Let’s lift our community’s economy & spirit up again
Many people are afraid of money or feel that money is bad. I, however, get excited by money as it is a tool to get you from A to B and creates opportunities for many. Your money is your chance to do good every single time you exchange it with another.
Of course, with the upheaval we’ve all experienced this year, you might be feeling like your money is just keeping you afloat, rather than allowing you to make big conscious decisions and changes. But right now it is more important than ever that we invest in our local communities and in things that will safeguard our future.
Our country has been in forced hibernation for much of this year, albeit for a very good reason. Our local communities are very vulnerable right now and our individual decisions to spend and give will impact more than ever before. As a collective, we now have the opportunity to help cultivate growth where we want to see it. Let me tell you how.
Small business is counting on a return to Spring trade (where health restrictions permit) to get out of the economic slump we have endured for the past six months. As individuals, we can help by sensibly choosing to invest, give, save and spend with the businesses, organisations and people we believe are doing good things for this planet, ensuring their survival during the tough months to come.
The choices we make now will help determine the legacy we leave to the next generations.
So where do we start? There are four uses of money that are fundamental to growing our personal opportunities and the opportunities of those around us – it all comes down to how we save, spend, invest and give our money.
Here are some examples of how you can utilise the four uses to help frame how you make conscious and change-making decisions with your money:
1. SAVE a sensible portion of your cash in a bank that your values align with. There are multiple out there that invest wisely. If you have cash in the bank that you can access when you need it, look for ones with interest earnings also.
2. SPEND your discretionary (ie. your fun money) and essential money (ie. food, bills) on businesses that align with your values. Look for businesses actively doing good and making positive changes. Your support will mean they can continue to offer their products and services in a way that benefits our community and planet.
3. INVEST your money in values-aligned assets that will grow over time. If you are investing in other companies, what are their values, who is their leader, what is their mission and what are they doing to benefit the planet? Consider whether a return from investments that don’t align with your values will sit right with you in the long term.
4. GIVE to your community, charity and others that are in need. The not-for-profit sector has been heavily impacted by many holding onto their pennies during the pandemic. Those who do so much good in this world need our help now more than ever, so if you do have money to spare, consider making a few donations over the next month.
5. INVEST in your personal intelligence. There’s nothing better than giving yourself the opportunity to learn more and refine your skills or take up new skills. If there is an area in your life that is broken, you fear or makes you nervous, invest in the education to fix this problem so that you can close that door and move onwards and upwards. Don’t be scared to invest your time, energy and money in taking control of your fears through the art of learning. The world needs you to be the best you can be!
Common fears many of my clients and friends are feeling right now:
“I am too scared to part with my money right now” This is the most common fear that is coming up right now and it is totally warranted. However, if we all halt our spending, investing and giving, our economies will collapse and our cherished businesses may close down. This is the reality of a recession and how it happens. Sensible spending is needed to keep the wheels turning and to keep growth happening.
“I am worried I am going to lose my job after Job Keeper runs out.” This may be a reality for some and this is where we need to be resilient, put our tough boots on and go out there and get another job. Our economy has taken a blow in some industries but not all, there are many job opportunities out there, but you need to be diligent and do your part in creating personal growth and growth of our economy. Now is the time to work hard and be generous with our time and energy so that our community benefit’s in the near future.
Please have faith – we live in one of the most desirable and beautiful and rich (in both resources and intelligence) countries in the world. Millions of others are less fortunate and only have the dream of being able to live in a country that keeps them going every day. We are blessed (and by ‘we’ I mean if you are reading this email you are blessed, you have access to the internet and an email address), we are privileged, we are supported by our government and we have an abundance. Our mindsets forget this from time to time.
We need to get out of our negative thought patterns, look at the opportunities that we are presented with and take action to achieve them. Knowing in your mind that you are strong, wise and capable is the first step, the second is to take the physical step towards achieving that thing that is holding you back today.
I hope this insight has helped to shed some light on the ways we can all help to shape and grow our economy, and how you can also grow on a personal level. If you need support or are feeling anxious, open up to your loved ones.
If you want to help others, then lead by example.
Disclaimer: This is not personal financial advice, please speak to your finance professional if you need individual advice. If you are in financial distress, there is licensed free help available – the National Debt Helpline is wonderful.
