When it comes to financial success, many people fall into the trap of waiting for the “perfect moment” to start. “I’ll save when I earn more,” or “I’ll invest when the markets feel safer,” are common refrains. But here’s the thing: there’s rarely a perfect moment. Success isn’t built on monumental leaps; it’s built on the foundation of small, consistent actions.

Tony Robbins often highlights the power of small steps, reminding us that tiny, intentional changes compound over time to create extraordinary results. And nowhere is this more true than in our financial lives. But why do we so often underestimate the power of starting small?

Why small steps matter

Imagine dropping a single coin into a jar every day. On its own, it seems insignificant. But fast forward a year, and that jar holds not just coins but the evidence of daily discipline, commitment, and growth. Small actions have a way of compounding—not just financially, but emotionally too. They build momentum, create habits, and, most importantly, transform the way we think about progress.

This concept is beautifully illustrated by the idea of compound interest. A modest savings habit, started early and sustained consistently, can grow exponentially over time. Yet, it’s not just about savings or investments. Small steps can be as simple as eliminating one unnecessary expense or automating a small amount to transfer into an investment account. Over time, these small actions build a foundation for financial freedom.

Breaking the “All or Nothing” mindset

One of the biggest barriers to starting small is the belief that it’s not enough. That unless we can save a significant amount or make a large financial change, it’s not worth it. But this “all or nothing” mindset is what keeps so many of us stuck.

The numbers speak for themselves. What matters isn’t the size of the step—it’s the consistency with which it’s taken.

Transforming mindset through action

Starting small isn’t just about the numbers; it’s also about the psychology of progress. Each small win—whether it’s sticking to a budget for a week, rounding up your spending to invest the difference, or reducing your subscriptions—tells your brain, “I can do this.” That sense of accomplishment fuels motivation, creating a positive feedback loop that drives even more progress.

These small actions also have a way of influencing how we feel about money. They can shift us from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and control. Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we start seeing what we can do. This mental shift is often the first step toward achieving larger financial goals.

Start Small, Start Today

The beauty of small steps is that you don’t need to wait to start. Reflect on one tiny financial change you could make today. Perhaps it’s rounding up your spending for investments. Maybe it’s setting up an automated transfer to savings. Or it could be as simple as cutting out one small expense that doesn’t add real value to your life.

The key is to begin. Because every small step, taken consistently, leads to a bigger win down the road. Your financial freedom isn’t built on grand gestures or perfect timing—it’s built on the quiet power of small, steady progress.

Why do pessimistic views often sound so convincing? It’s an interesting phenomenon—when someone warns of an impending financial crash, we perk up, nod solemnly, and give their words the weight of wisdom. But when someone speaks of growth, opportunity, or prosperity, it can come across as naive or overly simplistic.

Why is that?

As humans, we are wired to pay attention to potential threats—it’s an ancient survival mechanism. In financial planning, this instinct often plays out as a bias toward pessimism. Warnings of downturns, recessions, and losses feel more urgent and intellectual than optimistic narratives of growth and stability. And while caution has its place, an unchallenged pessimistic mindset can distort our financial decisions and steer us away from opportunities.

Let’s explore how this bias works, why it’s so seductive, and how we can strive for a more balanced perspective when it comes to our financial lives.

Why pessimism sounds smarter

Pessimism appeals to our natural risk aversion. It feels prudent to prepare for the worst, and pessimistic statements often sound more sophisticated because they account for what could go wrong. After all, stories of financial crises like the 2008 meltdown are burned into our collective memory. These narratives resonate deeply, even if the probability of their recurrence remains low in the near term.

But here’s the thing: while a healthy dose of caution is necessary, excessive pessimism leads to paralysis. It convinces us to hoard cash instead of investing. It tells us to avoid risk at all costs, even when opportunities for growth are within reach. It whispers that the system is broken and that any effort to build wealth is futile.

This mindset, though seductive, is ultimately disempowering. It keeps us stuck in fear, disconnected from the opportunities that exist in every market, every economy, and every life stage.

The optimism we miss

By contrast, optimism often gets dismissed as naive or reckless, yet optimism is what drives progress. It’s the belief in growth that propels people to invest, build businesses, and make plans for the future. And while optimism might not grab headlines or spark urgent debates, it holds an essential truth: the long-term trajectory of humanity—and the markets—tends toward growth and innovation.

This is not about blind faith. It’s about evidence. Historically, markets recover from downturns, innovation continues despite setbacks, and life moves forward. Yet, optimism requires patience, and that’s where its magic lies. It’s not a shortcut to success but a commitment to the bigger picture.

Balancing the scales: The power of pragmatism

So, where does this leave us? Should we reject pessimism entirely? Not at all. Pessimism, when tempered with pragmatism, reminds us to manage risks wisely. But a balanced perspective means combining caution with hope, strategy with belief.

When it comes to financial planning, this balance is key. For example:

• Investing: If we let pessimism dominate, we might avoid investing altogether, missing out on the compounding power of long-term growth. A balanced approach is to diversify investments, manage risks, and stay the course even when markets wobble.
• Spending and saving: Pessimism might convince us to save every penny for fear of future disasters. Optimism reminds us that life is also for living. The balance lies in mindful spending—prioritising what truly brings joy and aligns with our values.
• Planning for the future: A pessimist might say, “Why bother planning? Everything is uncertain.” An optimist believes, “I can build something meaningful, even in uncertain times.” The truth lies in crafting a plan that is adaptable, intentional, and rooted in reality.

Adopting a balanced view requires intentional effort. It means questioning the stories we tell ourselves about money, fear, and possibility. It means seeking data to inform decisions rather than relying solely on instinct. Most importantly, it means recognising that optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about believing we can navigate them.

Pessimism might sound smarter, but it’s optimism—and action—that builds wealth, both financially and emotionally.

As you reflect on your financial journey, ask yourself: Where am I letting pessimism hold me back? And where can I invite optimism in? Your financial plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be brave enough to look beyond fear and into the opportunities that await.

Because in the end, it’s not about being an optimist or a pessimist—it’s about being prepared, intentional, and open to the possibility of a brighter future.

When we think about building wealth, running a business, or creating income opportunities, the question of pricing is one we all face. And while it might sound straightforward at first, it’s actually a deeply personal and complex challenge because no two people’s financial situations are exactly alike.

Some professionals lean on qualifications and experience to determine how much they charge for their time. Others may focus on the value they provide to their clients or customers, setting their rates based on the outcomes their work creates rather than the hours they put in. Still, others base their pricing on the minimum they need to earn to meet their personal or family responsibilities each month.

Regardless of the approach, most of these methods anchor themselves to a fundamental equation: time equals money. If you want to earn more, you either charge more per hour or work more hours. But does this equation always serve us well?

The limitations of tying money to time

When you set your income goals based solely on a finite number of hours in the day, you may inadvertently trap yourself. For instance, if you calculate that you need to earn a specific amount per hour to meet your financial goals, you might feel pressure to book more and more hours to increase your income. This might work in the short term, but over time, it can lead to burnout and an unbalanced life.

On the flip side, you could choose to charge more for your time, which could bring in higher earnings without increasing your workload. But even then, there’s only so far you can stretch the “hourly rate” model before you hit another limitation: there are still only 24 hours in a day.

So, maybe the real question isn’t about how much time you have or how much money you need. Instead, it’s about how much value you assign to your time.

A shift in perspective: Valuing time over money

When you start asking yourself, “What is my time worth to me?” rather than “How much money can I earn per hour?” something remarkable happens. You begin to think less about spreadsheets and hourly rates and more about the bigger picture of your life. Your time stops being a currency to trade for money and starts being a resource to invest in your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual well-being.

This shift in perspective allows you to reframe the way you work. Instead of packing your schedule with billable hours, you might choose to focus on activities that bring you fulfillment and long-term benefits. This could mean spending more time with loved ones, nurturing hobbies, or simply resting. It could also mean finding creative ways to increase your income without increasing your working hours, like exploring passive income streams or value-based pricing models.

By taking a step back and reassessing how you value your time, you can build a life and financial plan that feels both meaningful and sustainable. This plan isn’t just about achieving financial success—it’s about creating a balanced and fulfilling life. You can set goals and benchmarks that aren’t tied to market performance or hourly rates but are aligned with your personal values and long-term aspirations.

So, as you consider your own financial journey, ask yourself: How much is your time worth to you? And are you spending it in a way that aligns with the life you want to live? Sometimes, the most valuable investments aren’t financial—they’re the ones we make in ourselves, our relationships, and our well-being.

WHERE DO YOU ‘THINK’ YOU SHOULD BE?

Reflecting on our progress is something we all do, but often without knowing it. Whether we’re aware of it or not, several times a day, we measure ourselves against something or someone—be it our past self, others, or some societal ideal. Whether it’s consciously deciding to check in on our progress, or doing so unconsciously, benchmarks are always being set. 

These benchmarks could be internal or external, and they serve as a gauge of how well we’re doing. And while there’s a place for both, it’s important to consider where we are dropping our anchor.

Think of yourself as a boat on the open water. You can’t always stay anchored in one spot, but sometimes it’s important to drop anchor for stability. It’s the same with how we measure our progress. We need to set benchmarks that reflect where we’re at in the present, but also allow space for growth and movement. Just like the tide, our progress should be flexible and responsive, not static.

When it comes to growth—whether in your finances, personal life, or career—it’s often healthier to focus on internal benchmarks. Internal benchmarks are the personal standards you set for yourself based on your own values, goals, and aspirations. It’s not about comparing yourself to others, but recognising how far you’ve come. External benchmarks, such as comparing your progress to others, can be helpful for some light perspective, but they can also leave us feeling frustrated or discouraged if we’re not where we “think” we should be.

Take the world of finance as an example. Let’s say you compare the performance of your portfolio against a stock market index or the success of a financial influencer. These external benchmarks are fine for reference, but if you base your sense of success solely on these metrics, it can lead to disheartenment. For someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, billions in earnings or the sale of a company might be just another day at the office, but for most people, such achievements would be life-changing. If you measure your progress against others’ success, you’re missing the bigger picture of your own journey and unique goals.

Now, think back to the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. If we had only relied on our internal benchmarks, we might have felt overwhelmed by the sudden shift in our lives, believing we weren’t “performing” as expected. But by considering the external context—the worldwide crisis that affected nearly everyone—we were able to adjust our expectations and take stock of how far we’d come despite the challenges.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to be swayed by the success stories we see around us. Social media, news, and even friends and family can present a curated view of success, leaving out the behind-the-scenes struggles, setbacks, and failures. We tend to see the final achievements, not the daily grind it took to get there, which can distort our own sense of progress. It’s important to remember that behind every success story, there’s usually a lot of hard work and resilience that goes unseen.

So, when it comes to measuring your growth, take a step back and remember that a balanced approach is key. Internal benchmarks—those tied to your own personal goals and values—should be your primary reference point. Use external benchmarks as a lighter guide, but don’t let them define your progress. With this approach, you’ll gain a more grounded and fulfilling perspective on how far you’ve come, and more importantly, how far you’re capable of going.

A will might not seem like the most exciting thing on your pre-vacation checklist, but it’s arguably one of the most important.

Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” It’s a confronting, yet profound reminder that planning for the inevitable is just part of living a well-considered life. And yet, when it comes to writing and signing a will, many of us are guilty of procrastination, perhaps hoping that avoiding the topic will delay its necessity.

But here’s a thought: imagine heading off on a long-awaited holiday without having secured one of the most crucial documents of your life. You’ve packed the sunscreen, booked the rental car, and double-checked your hotel reservations—but have you ensured your financial and personal affairs are in order? 

Holidays are a time of joy, relaxation, and adventure. But let’s face it, travel—whether it’s by car, plane, or camel—comes with risks. While the odds of anything going wrong are incredibly slim, life’s unpredictability is the very reason why having a will is a cornerstone of responsible planning. A will is your way of saying, “I’ve thought about this. I care about the people I love, and I’ve taken steps to make things easier for them.”

Yet, so many people avoid the process entirely. In fact, studies show that more than half of adults globally don’t have a valid will. Why? For some, it’s the discomfort of confronting mortality. For others, it’s the misconception that estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. 

But here’s the truth: having a will isn’t about wealth; it’s about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that your wishes are respected, no matter what.

Think of it as a gift

Writing a will isn’t morbid—it’s practical. In many ways, it’s a gift to your loved ones. Without a will, decisions about your estate could be left to courts or legal systems, creating unnecessary stress and potential conflict among your family and friends. Having a will ensures that your assets, responsibilities, and even sentimental belongings are distributed according to your intentions.

But let’s not stop there. A comprehensive will can also outline guardianship for children, instructions for pets, and preferences for medical care or funeral arrangements. It’s a roadmap for your loved ones, giving them peace of mind during what would undoubtedly be a challenging time.

Mark Twain also said, “Plan for the future because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” Having a will in place isn’t just about being prepared for the unexpected—it’s about lightening the mental load so you can truly enjoy the life you’re living right now, including those well-earned holidays.

So, as you prepare for your next adventure, remember that planning for life’s uncertainties is the ultimate act of responsibility—and love. By ensuring your will is signed before you go, you’re not just protecting your assets; you’re giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.

Now, go enjoy that holiday—knowing you’ve already taken care of one of life’s most important to-dos. Safe travels!

Imagine standing at the base of a snow-covered mountain, looking up at the debt that’s accumulated over the years. It feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? But here’s the good news: you’ve got two powerful tools at your disposal to tackle that mountain – the Debt Snowball and the Debt Avalanche. 

Let’s explore these methods and see how they can help you reclaim your financial freedom.

The Debt Snowball: Small Victories, Big Momentum

Picture yourself rolling a small snowball down a hill. As it rolls, it picks up more snow, growing larger and faster. That’s the essence of the Debt Snowball method, popularised by financial guru Dave Ramsey.

Here’s how it works:

1. List your debts from smallest to largest, regardless of interest rates.
2. Make minimum payments on all debts except the smallest.
3. Put any extra money towards the smallest debt.
4. Once the smallest debt is paid off, roll that payment into the next smallest debt.

The power of the Snowball lies in the psychological wins. As Ramsey puts it, “Personal finance is 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior.” By quickly eliminating smaller debts, you build confidence and motivation to tackle larger ones.

Research supports this approach. A 2016 study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers who focused on paying down the account with the smallest balance tended to pay down more of their total debt than those who focused on paying down the account with the highest interest rate.

The Debt Avalanche: Maximizing Mathematical Efficiency

Now, imagine an avalanche rushing down a mountain, wiping out everything in its path. That’s the Debt Avalanche method – a mathematically optimised approach to debt repayment.

Here’s the strategy:

1. List your debts from highest interest rate to lowest.
2. Make minimum payments on all debts.
3. Put any extra money towards the debt with the highest interest rate.
4. Once the highest-interest debt is paid off, move to the next highest.

The Avalanche method minimises the total interest you’ll pay, potentially saving you more money in the long run. As financial expert Ramit Sethi notes, “The Debt Avalanche method is the fastest and cheapest way to pay off your debts.”

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that consumers who follow an approach like the Debt Avalanche pay down their debt about 15% faster than those who don’t.

So, Which Method Should You Choose?

The answer depends on you. Are you motivated by quick wins and need to see progress to stay on track? The Snowball might be your best bet. Are you disciplined and focused on minimizing interest payments? The Avalanche could be the way to go.

Remember, the best debt repayment strategy is the one you’ll stick to. As behavioural economist Dan Ariely says, “Money is not just about mathematics. It’s about what we want to achieve for ourselves and our families.”

Whichever method you choose, the key is to start rolling. Every debt you pay off is a step towards financial freedom. It might feel daunting now, but with persistence and the right strategy, you’ll soon be standing atop that mountain, debt-free and ready for your next adventure.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One day, everything’s running smoothly – you’re hitting your stride at work, the kids are thriving, and you’ve finally started that healthy eating plan. The next day, a single word changes everything: Cancer.

It’s a word that sends shivers down our spines, a diagnosis that none of us ever want to face. But here’s the stark reality – cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care about your age, whether you’re 5 or 85. It’s blind to gender, affecting men and women. Your social status? Irrelevant. That gym membership and those kale smoothies? While they’re great for overall health, they’re not an impenetrable shield.

Cancer can touch anyone’s life, at any time. The fitness enthusiast training for a marathon. The busy parent juggling work and family. The retiree enjoying their golden years. The child with a bright future ahead. No one is immune.

But here’s the thing – while we can’t always prevent cancer, we can prepare ourselves to face it head-on if it ever enters our lives or the lives of those we love. It’s not just about having the right medical care (though that’s crucial). It’s about creating a fortress of support around ourselves and our families.

Organisations dedicated to fighting cancer emphasise several key areas we should focus on:

1. Access to treatment: Can we ensure that we or our loved ones get the best possible care if needed?
2. Support systems: Are we ready to rally as a family or community, providing the emotional backbone that might be needed?
3. Early detection: How attuned are we to changes in our health and the health of those around us?
4. Advocacy: Are we raising our voices to give cancer research and support the attention it desperately needs?

These are powerful reminders of what truly matters when facing such a daunting challenge. But there’s another aspect we need to consider – the financial impact.

Imagine for a moment: You’ve just received the diagnosis. Your world is spinning. The last thing you want to worry about is money. But the reality is, cancer treatment can be incredibly expensive. And it’s not just the medical bills. It’s the time off work, the travel expenses for treatments, the additional care needs that might arise.

This is where smart financial planning comes into play. It’s not the most comfortable topic to think about, but having the right financial protection in place can be a lifeline in these situations. Critical illness cover and income protection aren’t just insurance policies – they’re peace of mind. Knowing that if the unthinkable happens, you can focus on what really matters – healing and supporting your loved ones.

So, let’s ask ourselves some tough questions:

– If cancer struck us or someone we love tomorrow, would we be financially prepared?

– Have we considered critical illness cover for ourselves and our families?

– Do we have income protection in place in case we need extended time off work?

These aren’t easy questions, but they’re important ones. Because being prepared isn’t about living in fear – it’s about empowering ourselves to face whatever challenges life might throw our way.

Remember, planning for the worst doesn’t mean expecting it. It means loving ourselves and our families enough to protect them from all angles. It means giving ourselves the gift of readiness, so that if a storm comes, we can weather it together.

So, tonight, as you go about your routine – whether that’s tucking kids into bed, unwinding after a long day at work, or planning your next workout – take a moment to think about your financial armour. Is it strong enough to protect you and your loved ones? If not, maybe it’s time we had a heart-to-heart. Because at the end of the day, there’s no investment more important than our health and the well-being of those we hold dear.

Life is unpredictable, but with the right preparation, we can face even its toughest challenges with resilience and hope.

In the first part of this series, we explored five essential rules for personal finance, inspired by “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated” by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack. The rules in the blog spoke to things like spending less than we earn, paying off credit card debt, save 10-20% of our income, augmenting contributions to retirement investments, and creating an emergency fund — all laying the groundwork for financial stability and success.

Now, let’s delve into the next five rules that will help you further simplify your financial life and build a solid foundation for the future.

Rule 6: Buy inexpensive, well-diversified mutual funds

Investing is often seen as a complex and intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Olen and Pollack recommend buying inexpensive, well-diversified investment funds (such as mutual funds, unit trusts, or ETFs) as a straightforward approach to growing your wealth. Diversified funds spread your investments across various assets, reducing risk while providing the potential for steady growth. By focusing on low-cost options, such as index funds, you also minimize fees that can erode your returns over time. Remember, the goal isn’t to chase the highest returns but to build a balanced, long-term investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals.

Rule 7: Choose a Financial Adviser who commits to a fiduciary standard

When seeking professional financial advice, it’s crucial to work with someone who prioritizes your best interests. A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interest, which contrasts with advisers who may recommend products or strategies based on commissions or incentives. By choosing a fiduciary advisor, you ensure that the guidance you receive is tailored to your financial well-being, not someone else’s profits. Don’t hesitate to ask what standards we adhere to, it’s a crucial step in protecting your financial future.

Rule 8: Protect yourself with adequate risk cover

Insurance is a critical component of financial planning, serving as a safety net against life’s unexpected events. Whether it’s health insurance, life insurance, or disability coverage, having the right policies in place can prevent financial disaster. Olen and Pollack discuss the importance of ensuring you have adequate coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones. This doesn’t mean over-insuring or buying every policy available, but rather thoughtfully considering your risks and securing appropriate protection.

Rule 9: Advocate for strong social safety nets

Social safety nets, including programs like pensions, unemployment benefits, healthcare, and other forms of social insurance, are crucial for ensuring financial stability and security across all stages of life. While the specific programs may vary from country to country—ranging from Social Security in the U.S. to state pensions in the UK, or unemployment insurance in countries like South Africa, Germany and Australia—the underlying principle is the same: these systems provide a critical foundation for economic stability and support during times of need.

Olen and Pollack emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting these social safety nets within your own country. This can be done through informed voting, civic engagement, and staying informed about the policies that affect these programs. Although it might feel like these systems are beyond your immediate influence, they play a crucial role in the broader economic health that benefits everyone. By advocating for strong, well-funded social safety nets, you contribute to a more stable and equitable society, which in turn, supports your own financial well-being and that of future generations.

Rule 10: Remember the importance of community

Finally, personal finance is not just about individual success but also about contributing to and benefiting from a healthy community. Engaging with your community—whether by supporting local businesses, volunteering, or simply being an active participant—can lead to a richer, more meaningful life.

Financial security is important, but so is the well-being of the society in which we live. By balancing personal financial goals with a commitment to the common good, you create a legacy of both prosperity and positive impact.

Remember, mastering personal finance doesn’t require complex strategies or advanced knowledge—it’s about sticking to the basics, making informed decisions, and aligning your financial behavior with your long-term goals. By incorporating these ten rules into your financial planning, you can simplify your approach, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve the financial independence and security you deserve.

Whilst it’s easy to get lost in a sea of jargon, investment options, and conflicting advice, financial success doesn’t require a degree in economics or hours spent poring over market trends. In fact, according to Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack in their book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, everything you need to know about managing your money can fit on a single index card. 

Yes, you read that right—just ten simple rules are all you need to master your financial life.

In this first blog, of a two-part series, we’ll explore five rules will help most people cut through the noise and provide a clear, straightforward path to financial stability and success.

Rule 1: Spend less than you earn

At the heart of financial security lies this golden rule: spend less than you earn. It’s simple in theory but challenging in practice, especially in a world where consumer culture encourages constant spending (AKA: lifestyle creep!). By living within your means, you create the financial flexibility to save, invest, and plan for the future without the looming threat of debt.

Rule 2: Try to pay off your credit card balance in full every month

Credit card debt is one of the most common financial pitfalls. The interest rates are notoriously high, and carrying a balance from month to month can quickly spiral out of control. Olen and Pollack stress the importance of paying off your credit card balance in full each month. This not only saves you from paying unnecessary interest but also instils discipline in your spending habits.

Rule 3: Save 10-20% of Your Income

Saving regularly is key to building wealth over time. The authors suggest setting aside 20% of your income for savings. This may seem ambitious, but starting with any amount and gradually increasing your savings rate can make a significant difference in your financial future. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from the power of compound interest, allowing your savings to grow exponentially over time.

Rule 4: Maximise contributions to retirement accounts

Retirement may seem far away, but it’s crucial to start planning for it as early as possible. Olen and Pollack recommend using the full allowance for contributions to retirement accounts. These accounts often come with tax advantages, and the sooner you contribute, the more time your investments have to grow. It’s about ensuring that your future self has the financial resources to enjoy life after work.

Rule 5: Create an emergency fund

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. That’s why having an emergency fund is essential. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a readily accessible account. This fund serves as a financial safety net, protecting you from the need to rely on high-interest debt when unexpected expenses arise.

By following these first five rules from, you’re already well on your way to mastering the basics of personal finance. The beauty of these guidelines lies in their simplicity—they are straightforward, actionable, and effective. In our next blog, we’ll explore five more rules, which will further solidify your financial foundation. 

Remember, financial success doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on the essentials, you can achieve your goals with confidence and ease.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the final five rules and continue our journey toward financial mastery.

Here’s one of the hardest (or least asked…) questions when it comes to financial planning:  “How much is enough?”

It’s a simple question, but one that most people never stop to consider. We’re so caught up in the race for ‘more’ that we forget to ask ourselves why we’re running in the first place. It’s a vital question that we need to ask, so much so that Paul Armson wrote a book about it –  “Enough? How much money do you need for the rest of your life?”.

It challenges us to rethink the very essence of financial planning. It’s not about amassing the biggest fortune; it’s about funding a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.

Imagine for a moment that money wasn’t a concern. How would you spend your days? What experiences would you seek? What impact would you want to make? These are the questions that lie at the heart of Lifestyle Financial Planning.

Traditional financial planning often feels like a never-ending pursuit of more. More savings, more returns, more assets. However, Armson argues that this approach misses the point entirely. After all, what good is a hefty bank balance if it doesn’t translate into a life well-lived?

Lifestyle Financial Planning flips the script. Instead of starting with products and strategies, it begins with you – your dreams, your values, your ideal lifestyle. It asks, “What does your best life look like?” and then builds a financial strategy to support that vision.

This approach suggests that true wealth isn’t just about money in the bank. It’s about having the freedom to live life on your terms. It’s about achieving ‘financial independence’ – that magical point where work becomes a choice, not a necessity.

But how do we determine what ‘enough’ looks like? It’s a deeply personal question, and the answer will be different for everyone. For some, it might mean having the resources to travel the world. For others, it could be the ability to start a passion project or spend more time with family.

The key is to dig deep and get clear about what truly matters to you. What experiences bring you joy? What achievements would give you a sense of meaning and value? What legacy do you want to leave? Once you have a clear picture of your ideal lifestyle, you can work backwards to figure out the financial resources needed to support it.

This shift in focus from accumulation to lifestyle has profound implications. It frees us from the endless treadmill of always needing more. It allows us to make more intentional choices about how we earn, spend, and invest our money. And perhaps most importantly, it aligns our financial decisions with our personal values and life goals.

Adopting a Lifestyle Financial Planning approach doesn’t mean abandoning sound financial principles. It still involves budgeting, saving, investing, and managing risk. But these tools become means to an end, rather than ends in themselves. They’re employed in service of funding your ideal lifestyle, not just growing a bigger pile of money.

Lifestyle Financial Planning offers a more holistic and fulfilling approach to managing money. It encourages us to think deeply about what we truly want from life and to align our financial decisions with those aspirations. It replaces the anxiety of “never enough” with the confidence of knowing exactly what “enough” looks like for us.

It’s a tool to help you live the life you desire. So, what does “enough” look like? That’s perhaps where the true financial journey begins.