Glad its useful. Yes, Holly & Laura are sisters. I have no grounds to be but I'm very proud of what they're doing! If you would ever like a personal introduction just let me know. M xx
Also going through the midlife money unfuckery stage and determined to make sure my kids know more about all these things!! lol I would also consider moving out for the mice so I hope you’ve got that one sorted!
Yes Ruth!! Brilliant to hear that. I think in the past money and income has always felt so 'taboo' and private a topic that even in families people didn't talk about it for that reason, or perhaps because they didn't know or feel confident about it themselves. This just serves to keep people (most often unintentionally) from being able to make wise and good decisions early, it's so vital to give young people a financial education! Bloody great that you are. 🙌 And it's not too late for us!!! (eek!) And I'm also very reassured I'm not the only person who would be emotionally compromised by mice 🙈 xxx
Love it, been recently having lots of discussions with my eldest son(17) and his frustration with school and how little they teach you about everyday life!! We even had discussions about putting together summer/easter camps to run programmes for teens on how to actually survive in the real world. He said over the last 100 years school is the only thing that hasn’t moved on with the times and really is not that useful or beneficial as it stands. After 20 years of youth work it’s evident that as a society we aren’t educating, loving, empowering or supporting the youth of today in the ways we should.
Glad you are doing better 😊 I’m
A bit ocd with money literally write it all down in a wee finance book off amazon my yearly purchase and write all my yearly expenses down etc so I can save to pay them in full and lower my monthly’s. It’s about the only thing I manage well 🤣🤣
Jess!!!! Ahh I was so happy to see that you'd posted a comment! I have thought about you and wondered how things are with you too. Miss your lovely face and infectious positive energy. We must have a retreat alumni day...how about we all come to Ireland to see you? Haha. In other thoughts - that idea about you creating a youth finance camp or real world skills camp etc is absolutely brilliant, and so needed. Why don't you put a mini one on to see how it goes and what the reaction is? You're perfectly placed in both your geographical situation and your own career experiences to create something meaningful and really fun and exciting too! Let me know if you want to play with the idea further and I'll throw any curriculum planning experience I can your way. P.s. your son is very insightful, and sounds very lovely. I'm doing well, thank you. Mucho light at the end of the tunnel all around now, and hoping to be able to shine it all back out on other folks again after people (like you) being kind to me whilst I was in the hole. I'm happy to feel back on my feet. And brb, just off to to get an old fashioned ledger to track my spending because it'll make a good read: Monday: bought a zebra from a Zoo sell off, Tuesday: Returned Zebra and bought a second coffee machine, forgetting I already had one, Wednesday: Bought two car insurance policies in the same day forgetting I had the other one each time. LOL. Loads of love pal, and a big hug over the water xxxx
I am definitely more than happy for you all to come here and plan for it, it would be very exciting!! Glad you’re doing better and took some time out just what you needed. Hope everyone down that way is doing well. Love your ledger content 🤣what’s even funnier is I could actually imagine you buying a zebra 🤣🤣. Big hugs for you too x
I opened an account with HL too! I’m yet to buy shares as that bit was confusing but you’ve reminded me so I’ll get onto that pronto. Also I’m visiting next week… catch up perhaps?! Xx
Whoop look at us with our HL accounts we don't quote know what to do with yet!!! We'll get there - log in and have a read of some of their guides. They are pretty good, and although I find myself having to google and read around some of the terms and context, I'm building a bit of an understanding. I just have to coax my brain out of childhood/teen shutdown when I read numbers things I don't immediately understand. I seem to go blank and tears prick my eyeballs for NO REASON except a fear of being humiliated about not 'getting it', but then I remember that there are no shouty mocking maths teachers making me stand up in class and telling me I'm a bright girl, just lazy in maths, and do it now in front of everyone until I get it right (erm hello dyscalculia, you absolute bastards?!). SO I'm taking it slowly and enjoying the learning (a bit). Lovely that you're visiting next week! Falmouth always needs a ray of Elle sunshine. <3 I'm working flat out most days in the coming weeks to get ducks in a row for hike in March/April when I'll be walking for a month, but let me know when you're here! Much love xx
I read this last night Steven, and I looked slowly around the kitchen at every shelf, drawer and floorboard crack thinking... theres a COLLECTIVE BRAIN!! Yes, you are right!I'd love to think it's gone quiet because I've caught them all, but realistically.... it I've caught a few mice, they were probably just the vanguard. The rest of them are regrouping for a full raid. SH**TTT. Shame they're so sweet and innocent, but they might have be 'dealt with' properly. (sob). Big hug to you friend xx
Hey!! Awesome read as always! Appreciate the shout out. It was a pleasure to have you stay, next time it just needs to be a bit longer! You were a hit with my girls!
Money!!! Eurgh!! I hate it! I hate managing it, I mostly just ignore it and live like it doesn’t matter. I’m feeling this May bite me one day when I’m not looking!! Maybe 🤔 I should get to grips with it… big love ❤️
The double insurance policy happened to me so I started putting calendar reminders in my phone. I’ve also bought books I already owned, so I write down everything I read and I now have records for 12 years which is an amazing thing and because I then give away or sell the book I can see what’s left to be read. (Someone told me we often keep books as a form of list, much of what we read isn’t something we need to keep in our lives.)
I think we’re conditioned (as Brits? As women?) to find thinking about money a bit ick. And talking about money? That’s the last taboo. Thanks for your work on this.
Hi Gail, @financielle is a good source of practical, sensible advice on managing & winning with life's finances. Founded by 2 inspiring sisters (who I happen to have known since they were children). Laura is now regularly on BBC morning TV giving solid advice. Definitely worth a look, they have a free app too. M xx
Good morning Margaret!! This is an excellent recommendation, thank you! I just looked them up - Holly is her sister? They look to be doing absolutely amazing things and I'm going to download their app now. How lovely that you've known them since they were small and seen them go on to thrive! Thanks for sharing. xx
Great tip Ruth!! Thank you. I have always neglected ISA's and now they're on the list to learn about asap!! And I'm so delighted that you read and enjoy my posts, that means a lot.☀️ You know I always love yours too, and women cheering women on fills my heart! You rock. Have a lovely day xx
One basic rule of good personal finance from what I have understood is always to use your tax free allowances with the money you have and then do the stocks and shares, though admittedly this is less risky, but it means you're not giving away money in tax. So pensions and ISA you can save without paying tax. ISAs are easy really. A basic cash isa You can save up to £20k a year tax free (they're around 4-5% at the moment.) The only draw back is that if you want to take money out then you can't top it back up for the free allowance that year. Anyway, I also recommend looking at NS&I govn bonds. Also tax free, generally a favourable rate, and you can 'win' every month. they're fun! The return generally evens out to 4-5% too. Gosh, who am I?? 🤣 sorry that became a long money comment. I do absolutely read and always enjoy your humour and energy!! Thank you for your gift in the world xx
Haha this is priceless info!! I am defo going to start an ISA (today!) and also look at the NS&I bonds, which a friend has and is often telling me he won £50 here and there. I don't know why I didn't really pay attention 🤣. Is that the same as the old premium bonds I heard about years ago?(I think from my grandad or mum!). Have you always been this money savvy, or only recently? It's ACE! Thank you! xx
Haha. You're welcome. Yes, they are the same premium bonds our grandparents have. Only now you get an app and snazzy graphics and can check on your phone if you've won every month. Hehe. My nan used to stay up till midnight, bless her.
Um, yes, I have always been money savvy. I've never had a lot and I'm rubbish at things like fee setting etc. But what I have I know how to look after and grow (though I am medium risk when it comes to my investment character). I know to the penny what's in my accounts and coming in and out. I file my taxes within 2 weeks of April year end. I save 30% every month into a separate account for my tax without fail, never waiting till the end of year. I enjoy feeling safe with myself I think? Xx
Glad its useful. Yes, Holly & Laura are sisters. I have no grounds to be but I'm very proud of what they're doing! If you would ever like a personal introduction just let me know. M xx
That's so kind Margaret, thank you! And you have every reason to be proud of them. 🤩 xx
Also going through the midlife money unfuckery stage and determined to make sure my kids know more about all these things!! lol I would also consider moving out for the mice so I hope you’ve got that one sorted!
Yes Ruth!! Brilliant to hear that. I think in the past money and income has always felt so 'taboo' and private a topic that even in families people didn't talk about it for that reason, or perhaps because they didn't know or feel confident about it themselves. This just serves to keep people (most often unintentionally) from being able to make wise and good decisions early, it's so vital to give young people a financial education! Bloody great that you are. 🙌 And it's not too late for us!!! (eek!) And I'm also very reassured I'm not the only person who would be emotionally compromised by mice 🙈 xxx
Love it, been recently having lots of discussions with my eldest son(17) and his frustration with school and how little they teach you about everyday life!! We even had discussions about putting together summer/easter camps to run programmes for teens on how to actually survive in the real world. He said over the last 100 years school is the only thing that hasn’t moved on with the times and really is not that useful or beneficial as it stands. After 20 years of youth work it’s evident that as a society we aren’t educating, loving, empowering or supporting the youth of today in the ways we should.
Glad you are doing better 😊 I’m
A bit ocd with money literally write it all down in a wee finance book off amazon my yearly purchase and write all my yearly expenses down etc so I can save to pay them in full and lower my monthly’s. It’s about the only thing I manage well 🤣🤣
Jess!!!! Ahh I was so happy to see that you'd posted a comment! I have thought about you and wondered how things are with you too. Miss your lovely face and infectious positive energy. We must have a retreat alumni day...how about we all come to Ireland to see you? Haha. In other thoughts - that idea about you creating a youth finance camp or real world skills camp etc is absolutely brilliant, and so needed. Why don't you put a mini one on to see how it goes and what the reaction is? You're perfectly placed in both your geographical situation and your own career experiences to create something meaningful and really fun and exciting too! Let me know if you want to play with the idea further and I'll throw any curriculum planning experience I can your way. P.s. your son is very insightful, and sounds very lovely. I'm doing well, thank you. Mucho light at the end of the tunnel all around now, and hoping to be able to shine it all back out on other folks again after people (like you) being kind to me whilst I was in the hole. I'm happy to feel back on my feet. And brb, just off to to get an old fashioned ledger to track my spending because it'll make a good read: Monday: bought a zebra from a Zoo sell off, Tuesday: Returned Zebra and bought a second coffee machine, forgetting I already had one, Wednesday: Bought two car insurance policies in the same day forgetting I had the other one each time. LOL. Loads of love pal, and a big hug over the water xxxx
I am definitely more than happy for you all to come here and plan for it, it would be very exciting!! Glad you’re doing better and took some time out just what you needed. Hope everyone down that way is doing well. Love your ledger content 🤣what’s even funnier is I could actually imagine you buying a zebra 🤣🤣. Big hugs for you too x
I opened an account with HL too! I’m yet to buy shares as that bit was confusing but you’ve reminded me so I’ll get onto that pronto. Also I’m visiting next week… catch up perhaps?! Xx
Whoop look at us with our HL accounts we don't quote know what to do with yet!!! We'll get there - log in and have a read of some of their guides. They are pretty good, and although I find myself having to google and read around some of the terms and context, I'm building a bit of an understanding. I just have to coax my brain out of childhood/teen shutdown when I read numbers things I don't immediately understand. I seem to go blank and tears prick my eyeballs for NO REASON except a fear of being humiliated about not 'getting it', but then I remember that there are no shouty mocking maths teachers making me stand up in class and telling me I'm a bright girl, just lazy in maths, and do it now in front of everyone until I get it right (erm hello dyscalculia, you absolute bastards?!). SO I'm taking it slowly and enjoying the learning (a bit). Lovely that you're visiting next week! Falmouth always needs a ray of Elle sunshine. <3 I'm working flat out most days in the coming weeks to get ducks in a row for hike in March/April when I'll be walking for a month, but let me know when you're here! Much love xx
I am good at many things. Money management is not one of them.
You can't outsmart mice. Their collective brain is dangerous.
:hug:
I read this last night Steven, and I looked slowly around the kitchen at every shelf, drawer and floorboard crack thinking... theres a COLLECTIVE BRAIN!! Yes, you are right!I'd love to think it's gone quiet because I've caught them all, but realistically.... it I've caught a few mice, they were probably just the vanguard. The rest of them are regrouping for a full raid. SH**TTT. Shame they're so sweet and innocent, but they might have be 'dealt with' properly. (sob). Big hug to you friend xx
A thru-hiker told us that mice deterrents in AT shelters "were designed by mice and for mice."
Love the financial midlife unfuckery and also am constantly denying that I’m asleep when I’m caught asleep, so I feel seen by this picture 😂
Hey!! Awesome read as always! Appreciate the shout out. It was a pleasure to have you stay, next time it just needs to be a bit longer! You were a hit with my girls!
Money!!! Eurgh!! I hate it! I hate managing it, I mostly just ignore it and live like it doesn’t matter. I’m feeling this May bite me one day when I’m not looking!! Maybe 🤔 I should get to grips with it… big love ❤️
The double insurance policy happened to me so I started putting calendar reminders in my phone. I’ve also bought books I already owned, so I write down everything I read and I now have records for 12 years which is an amazing thing and because I then give away or sell the book I can see what’s left to be read. (Someone told me we often keep books as a form of list, much of what we read isn’t something we need to keep in our lives.)
I think we’re conditioned (as Brits? As women?) to find thinking about money a bit ick. And talking about money? That’s the last taboo. Thanks for your work on this.
Hi Gail, @financielle is a good source of practical, sensible advice on managing & winning with life's finances. Founded by 2 inspiring sisters (who I happen to have known since they were children). Laura is now regularly on BBC morning TV giving solid advice. Definitely worth a look, they have a free app too. M xx
Good morning Margaret!! This is an excellent recommendation, thank you! I just looked them up - Holly is her sister? They look to be doing absolutely amazing things and I'm going to download their app now. How lovely that you've known them since they were small and seen them go on to thrive! Thanks for sharing. xx
Don't forget ISA! Use your text free allowance first 😘 Love reading your posts always dear Gail xx
Great tip Ruth!! Thank you. I have always neglected ISA's and now they're on the list to learn about asap!! And I'm so delighted that you read and enjoy my posts, that means a lot.☀️ You know I always love yours too, and women cheering women on fills my heart! You rock. Have a lovely day xx
One basic rule of good personal finance from what I have understood is always to use your tax free allowances with the money you have and then do the stocks and shares, though admittedly this is less risky, but it means you're not giving away money in tax. So pensions and ISA you can save without paying tax. ISAs are easy really. A basic cash isa You can save up to £20k a year tax free (they're around 4-5% at the moment.) The only draw back is that if you want to take money out then you can't top it back up for the free allowance that year. Anyway, I also recommend looking at NS&I govn bonds. Also tax free, generally a favourable rate, and you can 'win' every month. they're fun! The return generally evens out to 4-5% too. Gosh, who am I?? 🤣 sorry that became a long money comment. I do absolutely read and always enjoy your humour and energy!! Thank you for your gift in the world xx
Haha this is priceless info!! I am defo going to start an ISA (today!) and also look at the NS&I bonds, which a friend has and is often telling me he won £50 here and there. I don't know why I didn't really pay attention 🤣. Is that the same as the old premium bonds I heard about years ago?(I think from my grandad or mum!). Have you always been this money savvy, or only recently? It's ACE! Thank you! xx
Haha. You're welcome. Yes, they are the same premium bonds our grandparents have. Only now you get an app and snazzy graphics and can check on your phone if you've won every month. Hehe. My nan used to stay up till midnight, bless her.
Um, yes, I have always been money savvy. I've never had a lot and I'm rubbish at things like fee setting etc. But what I have I know how to look after and grow (though I am medium risk when it comes to my investment character). I know to the penny what's in my accounts and coming in and out. I file my taxes within 2 weeks of April year end. I save 30% every month into a separate account for my tax without fail, never waiting till the end of year. I enjoy feeling safe with myself I think? Xx