Traditionally, personal finance conversations have focused heavily on numbers, metrics, and strategies. However, Morgan Housel, in his insightful book “The Psychology of Money,” proposes a compelling argument: while acquiring wealth involves shrewd financial strategies, maintaining and growing that wealth is more about mastering your behaviours and emotions. Housel shares that acquiring and preserving wealth are two distinct challenges, with the latter often proving more difficult. The actual test of financial acumen lies not in how much […]
Continue readingMore TagAuthor: anthonyb@timslatter.com
Who’s leaning on you?
BALANCING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONAL BOUNDARIES For all of us, we’re often interconnected with others in ways we don’t fully realise. Family members, friends, colleagues and even acquaintances can lean on us for support, both emotionally and financially. While this support can be a beautiful expression of love and community, it can also become an invisible weight that impacts our own financial well-being and life goals. Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in […]
Continue readingMore TagPause before you pay (part I)
THE ART OF MINDFUL SPENDING: HOW TO COMBAT IMPULSE BUYING In the rush of daily life, the urge to make spontaneous purchases can be compelling. Yet, giving in to this impulse often leads to clutter, not just in our homes but in our financial lives as well. Warren Buffett wisely advised, “If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.” This caution speaks volumes about the value of […]
Continue readingMore TagAre you a cog in the machine?
In the grand machinery of personal finance, we all play a role. But have you ever stopped to consider what kind of role you’re playing? Are you the one tirelessly turning the cogs, or have you become the overseer of a well-oiled financial plan? Let’s picture two scenarios: Imagine Sarah, who wakes up every morning, rushes to her 9-to-5 job, and diligently works to earn her paycheck. She’s constantly aware of her bank balance, carefully budgeting […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Monte Carlo Fallacy
Also known as the gambler’s fallacy, the Monte Carlo fallacy is the mistaken belief that past events can influence future outcomes in situations where the events are actually independent. This fallacy, or cognitive bias, originates from the world of gambling, where players may erroneously believe that a streak of losses makes a win more likely or vice versa. In reality, each spin of the roulette wheel or roll of the dice is an independent event, unaffected […]
Continue readingMore TagIs your money working for you?
Either you put your money to work for you, or you will always have to work for your money. Understanding and acting on this concept can be the difference between perpetual financial strain and achieving lasting financial freedom. At its core, putting your money to work means investing in avenues that generate passive income—earnings you receive without actively working for them daily. This could mean investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, or even starting or investing […]
Continue readingMore TagIt ain’t gonna be easy
The road toward financial independence and a meaningful life is seldom straight or smooth. It’s a path fraught with challenges, requiring not just financial acumen but also a steadfast commitment to your long-term goals. The words, “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it,” resonate deeply in this context, offering both a sobering reminder and a hopeful promise. It ain’t gonna be easy. Embarking on this […]
Continue readingMore TagEquipping kids with financial literacy skills
Parents have the profound responsibility and privilege of shaping their children’s relationship with money. In a world where financial literacy is often lacking, equipping our kids with the knowledge and skills to navigate their financial lives with confidence and wisdom is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. By starting early and making financial education a consistent part of family life, we set our children up for long-term well-being and success. Teaching kids about […]
Continue readingMore TagBeing kind to the inner critic
Sometimes, we can be hardest on ourselves (and others) when working with money! This could be because we’ve been taught to think that our success is largely determined and defined by numbers, investment strategies, and external factors that impact our financial well-being. However, true financial success is most often rooted in our internal world—our thoughts, beliefs, and the narratives we tell ourselves. So – it’s a much bigger picture. As we begin to explore this bigger […]
Continue readingMore TagIs all debt bad?
Debt, in its many forms, can often feel like a heavy chain that restricts financial freedom. Whether it’s the revolving cycles of credit card balances, the long-term commitment of a mortgage, or the daunting totals of student loans, each type of debt comes with its unique challenges and strategies for management. Debt is often a “necessary evil” in today’s world. So, whilst many will not be able to avoid it, it’s helpful for us to create […]
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