Remember when I said I’d post once a week? Well, in the unforgettable words of Cilla Black: “Surprise, surprise!” I’ve officially outdone myself (and trust me, I didn’t see that coming). From now on, you’ll find me here twice a week:

🗓 Wednesdays: Reflections on life’s journey - its twists, turns, lessons, challenges, and the unexpected detours that catch us off guard and shape who we are.

💸 Saturdays: Real, honest discussions about money. Yep, we’re going there. Cue the awkward silence. 😬💬

Why Talk About Money?

Let’s face it: money is a topic that makes most people squirm. It’s wrapped in confusion, jargon, and unnecessary complexity. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Sure, money can be awkward and sensitive, but it’s also the foundation of how we live, plan, and dream. It shapes our futures, our opportunities, and our peace of mind. 🌟

Before I got into finance, I was exactly where you might be - shoving my pension paperwork into a drawer, hoping it would magically sort itself out. Have you seen that stuff? It’s like a secret code designed to confuse you into never looking at it again. 

Then there's the avalanche of financial information out there. It’s overwhelming, and let’s be honest - most of the financial news is just clickbait. It’s a miracle anyone actually figures out how to manage their money with all the noise. 🤯

It took me 12 years in financial advice to finally cut through the endless noise - and believe me, there’s still plenty of it in the financial world - and uncover what truly matters. So if you’re sitting there thinking, “I should know more about money,” let me stop you right there.

You’re doing fine. Seriously. Give yourself a break.

We’ve All Messed Up with Money

We’ve all been there - chasing instant gratification, falling for promises of sky-high returns, or making spur-of-the-moment decisions. Let’s be honest: money is emotional. And with an entire industry built to tempt you into spending more, saving less, and taking unnecessary risks, it’s no wonder so many of us stumble.

Even working in financial advice, I’ve not been immune to those missteps. (Don’t worry - I’m talking about my money here, not anyone else’s!) I’ve taken risks, speculated on investments, and even dabbled in day trading (not exactly my proudest moment). Each time, I learned a lesson - some the hard way.

Do I regret it? Not at all. Losing money stung, but the lessons I gained were priceless: insight, resilience, and a deeper understanding of why we make these choices - and how to do better. See your mistakes as stepping stones, lessons to learn from and grow. 🌱

True Wealth Is Simplicity, Not Thrill

Over time, I’ve realised that true wealth isn’t built on the thrill of big wins. It’s about simplicity, patience, and consistency.

That dopamine hit? I’ve learned to find it in more meaningful places - celebrating small victories on my financial journey, rather than chasing risky shortcuts that rarely lead to lasting success.

And here’s an important reminder: wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about overall well-being - your health, happiness, and the freedom to live a life aligned with your values. 💖

You’re Not Alone - Let Go of the Shame

Here’s the thing: you’re not alone. Money can feel overwhelming, but most people are just winging it, just like you.

We all compare ourselves to others. You scroll through Instagram and see someone on a luxury holiday, and you think, “Why can’t I do that?” But you don’t know their full story. Maybe they’re drowning in debt or sacrificing their future for today’s highlights reel. 

When money’s tight, it can feel isolating. You might think everyone else has it all figured out while you’re struggling to cover an unexpected expense. But here’s the truth: we’re all in this together.

It’s okay not to have it all figured out. 😌

Your First Step Toward Clarity

This might sound like a simple step to some, but for many, it’s not. It can feel daunting, even uncomfortable. It’s so much easier to bury your head in the sand and hope for the best, right? But here’s the truth: nothing will get worse by taking this one small step. In fact, it’s the first move toward financial wellness - and it’s all about awareness.

Here’s What I’d Like You to Do (Think of It as a Fun Activity - No, Really!)

1️⃣ Open your bank account.
Yes, I know - it might feel a little scary, but trust me, you’ve got this.

2️⃣ Take a look at your expenses.
Review them with curiosity, not judgement.

3️⃣ Print (or export) your last month’s transactions.

4️⃣ Grab a highlighter and mark your non-negotiables.
These are the expenses you absolutely must cover like rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and essential bills.

5️⃣ Prefer digital? Export your transactions into Excel.
Use your favourite colour to highlight all your essential expenses. 🎨✨

Why Does This Matter?

Because this is your first step. And as they say, the first step is always the hardest. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have taken a huge stride toward clarity over your finances.

So, take a deep breath and do it for Future You. 🌟

Next week, we’ll take another step forward. For now, celebrate the courage it takes to begin - you’re already ahead of the game.

Takeaway: Progress, Not Perfection

Money is a journey, not a sprint (yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s true). Don’t let the shame of ‘not having it all figured out’ hold you back. No matter how alone you might feel in your struggles, trust me - you’re not. Everyone is navigating their own financial story, and it’s perfectly okay to start exactly where you are.

So let’s take it one small, manageable step at a time.

You’re not alone in this. Progress matters more than perfection. Together, we’ll move toward financial peace - step by step, without overwhelm.

Ready? Let’s do this. Future You will be so glad you did. ☺️