Why You Need a Budget
Budgeters are twice as likely to report no financial worries, compared with spenders.
If you’ve read any personal finance advice, you know there’s one simple rule that comes up time and again: You need a budget.
A budget is a roadmap for where your money will go so you can make your hard-earned income work for you. Budgets assign your money a job and show spending limits for specific expenditures so you can use your money responsibly.
Creating a personalised budget is essential to developing the right spending habits, setting aside money for the long term, and ensuring the money in your bank account goes where it needs to. But how do you make a budget?
Getting started with your first budget may seem complicated, but this Budgeting Course will walk you through every step in the process. You’ll learn how to budget, how to avoid common budgeting mistakes, and how to ensure your budget is one you can stick to.
Jump in, get started, and design a budget you can live on in no time.
https://www.susanhart.com.au/courses/budgeting-on-the-new-moon/
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to paying off debt quickly, as the best approach depends on your specific situation and financial goals. However, here are some effective strategies you can consider:
- Understand Your Debt:
- List all your debts: Include the balances, interest rates, minimum payments, and due dates for each debt.
- Calculate your total debt: This gives you a clear picture of the mountain you’re tackling.
- Prioritize your debts: Choose a repayment method, like the Avalanche (highest interest first) or Snowball (smallest balance first).
- Increase Your Income:
- Look for extra income sources: Take on a side hustle, sell unused items, or freelance your skills.
- Negotiate a raise at your current job: Highlight your achievements and market value.
- Reduce unnecessary expenses: Analyse your spending habits and cut back on non-essentials.
- Attack Your Debt:
- Pay more than the minimums: Even small extra payments can significantly reduce interest and shorten your payoff timeline.
- Consider debt consolidation: This can simplify your payments and potentially lower your interest rate.
- Explore balance transfer cards: Transfer high-interest debt to a card with a 0% intro APR period to save money.
- Stay Motivated:
- Track your progress: Celebrate milestones and visualize your debt-free future.
- Find an accountability partner: Share your goals and progress with a supportive friend or family member.
- Reward yourself: Set small rewards for achieving milestones to keep yourself on track.
Why Start a Budget and Review on a New Moon
There are several reasons why people choose to start something new on a new moon:
- Symbolic Fresh Start:
The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, a time of darkness and emptiness. It’s seen as a blank slate, a clean canvas, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts. Starting something new during this phase feels like planting a seed in fertile soil, ready for growth and possibility.
- Connection to Natural Rhythms:
Many cultures and traditions view the moon as a powerful celestial body influencing our emotions, energy levels, and even luck. Aligning oneself with the new moon’s energy is seen to tap into a flow of renewal and receptivity, enhancing the chances of success in new endeavours.
- Manifestation and Intention Setting:
The new moon’s darkness is often associated with introspection and setting intentions. It’s believed to be a powerful time to focus on your desires, visualize your goals, and plant the seeds of what you want to manifest in the coming lunar cycle. Starting something new during this phase feels like imbuing it with your focused intentions, increasing the chances of it blossoming into fruition.
- Reduced External Influences:
The darkness of the new moon coincides with less moonlight, creating a quieter, more introspective atmosphere. This can be helpful for focusing on yourself, your goals, and the first steps of your new project without distractions or external influences.
- Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs:
Many cultures around the world hold specific beliefs and rituals associated with the new moon. Some see it as a time for cleansing and releasing negativity, while others view it as a powerful time for attracting abundance and prosperity. Starting something new during this phase can be a way to connect with these cultural and spiritual traditions, seeking their guidance and blessings.
The reasons people choose to start something new on a new moon are varied and personal. Whether it’s driven by symbolism, a connection to natural rhythms, a belief in manifestation, or simply a preference for a quieter, more introspective atmosphere, the key is the intention and focus that comes with aligning oneself with this powerful phase of the lunar cycle.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid taking on new debt: This will only prolong your journey to becoming debt-free.
- Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to manage your debt, consider consulting a financial advisor or credit counsellor.
- Remember, paying off debt is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, consistent, and celebrate your victories along the way. You can do this!
Wishing you all the best on your successful budgeting journey
Love Susan x