Financial "stress" is a hollow feeling. Just as you think you are doing OK, a bill arrives you didn't expect. Or Centre link has sent you an unexpected debt?...
I know that feeling. Being manic as a young man with an adult defence service wage and low "on base" rent led to signing the loan papers whenever I wanted another car. In the end I had 5 loans with an old car to show for it.
So, with Xmas out of the way what can 2017 bring to you that's positive so at the end of this year you will feel more successful.
Maintain some realistic expectations of your position by NYE this year. Raise the bar too high and you'll be disappointed.
Remind yourself, with words of appreciation that you are better off than some. Don't fool yourself that you are the worse off.
Revamp your bill system. Carefully consider direct debit. be wary however. One major telco continually took money from our account even though we cancelled it. This is common and places more burden on you and anger. We now pay insurances through dd but telephone, internet water and rego is bpay for that reason
Shop around. Insurance companies vary greatly. If over 50yo consider insurance companies that specialise with retirees. Multi policy discounts?
If you don't ask you don't get. I flash my motor card and health card always.
Communication. There is nothing worse for a landlord than being left in the dark. Be honest and direct.
Need help paying rent? If its OK get a boarder. One friend of mine purchased a $700 caravan and charges $150 a week rent for it. Caravans allow you a roof in desperate times. It prevents using the street for a bed. Its insurance.
Accept that life's ups and downs come and go. Realise that a housing or financial crisis will need long term fixing and the way to that goal is short term hard work with commitment before the light at the end of the tunnel shines. Worry only produces ulcers.
Suicides nationwide last year totalled over 3,000 with 3/4 made up of males. Way over the road toll. Many of those would have been money issues and a thought process of there being no hope. Progress could be just around the corner. Give up smoking or halve your luxuries, baby steps add up to leaps and bounds.
Reward your efforts. My friends gave up smoking and I was shocked they bought a Porsche as reward. Their cigarettes cost more!.
Whatever your "fix", you can make effort.
NYE 2017 can be a better situation.
Never give up and accept life will throw hurdles unexpectedly.
Tony WK
