Money with Alpha

Why is it that we avoid things (like looking at our finances)? Our brains are a complex "computer", and understanding how they work makes it easier to program them in a way that actually works FOR us, rather than against us.

In this episode I talk about 3 key concepts to understand our brains, specific to money:

• Survival - our brains are wired to make sure we survive (it isn't interested in thriving), and this is done through making sure we remain with what is familiar to our brain;
• Change - this is seen as a threat to our survival, as the change may hurt or kill us. So, we need to make any kind of change, incrementally;
• Habits - to reduce the mental load and energy exertion that goes with change, we need to embed as much as we can into a habit, which requires consistency.

Here is the link to the FREE Financial Health Self-Assessment quiz that I mention at the beginning of this episode - FREE Financial Health Self-Assessment (money-madesimple.com.au)

Parenting (like money) is not something we are taught, yet we have to navigate somehow. Where you are also parenting a child who is neurodiverse, there is potentially more complexity.

Leanne Tran is a psychology who specialises in helping parents understand their neurodiverse child, and how to help the children understand themselves better.

A fascinating conversation, with lots of great information.

Here are Leanne's links, so you can find out more:

• Leanne's Website
• Leanne's Instagram
• For Psychologists

Lately I've been drawn to books and podcasts that talk about how we are not here in this life to gather "stuff". We are here to connect, grow, evolve, share, help, and even make an impact (on whatever scale).

This has resonated with me quite a lot, so wanted to share this with you as well.

I started gradually decluttering "stuff" out of my home, and letting go of things I wouldn't use or wear anymore. It feels so good to be "lighter".

In this episode I also give you ideas for how you can find more simplicity and enjoy life without spending more, or any, money.

Maree Kirkpatrick is passionate about helping business owners learn how to sell without it feeling uncomfortable and something to actively avoid. Her approach is simple, straight forward, and very human-centric. In this conversation we delve into money, selling, business and psychology.

As a successful business owner and mum, she is also well aware of the juggle that is life. She has a wealth of knowledge and she openly shares SO much in this conversation.

To find out more about Maree:

• https://www.mareekirkpatrick.com/
• https://www.mareekirkpatrick.com/club
• https://www.instagram.com/mareekirkpatrick/
• https://www.facebook.com/mareekirkpatrickconsulting

Mother's Day is a good opportunity to be reminded to take a pause and appreciate life, inspite of all its challenges.

Here are 3 areas I focus on in this episode:

1. Gratitude - being consciously grateful for what we have in our life. Even where there are challenges, look for the things that you appreciate within everything else.
2. Giving - this isn't just about giving money, it's about caring for others and giving time and attention to the things that matter most to you.
3. Receiving - to complete the energetic loop, it's important to be able to receive as well. If you only give, it's likely you will burn out. Being open to receiving also allows others who care for you to give.

Ultimately, it's a timely reminder to be kind to yourself (and others), and come from a place of love.

In the intro I mention a workshop I'm running in Brisbane on 21 May. Here are the details - Budgeting Essentials for Small Business (money-madesimple.com.au)

There is nothing that beats the smell and taste of bread fresh out of the oven. When I was a kid my mum had a breadmaker and we used it pretty regularly.

Nowadays, with sourdough being a bit kinder on some tummies (including mine), I prefer this, as well as using spelt flour.

Sourdough can be a little difficult to work with though, and I've found that with spelt flour there are added complexities. So, after almost a year of trying different things, I've found a recipe and process that works consistently!

And, because I get asked how I make my bread pretty regularly, I'm recording it so it can be shared! Plus, the cost of each loaf is around $7, which is also a bonus.

• If you would like the video version of this, please check out my YouTube video - https://youtu.be/haXGm788jHA
• There is also a written blog article as well - https://www.money-madesimple.com.au/blog/spelt-sourdough-bread-recipe

To find out more about the in-person workshop I mention at the beginning, please go here - Budgeting Essentials for Small Business (money-madesimple.com.au)

Are you experiencing the problem where you are making money, but your bank account doesn't reflect this? Worse still, your tax return says your business is turning a profit (which you're paying tax on), and you aren't seeing this the cash you have?

This episode will help you to understand these issues, which plague many small business owners.

How much of our lives are we living truly based on our own design (and not someone else's, or society's)?

Our lives are influenced by our Beliefs, Stories and Behaviours, around money, and other areas. Being inspired by others is one thing. Comparing ourselves to them is a recipe for depression and anxiety.

In the episode I talk about some strategies I use on myself and my clients to help manage situations when I'm not feeling that my life is really heading where I want it to go.

Procrastination and avoidance is something we do when we don't like it. Money tends to be one of those somethings. And it doesn't need to be like that. Especially as money is extremely important.

In this episode I take you through 3 steps to help you find more fun in sorting out your finances.

Travel is something I've loved since I was a very little girl. When I started working at the age of 14, my primary goal was to save up to travel. Apart from a few years when my daughter was first born, I've gone away somewhere every year. I even worked at an airline for a few years, and did a lot of travelling in that time - taking advantage of the standby deals!

So, I've cultivated my travel budgeting too over the years. However, this last trip I just took with my mum and daughter didn't go quite to plan. Have a listen to find out why, and what I did.