paperwork that has piled up. The principle of tackling big tasks in small, manageable chunks isn’t new, but it’sContinue reading “Smaller, manageable chunks, today”

In the journey of life, courage is often the unsung hero that propels us toward change and growth. It’s the force that challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Bonnie Garmus aptly reminds us, “Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed toContinue reading “Courage: The catalyst for personal and financial transformation”

Change, a constant companion in our journey through life, often becomes a focal point as we transition into a new year. However, its principles are timeless, transcending the boundaries of calendars and seasons. The essence of change lies in grand resolutions and the subtle shifts of our everyday choices – from our thoughts and attitudesContinue reading “The ripple effect of change”

At any moment during the year, finding the space to pause and reflect is more than just a breather; it’s a chance for a transformative new start. It’s an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind, to reassess and to break free from the habitual patterns that often govern our approach to planning andContinue reading “Revitalising your planning approach”

“He’s making a list, and checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.” You’ve probably heard that line once or twice, right? For those who celebrate Christmas, there’s a tradition that speaks to Santa Claus having two lists, and only the kids on the nice list (good and well-behaved)… get gifts. Interestingly, thisContinue reading “The only list you have to worry about”

Life only seems to get busier – no matter how hard we try to slow things down. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of viewing tasks and responsibilities as burdens, things we ‘have to’ do. This mindset, often a default setting, can make our days feel heavy and obligatory. But what if we couldContinue reading “The Power of ‘Get To’ Over ‘Have To’”

In the rhythmic and deceptively unpredictable day-in and day-out of our calendars, there are moments when our wallets feel significantly lighter. The end of the year, with its festive sparkle and cheer, often brings a flurry of spending that can leave many of us dizzy. It’s not just the holidays, though. Think about that oneContinue reading “The relationships we cherish and celebrate”

The Ballad of Golden Means In sooth, a tale of coin oft told, Doth shake the hearts of young and old; For lucre’s siren song entwines The very core of mortal lines. Yet, shall we to this master bow? Or find we balance ‘twixt the bough? In measure fair and wisdom’s sight, Let not theContinue reading “The Ballad of Golden Means”

The concept of ‘enough’ remains as elusive as the horizon — always visible yet forever just out of reach. This is particularly true in our relationship with money, a relationship that often mirrors the depths of human desire and the complexities of contentment. The nature of enough is a philosophical rabbit hole. On the oneContinue reading “Why we may never have ‘enough’”

Our daily existence is a series of patterns and habits, some as visible as the paths we walk, others as intimate as the thoughts we entertain. Within this daily walk, each choice of habit — whether tied to our finances, our health, or our personal growth — has the potential to either constrain or liberateContinue reading “Where habits and wealth intersect”

We’ve all been there: that moment when life throws you a curveball and stress builds up. Your palms might get sweaty, your heart rate spikes, or perhaps you feel a pit in your stomach. But have you ever thought about how this stress manifests in your financial behaviour? Understanding your ‘money stress language’ could beContinue reading “How do you express stress with your money?”

Have you ever wondered why some financial decisions are harder to make than others? It’s not always just about the numbers or the facts laid out in a spreadsheet. Deep down, emotions, stress, and even past experiences like threats and trauma play a significant role in how we manage our finances.  This is incredibly importantContinue reading “Threat, Stress, and Trauma: The unspoken influences on your money personality”

You’re looking for more than a number-cruncher when seeking integrated financial planning services. This is because you’re essentially seeking a partner in a very critical area of your life—your financial future. And much like any other meaningful relationship, the foundation isn’t just built on expertise but also on mutual values and shared culture.  Simon SinekContinue reading “Understanding the role of culture in your financial journey”

The Psychology of Financial Planning Have you ever found yourself spiralling down a mental rabbit hole, arriving at a worrying conclusion about your finances without consciously deciding to ponder over it? If so, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. The Power of Thought Patterns  Humans naturally develop schemas, or cognitive frameworks, to understandContinue reading “Rewiring your financial mindset (I)”

Our lives are saturated with information, so it’s important to scrutinise what we consume, especially when it comes to financial news and our use of social media. The core objective of social media isn’t necessarily to make you a more informed member of society. Instead, it’s driven by the motive to capture your attention, toContinue reading “Entertained or educated?”

The lines between personal beliefs and universal truths often blur, and the role of a financial planner becomes ever more critical. As we wade through the waters of modern finance, it’s easy to be swayed by popular opinion or individualised perceptions of reality.  But what’s vital is ensuring that our decisions are made based onContinue reading “Finding the truth in a “My Truth” world”

You know how sometimes we tend to procrastinate when it comes to our finances? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Procrastination can be a major roadblock to achieving our financial goals. But did you know that Nancy Kline’s Time to Think methodology can help us overcome that? It’s all about creating a thinking environment that encouragesContinue reading “Time to think about money – Part 4”

The Real Purpose Behind Financial Planning When we talk about financial planning, what springs to mind? For many, it might conjure up images of spreadsheets, complex investment strategies, or even a necessary evil to ensure we’re being “responsible.” However, approaching financial planning as merely a task to check off our to-do list may be sellingContinue reading “More than just checking the boxes”

Information is at our fingertips, and artificial intelligence continually surpasses human capabilities in specific tasks; the landscape of valuable skills is evolving.  According to Dr Susan David, while technical know-how remains crucial, it’s quickly becoming commoditised. As a result, the pendulum is swinging towards the intrinsic value of distinctly human skills, finding and forging momentsContinue reading “The rising currency of human skills”

Trust is a crucial component of any successful financial relationship. Trust plays a huge role in making things work, whether it’s with your spouse, financial advisor, or business partner. And one way to build that trust is through the art of listening, which is a central idea in Nancy Kline’s Time to Think methodology. AsContinue reading “Time to think about money – Part 3”

In a few recent blogs, we’ve considered our money stories and how we can not only route out false narratives but work towards creating new financial stories. After exploring the emotional aspects of your financial health and understanding your money story, it’s time to create a new financial narrative that fosters a healthy money mindset.Continue reading “Creating a new financial narrative”

Automatic thought patterns are pervasive and impactful, influencing our moods, behaviours, and even our self-concept. In our everyday lives, we sometimes struggle to recognise their presence in our decision-making, especially when it comes to financial choices. These automatic thoughts – images, words, or other mental activities – that pop into our minds in response toContinue reading “How automatic thoughts shape our financial habits”

Money, it is said, makes the world go around. We use it daily, exchange it for goods and services, save it for the future, worry about it, celebrate it, and yet often, we are reluctant to delve into our personal histories with it.  Our earliest memories of money can reveal much about our present-day financialContinue reading “Unearthing the roots of your money story”

As we journey through life, we often hear phrases like “seeing is believing”. But when it comes to our financial health and well-being, there’s a subtle yet profound difference between merely seeing and truly recognising. It’s akin to looking at a tree and appreciating its beauty, compared to recognising its species, understanding its growth patterns,Continue reading “Data to Wisdom for your financial journey”

Independent thinking is critical in lifestyle financial planning, and here’s why. Each person has unique financial needs, aspirations, and circumstances. When you think independently, you can assess your personal situation and determine what matters most to you. This helps you set goals that genuinely reflect your values and priorities, making your financial plan more meaningfulContinue reading “Time to think about money – Part 2”

Money is more than just a tool for transactions; it’s an emotional force intertwined with our identities, values, and sense of self-worth. Our money story is a tapestry of beliefs and experiences that shape our financial behaviours and attitudes. By exploring different elements of our money story, we can better understand our emotional connection toContinue reading “More about your money story”

Embarking on and sticking to your investment journey requires a solid understanding of financial principles and an appreciation for the emotional roller coaster that comes with it. Asset allocation, a crucial component of investing, is about striking the right balance between risk and reward to achieve your financial goals. As you consider different allocations, it’sContinue reading “Investing with Heart and Mind”

Discussing finances can be a daunting task, especially when emotions run high. It’s important to remember that there’s a human element behind every financial decision – our dreams, fears, and values. Nancy Kline is an American-born author, business consultant, and personal development coach. She is best known for her Time to Think methodology, which emphasisesContinue reading “Time to think about money – Part 1”

In lifestyle financial planning, striking the right balance between empathy and codependency is essential to building healthy relationships while maintaining personal well-being. A recent tweet by Dr Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) highlighted the differences between empathy and codependency. Empathy means understanding a person’s feelings and being able to put ourselves in their shoes. In the contextContinue reading “Empathy vs Codependency”

Our mindset is crucial to our financial success. Dealing with our money can quickly become an obsessive task; either focusing solely on the amount we’re lacking or missing, or becoming obsessed with saving and storing up, we can sometimes do more harm than good. This is why mindset plays a significant role in how weContinue reading “A miss is as good as a mile”

Personal financial planning has become critical in shaping our lives and determining our future. However, many of us need help to make the right decisions and achieve our financial goals. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in harnessing and leveraging our strengths to create a life of our own design. By understanding and embracingContinue reading “Create a life of your own design”

One of the reasons why so many people chase riches, relationships and reputation to define their value is that they haven’t been coached to understand that they can build a life of worth, value and meaning without relying on other people, positions or possessions to define them. If we want to know how we addContinue reading “Why character matters”

When it comes to financial planning, many believe that the ultimate goal is accumulating as much money as possible. However, this approach may only sometimes lead to a fulfilling lifestyle. Instead, it’s important to consider what kind of life you want and then create a financial plan that allows you to achieve that lifestyle. AsContinue reading “Financing a life you love”

For years there have been copious books, blogs and articles written on healthy time and energy management, and in today’s digital environment, it’s even more essential for success. Experts suggest a shift in how we approach our daily routines, starting with our emails and social media notifications. While our email inbox or WhatsApp notifications mayContinue reading “Inbox zero = energy zero”

Staying motivated to change can be a challenge! It’s too easy to fall into old patterns and habits.  It can be difficult to remain committed to change because change can be a complex process that requires effort, discipline, and perseverance. Sometimes, people need more motivation to change, and with a clear and compelling reason, itContinue reading “Stay motivated and committed to change”

Do you often reach the end of your day and feel like, regardless of how busy you’ve been, you still don’t feel productive? It’s all too easy to begin our day in our emails and allow all the interruptions of ‘urgent messages’ to run our entire day. These digital distractions can seriously affect our productivity.Continue reading “Are you ready to reduce digital distractions?”

Our minds are extraordinary. The human brain has evolved to solve complex problems and successfully manage unexpected situations, and yet, coping is less about what is happening in the world and more about how our senses decipher the situation. Perception is everything; this is why coping mechanisms focus on managing, reframing, or avoiding how weContinue reading “Two ways to reduce anxiety”

It’s easy to feel like our lives are just a series of obligations – choices and decisions made because we have to, not necessarily because we want to. From paying bills and working 9-5 to attending continuous professional development seminars, family events and keeping up with the Joneses. When we view life through the lensContinue reading “Because I want to”

There are moments in life when we slow down and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are – and where we’re headed. Sometimes this is at the start of a new year, or perhaps it’s at a significant milestone in life when we feel like we’ve crested a hill and can take a restContinue reading “Deeper relationships, not deeper pockets”

With a positive approach, physical and mental stress can both be helpful in moving from a fixed to a growth mindset. Research has found that people who adopt the mindset that “stress is enhancing” experience more exceptional performance and fewer negative health symptoms (Crum & Crum, 2018). It’s easy to try and avoid stress entirely,Continue reading “Dealing with stress”

When life gets full and busy, it’s hard to remember why we do what we do, and it’s easy to become unhealthily disconnected from who and what we value. As Dr Susan David often says, finding your “why” can be as simple as reconnecting with your values and reframing your everyday activities in relation toContinue reading “Reconnecting with your values”

Did you know that listening to classical music has been proven to lower blood pressure, make us more emotionally available, help us sleep better and relieve anxiety? Ironically, our emotions around money can achieve the exact opposite! Firstly, if money brings up a lot of emotions for you, you’re not alone. Financial expert Ramit SethiContinue reading “Our emotions tell OUR truth, not THE truth”

If you’re not familiar, the Enneagram is a personality typing tool that focuses on why we do what we do. It is a model of nine interconnected personality types – from the Ancient Greek word “ennea” for nine. A quick Google search will tell you what you need to know and guide you to freeContinue reading “Can the Enneagram help you with your money habits?”

We permanently activate our fight-flight-freeze-appease response when constantly performing at our peak. This acute stress response activates our sympathetic nervous system and keeps us unhealthy or from experiencing deeper joy and fulfilment in life. Blogs and TED talks abound on how we’re living in an age where our stress level is way above a healthyContinue reading “Can you control it?”

Despite our best-laid plans and most honourable intentions, conversations about money can go south quickly! There’s never going to be a perfect time to talk about money dreads or financial dreams, but preparing our partner or family for the chat, and finding a space where we won’t be interrupted is always helpful. It’s also helpfulContinue reading “When the conversation goes south…”

“I love talking about money with my family!” said no one ever. Most of us will agree that there is more to life than money, but regardless, it’s very important for most of us — especially when we feel like we do not have enough. Money can become a consuming focus that leaves us feelingContinue reading “How to talk about money”

We spend months or years preparing for many significant life events. The first for many of us was the build-up to going to ‘big school’. Our three-, four- and five-year-old selves grew increasingly excited, right up until the day school started and then there was an overwhelming flow of emotions that may have been moreContinue reading “Life after work”

We all have reasons for doing things. It might be because we’re sticklers for following rules, or perhaps we avoid difficult situations and emotions by constantly focusing on the positives. Maybe our motivations come from a restless spirit or a drive to keep control and order – but for some of us, we become peopleContinue reading “Why do we become people pleasers?”