While I am not quite “Three Score Years and Ten” yet, any birthday does make you contemplate the past.
Quite a few years ago, I came across a list of 100 questions to give older family members to answer. By answering these questions, you may gain a deeper understating of your relative’s life.
At some point I will do this excercise for myself and create my own book ( maybe in time for my 70th birthday?)
I gave these questions to my Mum and, well, she went above and beyond and wrote a whole book!!!
I had the (very large) file she sent me turned into a hard covered book and got copies for the whole family. The family were then presented with the book on her 70th birthday.
Over the last few weeks I have been organising my computer’s hard drive and I came across the file. I had not read through it for a while, and it was fun to skim back over it.
You can download her book here... or click on the image below.
Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, love, and countless challenges. One thing that can add an extra layer of difficulty is navigating motherhood on a tight budget. While a bank account less than “loaded” may initially seem like a hindrance, it might actually shape you into a better mother.
So, embrace your financial circumstances and discover the hidden advantages they bring!
Cultivating Resourcefulness:
A tight budget encourages you to become resourceful, finding creative ways to meet your family’s needs. As a mother, this resourcefulness translates into clever solutions and a knack for stretching every dollar. You learn to make the most of what you have, finding alternative options and DIY solutions that not only save money but also boost your children’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Being resourceful teaches your children valuable life lessons and creates a sense of resilience.
Teaching Financial Responsibility:
Navigating motherhood on a tight budget provides an opportunity to teach your children about financial responsibility from an early age.
Instead of saying a firm NO to their requests, you make conscious choices, prioritise spending, and involve them in budgeting discussions. In doing this, you teach lessons about money management and the importance of making informed financial decisions. By showing them how to live within means, save for the future, and distinguish between wants and needs, you equip them with essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Fostering Gratitude and Appreciation:
A tight budget allows you to instill a sense of gratitude and appreciation in your children. By consciously making choices and sacrifices, they learn to value what they have and express gratitude for the simple pleasures in life.
Teaching your children to appreciate experiences, togetherness, and acts of kindness rather than material possessions helps them cultivate a lasting happiness that isn’t dependent on “things”.
This mindset creates a strong foundation for their overall well-being and shapes them into compassionate individuals.
Building Strong Family Bonds:
On a budget, you discover that quality time and shared experiences matter more than material possessions. You create opportunities for family bonding that may have been overlooked with a larger budget. Whether it’s cooking together, engaging in outdoor activities, or having game nights, these shared moments become cherished memories that strengthen the bonds within your family. Motherhood on a budget allows you to focus on what truly matters: love, connection, and the joy of being together.
Nurturing Determination:
Navigating financial constraints requires determination and grit, qualities that you naturally develop as a mother.
You face challenges head-on, finding creative ways to overcome obstacles and provide for your family.
Through your example, you show your children the values of perseverance, adaptability, and hard work. They witness firsthand how you handle difficult situations and learn that setbacks are temporary roadblocks that can be overcome with resilience and determination. (even if you do breakdown in the shower on occasion when it all gets too hard )
Motherhood on a tight budget is a journey that molds you into a better person, despite its initial challenges. Through resourcefulness, financial responsibility, gratitude, strong family bonds, resilience, and a downright dogged determination to succeed, you create a nurturing environment that prepares your children for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
Embrace your financial circumstances, for they have the power to shape you and your children in beautiful ways.
Remember, it’s not the size of your budget but the love, care, and values you impart that make you an exceptional mother.
Winter is my favourite season. (we just bought a home in Tasmania to escape the Queensland heat) but many hate the cold and the challenges it can bring to the family budget.
Today I am here to share with you some budget-friendly ways to keep your family warm without sacrificing your finances. With some resourcefulness and a touch of creativity, you can ensure that your family stays cosy and comfortable throughout winter, without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive in, keep warm and embrace the season without a single worry about your budget.
Layer Clothing
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay warm during winter is to layer your clothing. Think of it as creating a stylish outfit that also provides insulation. Start with a warm base layer, then add long-sleeved shirts, cosy sweaters, and fashionable jackets. Don’t forget to stock up on thick socks and leggings for extra warmth. Layering not only traps precious body heat but also allows you to adjust your clothing as the day unfolds, ensuring maximum comfort and style. It’s a warm winter win-win!
Use Blankets and Throws
Let’s talk about the amazing power of blankets and throws. They are your secret weapons against the winter chill. Invest in heavenly soft blankets and encourage each family member to embrace the warmth by snuggling up with their very own cosy throw. Remember, layering blankets can take you to another level of comfort and insulation. Look for affordable options at op shops, or let your creativity shine by repurposing old fabric into beautiful quilts or blankets. These cosy layers will not only keep you snug but also help you save on heating costs.
Weatherproof Windows and Doors
When it comes to staying warm, pay attention to every detail, including those sneaky drafts that try to invade homes through windows and doors. It’s time to weatherproof your space. Take a moment to apply weatherstripping around windows and doors, sealing any gaps that allow chilly air to creep inside. Even on a limited budget, you can find affordable options like adhesive foam weatherstripping or, dare I say, the ever-useful duct tape. These small yet powerful measures will significantly reduce heat loss, making your home more energy-efficient.
Use Draft Stoppers
Arrgh!!! Drafts… The solution to keep them at bay are draft stoppers, affectionately known as door snakes. These marvellous creations are placed at the bottom of doors, preventing the invasion of cold air. You can find them in stores, or if you’re feeling crafty, create your own by filling a long fabric tube with rice, beans or even pool noodles, then sewing it up (decorate them to look like cute animals for kid’s rooms) and lay them at the base of exterior doors or doors leading to unheated areas, such as the garage. They act as tough barriers, ensuring that no chilly breeze dares enter your cosy home.
Insulate the Home
Now you have stopped the cold getting in, let’s talk about insulation to stop it leaking out. Proper insulation is the key to maintaining a warm and welcoming home during winter, and guess what? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Start by insulating the roof space, as heat tends to rise and can escape through the roof. Look for affordable materials like fibreglass batts or foam insulation to prevent heat loss and ensure your warmth stays put. For a super budget option, look for second-hand carpet to lay over the ceiling joists inside the roof.
But don’t stop there! Insulate walls and floors using carpet, rugs, or heavy curtains that not only make a fashion statement but also act as a barrier against the cold. These budget-friendly measures will create a cocoon of warmth within your home.
Utilize Natural Sunlight
Ah, the power of sunshine! It’s time to let it in.
Open your curtains and blinds wide during the day and let the warm rays into your home. Allow its warmth to fill every corner, lighting up your rooms and naturally heating them up. Clean your windows and trim trees or bushes to maximize the sun’s entry, for a sparkling view and an extra dose of heat. When the sun lowers in the afternoon, draw the curtains and blinds shut, trapping the accumulated warmth within. It’s a simple yet effective practice that is centuries old, costs nothing, but brings a world of comfort.
Create a Cosy “Cave” Space
Imagine, creating a space within your home where warmth and love meet. Gather your family in a smaller, well-insulated “cave” room during the colder months. By focusing your warmth in a specific area, you can avoid excessive heating and create an intimate space. Surround yourselves with plush throws, soft cushions, and gentle lighting to set the cosy ambience. This designated area will become the heart of your home, a place where lives are shared, laughter happens, and a delightful warmth of a close-knit family can be fostered. Add in snacks and hot drinks and magic memories will be created.
Utilize Heaters Sparingly.
Oh, the draw of a heater. We once had one we affectionately called “The Sun”!! Three tall bars of heating and a fan to further push the heat out… It was great but WOW the power bill suffered…
While heaters can be your trusted companions in the hunt for warmth. Choose energy-efficient models and use them selectively in rooms that are frequently occupied, such as the living room or bedrooms for a few minutes before retiring for the night. But remember, safety first! Follow all guidelines, keep the heaters away from flammable materials, and turn them off when not in use or when leaving the room.
Maximize Hot Water Usage
Hot water is a useful resource for warmth during the winter months.
A hot shower after work and indulging in a warm towel popped into the dryer, for just a few minutes before wrapping around yourself for instant cosiness then slipping into snuggly PJ’s for the evening can be sublime.
Embrace the luxury of hot water bottles. Use them under throws or place under the covers a few minutes before bedtime. Allow its heat to transform your bed into a cocoon of warmth for the night’s sleep. It’s all about finding joy in the simple pleasures.
Encourage Physical Activity
The magic of movement generates body heat and invigorates. Encourage family members to pump up the music and dance!
Perhaps explore yoga, stretching your body and finding inner balance while generating a radiant heat from within.
Or why not do a fast-paced aerobics session, elevating your heart rate and igniting your body heat. These activities not only keep you physically active but also promote overall health and well-being, lifting your spirits during the winter season.
For some family fun, organize indoor games like treasure hunts or obstacle courses that get the whole family moving and laughing. Remember, these games are not just a means to stay warm but also a way to create memories and closeness within the family.
I hope these affordable ways to keep your family warm in winter have inspired you.
Remember, it is possible to enjoy the season without worrying about your budget. Layer your clothing with style, wrap yourself in cosy blankets, banish the chill, bask in the sun, and create a cosy haven.
Stay warm and cosy, and remember, you have the power to RISE to Rich!
The whole concept of “Sunshine Cash” is the total opposite of “Saving for a Rainy Day”
It is, of course, important to save an emergency fund for unforeseen events, but (in my opinion) to have money in the bank for money’s sake is just not necessary.
In no way would I EVER advocate spending more than you have, but cash is there to be spent. ALWAYS pay your bills first, then allow funds for savings and general “adulting” then allow some “Sunshine Cash” for just having fun.
My Story..
I have been on this planet for 50-something years now and have learnt a lot in that time ( as we have all) Some of the lessons I have taken to heart and have created a happy content life that is MY version of pretty damn good 😊 All while NOT “keeping up with the Jones’ (or the Kardashians)
I vividly remember as a child, the excitement of the big Saturday paper. Mum would read the lifestyle, cooking and fashion liftouts, Dad would have the news and sport, my brother would race for the comics and I just LOVED the ad catalogues.
The JOY of browsing each page and tenderly touching images of items that seemed only for the “rich”. With my hands on an image, I could close my eyes and imagine exactly what it would be like to have that thing. The way I felt, the touch, the sounds, the smell. Ahhh bliss!!
Little did I know that I was manifesting my ideal life even as a youngster. I always knew what my ideal life looked like.
My life is not “frugal” in the traditional sense of some ( I do not scrimp on every penny) Instead, I know what my ideal life looks and feels like and actively work toward that goal every day.
Over the years I have been told MANY times how “Lucky” I am and my answer has always been “I worked bloody hard to be this lucky” The truth is though… I am LAZY 😊 I actually don’t like to work too hard, but I do work hard for my money and I expect my money to work hard for me.
There is somewhat of a backlash to girls and women wanting to be a “princess”. After all, in this modern world can’t us women be so much more than a figment of prettiness that relies on a saviour in the form of a man?
Well…DUH!! Of course ? I do not aspire to be a Disney Princess nor an actual Royal Princess -that appears like faaaaaar to much work.
What I DO aspire to is the perfect life that most little girls are led to believe that a Princess has.
Waking up in a huge fluffy soft bed ( where even so much as a small pea creates discomfort) surrounded by woodland creatures and twittering birds.
The sun is shining as she slips into a lovely outfit and partakes of high tea in luxurious surroundings. If there is any light work to be done, it is met with a merry song and is never a drudgery.
Her prince is dashingly handsome and treats her with the love and adoration that befits her – and she reciprocates. TOGETHER they live happily ever after.
I guess it is not so much the idea of being a princess as such but rather it is the idea of being the heroine of your own story, whatever that looks like.
I ask you WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH THAT!!!
So… Use the good china, Wear the jewellery, Bathe with the nice soap. Who is more important to use it for than YOU!
When you think of RICH does the image of money and wealth immediately spring to mind? For most people it does, but did you know that the dictionary has many definitions of the word RICH and only one has to do with actual money.
However, by following these 3 simple rules, you can become financially rich.
Rule Number 1: Do Not Live Above Your Means. I think everybody knows their income should be higher than their spending to be able to achieve financial stability. Certainly, my philosophy of making my cash work hard for me has been the cornerstone of creating my “Sunshine Cash” lifestyle
Rule 2: Save Up and Invest Again the common thinking is to save the balance between your income and outgoings and invest to create further income. Planning income for your future self is a wise decision if you do not to be still working 9-5 well into your 80’s.
Rule 3: Improve on Rules 1 & 2. It is easy to plan and budget your expenses. The issue comes in the practice. So many have the greatest intentions only to slip back to bad habits in a month or two. It is VITALLY important to keep checking in with yourself and keep yourself on track to achieve your long term goals.
Rule 4: Do Not Apply These Rules to Just Your Money. To have a truly RICH life, every area of life needs to follow the first 2 rules. Let’s see how this can be applied to the 8 life areas..
Life Area
Rule 1:
“Do Not Live Above Your Means”
Rule 2:
“Save Up and Invest”
Financial Wealth
Spend less than you Earn
Save and Invest the left over money after expenses
Home and Environment
Have a home that suits your lifestyle
Maintain your home to keep it in good condition.
Family & Friends
Have hundreds of “Friends”
Nurture and protect true friendships that see you through thick and thin.
Romance / Partner
Be too busy to give your partner time. Taking them for granted
Taking time to connect on a personal level often to keep the spark alive.
Health & Wellbeing
Overeat and don’t exercise
Have regular check-ups with health professionals.
Career & Business
Jumping from one job to the next often.
Creating a long term career that creates job satisfaction.
Personal Growth
Being constantly stressed and busy
Allowing some “Me Time” to create balance and unwind.
Fun & Recreation
Being constantly stressed and busy
Finding time to have fun, engage in a hobby or just relax with friends
Take some time and consider how can you apply the 2 rules to your life in all areas.
Many of us have been raised with the idea of "saving for a rainy day", so we diligently squirrel away savings for a disastrous event.
While it is important to have a safety net backup, "Sunshine Cash" is the complete opposite :) It is the money to have FUN with, money to burn, money to enjoy, and money to LIVE.
It is the formula that has seen me "Rise to Rich" and I can help you do the same.
Where to now? Join me on the Sunshine Cash journey. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for tips and hacks to create YOUR best life.
Oh! Please do comment on my posts. I love to know if something resonates with you, or how you do things differently. I love to hear your stories.
Waking up in a huge fluffy soft bed ( where even so much as a small pea creates discomfort) surrounded by woodland creatures and twittering birds.
