Jayne Whyte's Portfolio

The rains are still here but the old men aren’t snoring. Young, old and middle aged men and women are busy working their asses off because of the economy; inflations and purchasing power is at all time low. High rate of poverty, out of school children and banditry characterise the society in which I live in at the moment. It is hard to live in a developing society at this time because every moment you are wondering if and when these challenges will go away.

There’s always a special feeling during the ’ember’ months. For me, it is the fact that the year is gradually coming to an end and there’s nothing better than ‘finishing well’. It is our prayers and dream that a journey with a rough start ends well. Also, I have a huge truck load of loved ones celebrating their birthdays between the months of September to December. There’s always joyful moments and well wishes almost every week.

Last month challenges were quite very helpful in keeping me sane. I juggled a lot office and school work during the month and so, eating nutritious foods (lots of vegetable smoothies), morning meditations and lots of laughs, made me feel better and wholesome. During the month of August, I had some time to reflect on my goals for the year and I to be honest, I have done great with myself. I have achieved 90 percent of my health and fitness goal, 85 percent of my self improvement goals and 70 percent of my family and friends goal. I had major setback on my career and money goal. At the beginning of the year, I did not put into perspective the extent of the economic recession. I’ll need help to push through before we call it a year.

This month, the challenges will revolve around financial management (i hope we are in this together). We are going to act like our lives depend on it. I hope you are listening. Firstly, there will be no out of budget spending. If it is not in your budget, DO NOT SPEND! No matter the temptation. Only spend if that line item has been budgeted for this month. Draw up a list of items that you are in your budget for the month and focus your spending only on that list. Do not spend on impulse.

Secondly, eat in! This month, we are not eating out because evidence shows that home made meals cost less. Saving costs on meals means that we have to eat nutritious meals prepared at home. Find time for meal prepping and preparation during the week so that you are not tempted to look outside for food. If you use the SWLP, you have the meal planning and shopping list pages to help with you with your meal prep.

And lastly, read a financial management article or book. Find time to ready any written document that will increase your financial awareness and prompt you to take good financial decisions moving forward. Doing this will strengthen us to understand our financial capabilities, manage our finances better and ensure we make the right investments for ourselves and family, for today and the future.

Are you motivated? How do you feel about these challenges? I look forward to receiving feedbacks from you about your journey so far.

Cheers!