Adding Up

Ep.100 Adding Up - The Power Of Documenting Welcome to one hundred episodes! I've just re-listened to episode one of the Adding Up Podcast. My voice was shaking and I stated that if I could help just one person in the process of recording this podcast it would be a success. 4 years and thousands of downloads later, I am humbled. The power of documenting is something that I completely underestimated. I started the podcast buoyed by a shred of hope, I had made enough changes to my spending habits to pay off $5,000 off of one credit card. I still had more on that balance plus another 2 cards maxed out, but I could see quite literally little changes could add up. I have stumbled more than once in 4 years. I have had 2 significant breaks in recording episodes. The first when I was on the verge of burnout during the 2nd lockdown of my local area trying to keep up with running my business and homeschooling my children. Something had to give and thankfully I noticed at the time that I wasn't prepared to give up my health. The 2nd time I became bedridden for 2 weeks. I simply didn't see the warning signs the 2nd time. This time I had no choice but to not record the podcast. Listening to the first episode of the podcast again today, reminded me of just how far I have come. Taking stock of my achievements since starting this podcast in May 2019, I have: As of May 2019 Serena I had reduced my debt by $6,000 without increasing my personal budget. By December 2019, I reduced my debt by $11,200 and had $3,046 left on my 3rd and final credit card. My target was to have no more credit cards by June 2020. As of April 2020 I achieved this goal and had reduced my debt by $17,507.54. As of March 2023, I have reduced my debt by $47,097.54. It's important to note that as of March 2022 I adjust the budget to save for a family holiday as the need to pay down extra debt hasn't been as important. Interest rates have also been increasing so this has impacted the ability to pay extra as I see the importance of paying debts. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Also included are my tips and experience on: - Saving Money Tips - Interest on savings - 7-Eleven Coffee - Having difficult conversations - Money mindset Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.099 Adding Up - What Happens When Interest Rates Go Up, Again Deep breath and here we go, again. Another month, another interest rate rise. I'm feeling like it's groundhog day. It's getting harder to stay positive and even harder to save money, or, is it? There's no point crying about it (well at least not all the time). This episode is one where I share the hard feelings, the pity party and then how I'm moving on and getting focused on the future. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Pausing My Best Learning - Continuing to learn Money Bravery - Get clear and open to creative solutions Also included are my tips and experience on: - Saving Money Tips - Paying in instalments - Interest on savings - Negotiating better rates on a mortgage - Shop around on insurance premiums - Service NSW Premium and Savings Vouchers and Rebates - Shopping Online Vs In Store - The Convenience Tax - Reusable Coffee Cups - 7-Eleven Coffee - Checking your details are up to date with your insurances - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - Money mindset Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.098 Adding Up - Learning New Ways To Save Money Another month, another interest rate rise. It's getting harder to stay positive and even harder to save money, or, is it? In this episode it's about looking for creative and different ways to save money despite the current economic challenges. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Raiding The Freezer My Best Learning - I Can Always Learn Money Bravery - If You Don't Speak Up You Don't Have Opportunity Of A Yes Also included are my tips and experience on: - Saving Money Tips - Paying in instalments - Interest on savings - Negotiating better rates on a mortgage - Shop around on insurance premiums - Service NSW Premium and Savings Vouchers and Rebates - Shopping Online Vs In Store - The Convenience Tax - Reusable Coffee Cups - 7-Eleven Coffee - Checking your details are up to date with your insurances - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - Money mindset Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.097 Adding Up - How Is Your Money Understanding Setting You Up Is your money understanding setting you up for success? Or failure? The funny thing is if we're not paying attention to the money we have and what we are using it for we can find ourselves struggling. Going on a journey to get better with my finances I've discovered that more people are challenged with money understanding and money confidence than I realised. Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For me to break the myth that it doesn't happen to everyone, more stories from many different backgrounds need to be brought to light. In this episode I also detail what and where I'm seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Don't Buy What You Don't Need My Best Learning - Centre For Women's Economic Safety Money Bravery - Always Ask For Alternatives Also included are my tips and experience on: - The value of documenting - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.096 Adding Up - Don't Think It Won't Happen To You You don't know what you don't know. Going on a journey to get better with my finances I've discovered that more people are challenged with money understanding and money confidence than I realised. Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For me to break the myth that it doesn't happen to everyone, more stories from many different backgrounds need to be brought to light. In this episode I also detail what and where I'm seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Service NSW Back To School Vouchers My Best Learning - Research, there can be more for free than you realise Money Bravery - Use the payment plans Also included are my tips and experience on: - The value of documenting - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.095 Adding Up - Staying In Control With Finances Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For this to happen I'm taking the time to review all the things I can control and even plan for the things I can't control. In this episode I also detail what and where I'm seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Walking the dog My Best Learning - Routine with choice Money Bravery - If you don't have all the facts you can't make an informed decision Also included are my tips and experience on: - Saving money on food - Eating leftovers - How to avoid the fridge to bin problem - Favourite leftover meals - Switching off lights - Service NSW vouchers - Combatting the costs of going back to school Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.094 Adding Up - What Does Financial Security Look Like? What does financial security look like? I spoke at an event recently about financial literacy. Afterwards a woman approached me to thank me for sharing my story. She then went on to say I only have a credit card for emergencies. I had been there myself at one point. In this episode I share why I have changed that approach and how I did it. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au This episode is one of a series pre-recorded so I have a break with my family over the Summer Holidays in Australia. No weekly highlights mentioned in the episode, but in saying this, the fact thatI'm having a break with my family it's a HUGE highlight for me. Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.093 Adding Up - New Year Resolution For Saving Is it possible to save more money with the cost of living rising? Review your spending of 2022 Adjust your budget Shop around on essentials Do your homework Automate saving Consistently look for savings Every saving matters Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - My Best Learning - Money Bravery - Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset - The Good Fight by Dr Liane Davey --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.092 Adding Up - Are You Really Saving Money At The Sales? Is it possible to save more money with the cost of living rising? What I've learned from sales: Have a budget You're only saving money if you are going to use it If it doesn't fit it's a waste of money If you don't have the money don't turn up Don't use your credit card There will always be another one Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Avoiding the sales My Best Learning - Only use the money you have Money Bravery - Saying no to going shopping with others Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.091 Adding Up - 10 Holiday Season Tips For Saving Money My top 10 tips for holiday saving. As my anxiety rises at the thought of having my kids on holidays for the next 6 weeks. Here are ways I help to reduce my anxiety and spending while having the kids around for a lot more than usual. Plan Look For Free Beware of Free Don't leave home hungry Parks, Beaches, Gardens Rest Boredom is good Board Games Projects Slow down Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Kris Kringle My Best Learning - Extra special cards Money Bravery - It's okay to not spend money Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.090 Adding Up - What Would Financial Decisions Look Like If They Were Easy? It's officially the holiday season aka ‘silly season.' I'm having moments of feeling overwhelmed and I have found myself wishing my financial decisions easy. So what does that look like? My attitude is everything. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - I don't need to keep all my books My Best Learning - Be aware of auto renew Money Bravery - Stand up for yourself Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.089 Adding Up - Can I Really Change My Bad Money Habits? This week I got another letter from the bank letting me know the interest rates and payments on our mortgage were going up. It sent me into a tailspin. The interesting thing about this process has been my learning about my own money relationship. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Driving Past The Drive Thru My Best Learning - Mistakes Happen The Reaction Is More Important Money Bravery - Share Your Story Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset - Grocery Shopping Without a Shopping List - The Good Fight by Dr Liane Davey - Journaling --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.088 Adding Up - When Money Is Not The Motivator One of my greatest fears has been becoming a reality. Having ungrateful kids. The worst part of this has been trying to teach them financial literacy and they haven't been motivated to do chores to earn money. This blows my mind. So in the episode I share the journey to get them motivated to not just earn money but also to help around the house and even take the step to save money. The interesting thing about this process has been my learning about my own money relationship. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Repurposing my bra My Best Learning - Kids are amazing teachers Money Bravery - Have the conversations Also included are my tips and experience on: - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Kids don't listen, they watch - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - Value exchange - Money mindset --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.087 Adding Up - Money Gets Messy When We Are On Mute As a reformed spender and someone who has struggled with being a people pleaser and avoiding tough money conversations this episode focuses on how I've discovered the power of the mute button. When you are aware of it you can be better with your awareness and this leads to productive money conversations. Keeping myself in check is a daily task. The biggest lesson I've learned to date is that being better with money and having better budgets is a constant series of positive actions. In this episode I share the steps I'm taking to focus on the positive in every situation, even the money mistakes. Who says a budget can and has to be an excel spreadsheet to be successful? Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Op Shopping Right On Cue My Best Learning - Be An Active Listener Money Bravery - Back Yourself Also included are my tips and experience on: - Prepare Enrich Can Be Done At Any Time In Life - Issues Grow When We Ignore Them - Me Money - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Being A Force For Good Budgeting As a reformed spender and someone who has struggled to naturally enforce sticking to a budget, how do you do better? In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Being A Force For Good Budgeting.' Keeping myself in check is a daily task. The biggest lesson I've learned to date is that being better with money and having better budgets is a constant series of positive actions. In this episode I share the steps I'm taking to focus on the positive in every situation, even the money mistakes. Who says a budget can and has to be an excel spreadsheet to be successful? Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Best & Less Clearance Rack My Best Learning - Tokens Can Be A Teacher Money Bravery - Talking About My Money Challenges Also included are my tips and experience on: - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The cashless envelope system - Money mindset - Ep.020 Adding Up - What I learned Buying Property At 20 years old --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.085 Adding Up - Flicking The Switch The Power of Focus Where you look is where you go. So how does this translate when you're struggling with your relationship with money and the cost of living rising simply out of your control. In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Flicking the switch, the power of focus.' I've felt my bad money habits creeping back in as rising interest rates are biting and cost of living is pushing upwards. I'm struggling to keep myself in check. This episode is an important one as I share how I'm combating the challenge of focusing on maintaining the essentials. I share the thought process and how I'm holding myself accountable. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Not spending money My Best Learning - Being Open To Learning Money Bravery - Pulling The Plug On What You Think You're Not Using Also included are my tips and experience on: - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The power of accountability and action - Money mindset --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.084 Adding Up - Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations Following on from Episode 83 and talking about ‘Why is changing money habits so hard?' In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations.' Our kids are seemingly oblivious that things cost money. I hate that. This has been so frustrating. We've tried pocket money and the jar system of donating money to charity, saving and spending money, but quite simply it's not working. In this episode I share how I'm combating this challenge with a new way of looking at kids' financial literacy. I share the thought process and challenges I'm currently going through as a result. Where is the easy answer? Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - My wardrobe is a treasure trove of fashion My Best Learning - You're only as good as your decisions, the next decision could be better Money Bravery - Take time to remind yourself and others of your worth Also included are my tips and experience on: - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The power of accountability and action - Different views of money and value --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.083 Adding Up - Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard. There's never a shortage of things to spend money on. Cost of living is steadily increasing, this week the mortgage has increased for the 6th time. I'm faced with the challenge to either increase my income or be more creative with what I have. I share the thought process and challenges I'm currently going through as a result. Where is the easy answer? Why is changing money habits so hard? Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - My wardrobe is a treasure trove of fashion My Best Learning - You're only as good as your decisions, the next decision could be better Money Bravery - Take time to remind yourself and others of your worth Also included are my tips and experience on: - Look for money - What is the purpose of money - Having difficult conversations - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The power of accountability and action - Different views of money and value Mentioned in this podcast: Cliff Ravenscraft https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/ Ep.008 Adding Up - Cliff Ravenscraft His Debt Journey --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.082 Adding Up - Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money' It's finally getting warmer and almost like clock work I'm finding reasons to clear out things we no longer need in the house and as the prices of things are going up, I'm finding reasons to double check and evaluate what do we or don't we need in our budget. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - The washing machine is fixed! My Best Learning - Kids don't listen, they watch Money Bravery - If you say yes to everything you miss opportunities Also included are my tips and experience on: - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - Create Checklists - Look for money - Get rid of unnecessary costs - The power of accountability and action --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.081 Adding Up - Time or Money. What's more valuable? In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Time or Money. What's more valuable?' I share my challenges making decisions and the impact of this and how I've shifted my approach and gained so much more of what I wanted. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Online Shopping My Best Learning - Resist getting the new machine Money Bravery - Time with your kids is never wasted Also included are my tips and experience on: - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - Create Checklists - Look for money - Get rid of unnecessary costs - Share with others what you want - The Highlight reel vs highlight real Book mentions in this episode: Your Money or your life by Vicki Robin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.080 Adding Up - What To Do When Unexpected Opportunities Come Your Way This week I've had an unexpected opportunity come up for work. I wasn't sure whether to make the most of it, especially since it is school holidays. In this episode I share the thought process I have gone through and what the potential is for this to be an opportunity to teach my kids financial literacy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.079 Adding Up - Making Hard Money Decisions In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'Making Hard Money Decisions.' I share my challenges making decisions and the impact of this and how I've shifted my approach and gained so much more of what I wanted. Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Plus, following on from Episode 78, I continue to share how I'm planning to cope these school holidays and do my best to have fun too! My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Google Airfares My Best Learning - Complete The Warranties or take photos! Money Bravery - Invest in what you value Also included are my tips and experience on: - Budgeting for School Holidays (again) - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - Pack Your Snacks (and save!) - Resist - Create Checklists - Look for money - Get rid of unnecessary costs - Share with others what you want - The Highlight reel vs highlight real --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.078 Adding Up - Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible? I'm feeling the pressure as school holidays are coming around again! In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible?' Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au There's nothing like growing, constantly hungry kids being around for 2 weeks to make the blood pressure and budget rise! I share how I'm planning to cope these school holidays and do my best to have fun too! My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Having a holiday outside of school holidays (seriously!) My Best Learning - More Money Conversations With The Kids Are Needed Money Bravery - Show Your Failures Also included are my tips and experience on: - Budgeting for School Holidays (again) - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - Pack Your Snacks (and save!) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

How To Avoid The Squeeze Of Inflation. Is a great question and one that is continuing to challenge many in Australia and the world right now as inflation continues to stay high and interest rates have gone up 4 times in 4 months. In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'How To Avoid The Squeeze Of Inflation?' Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Groceries are still uncomfortably $150 per week Our Mortgage Has Increased 4 Times We are saving less How I am coping with the changes My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Not replacing the dishwasher My Best Learning - Watching Bluey Money Bravery - Buying things for others Also included are my tips and experience on: - Budgeting for School Holidays (again) - The Value Of Supporting Others - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Beginning Again When It's Easier Not To This is a tough episode, but I'm glad I've done it. When we stop doing something, time can suddenly slip by and if enough time goes by, we can stop doing it altogether. This was my track record with dieting and budgeting and now podcast episodes. 8 weeks ago I got sick. It was the sickest I had been in at least 3 years and I had to stop doing virtually everything, including this podcast. I had almost 3 weeks bed rest and now 8 weeks later I finally feel like I have caught up with work and I have had the opportunity to do more, including starting podcast episodes again. This episode is a little different than the previous few episodes, but I still include: - My best saving, my best learning and my money bravery. It's important to focus on the positives in any situation no matter what, I'm still incredibly further along in my money journey than I was even 8 weeks ago, let alone 3 years ago when I first started this podcast, and for that I am grateful. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

What do better budgets look like without earning more? Is a great question and one that is continuing to challenge many in Australia and the world right now as inflation continues to stay high and interest rates have gone up 3 times in 2 months.. In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More Money?' Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Groceries are now uncomfortably $150 per week My Budget Highlights: My Best Saving - Staying home My Best Learning - Blankets and pillow make the best forts Money Bravery - Stop saying no for other people Also included are my tips and experience on: - Saving Money On Groceries - The Value Of Time Together - The Opportunity Of Flexible Work - UnPaid Vs Paid Work - Teaching Kids Financial Literacy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.074 Adding Up - Not Blowing The Budget In School Holidays School holidays are upon us. This brings up anxiety for me. Essentially because it's a change in routine and when routines change it's easy to be unprepared and things to blow out in time and money. I'm determined I'm not blowing the budget in school holidays. So how do I make that work? In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Not blowing the budget in school holidays' what this means for me and sharing how I'm planning to stay on budget and still have fun with the kids. This particular holidays are a challenge with many things like the recent increase in cost of living that I cannot plan for or control. My 3 Highlights This Week My Best Saving - Finally using up Service NSW Vouchers My Best Learning - Keeping the pantry stocked can save you Money Bravery - Checking the calendar first Plus, also included: - How I am planning - Looking for the free things - Avoiding driving places - Where are the free activities Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.073 Adding Up - Being Resourceful With Money Being resourceful with money is easier said than done. Especially when you are determined to not rush to increase your income. In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Being Resourceful with money.' I love being resourceful and making the most of what I have, but what does this look like? I'm sharing how my resourcefulness has enabled me to successfully clear more than $43,000 in debt and maintain my quality of life in the process. Being With Resourceful With Money Intro 00:08 My 3 Highlights This Week 01:04 My Best Saving - Leftovers are so good 01:11 My Best Learning - Don't assume you are the only one 02:48 Money Bravery - Maintain the awareness 05:41 The Good Fight By Liane Davey 06:32 Being With Resourceful With Money 07:07 What Is Resourcefulness? 07:29 Where To Start With Money Resourcefulness 08:10 Money is an exchange of value Debt the first 5,000 years explores the birth of money and why it came into existence Your Money or Your Life concept of enough Reduce waste Leftovers are amazing Raid the pantry Value Exchange Baby Sitting Holiday with others Share sports activities Buy & Sell 2nd Hand Gumtree E-Bay Facebook Market Place Op Shops for Fashion Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Resources: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com.au/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766/ref=asc_df_0143115766/ Debt the first 5,000 years https://www.amazon.com.au/Debt-David-Graeber/dp/1612191290 The Barefoot Investor https://www.amazon.com.au/Barefoot-Investor-Scott-Pape/dp/073039753X --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Adding Up - Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now I've always aspired to have the perfect budget. After so many years of financial and budget mistakes I am pondering is the perfect budget possible now? In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘The Perfect Budget.' Just exactly what this means to me and how I have always seen the perfect budget to be so elusive. 00:45 Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now? 00:54 My 3 Budget Highlights 01:02 My Best Saving - Being sick has its benefits 02:36 My Best Learning - Practise is preparation 06:21 Money Bravery - Calling the bank 07:09 The Perfect Budget 08:58 The Surprising Learning 09:09 The Power of Reflection 10:49 What No One Ever Tells You About Savings Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au Adding Up Podcast Episodes Referenced: Ep.020 What I Learned Buying Property at 20 years old Ep.030 Surviving the financial disasters of my 30 year old self Ep.040 Forty fit and failing at finance Mentioned in this episode: Stacey Copas https://staceycopas.com Man's Search For Meaning Viktor E. Frankl https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Mans-Search-for-Meaning-Audiobook/B00FG9FSA2 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Adding Up - Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up This week the interest rates in Australia went up 0.5%, the biggest hike in interest rates since February 2000. After several weeks of recalculating the household grocery budget, it's hard to not feel a little anxious about yet another way our budget is getting squeezed. In this episode, I'm going to share what other measures I'm taking to tighten the family budget that goes beyond groceries and what opportunities I'm finding for free events and activities to keep the fun in our family life and try not to be so focused on money for enjoyment. 01:23 My Budget Highlights 01:29 My Best Saving - Service NSW Vouchers to be used by 30 June 2022 04:00 My Best Learning - Online Shopping doesn't always work 07:17 Money Bravery - Staying home 08:32 Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up 09:10 Financial Literacy learnings 09:43 Breaking the cycle of debt 11:58 Shopping around for savings 12:40 Saving money with solar power Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.070 Adding Up - Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible The struggle and pain is real. As groceries seem to be increasing in price every single week, I'm noticing I'm not the only one feeling it. I'm using all my creative skills to make every dollar count. It's not helping that my kids seem to be eating me out of house and home! In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible' even when the kids won't stop eating. 00:40 My Budget Highlights 00:49 My Best Saving - Raiding the pantry 02:05 My Best Learning - There value in the mundane 03:12 Money Bravery - Not signing up for another subscription 04:55 Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible 05:10 Confessions of an over spender 09:59 Finding money in school lunches 13:11 Teaching kids financial literacy 16:45 What to do when you're not a chef 17:34 The cooking budget killer Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au A life changing book for entrepreneurs and really anyone who is time poor and wants to save money, is one I used and continue to refer to is 4 Ingredients by Kim McCosker & Rachael Bermingham. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.069 Adding Up - Making It Harder To Access My Money Technology is great to increase accessibility to money. But what if you don't want to access it so easily? In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Making It Harder To Access My Money.' How I have put barriers in place to restrict my access so I can grow my savings. 01:35 My Best Saving - Sending My Husband To Hockey Training 02:34 My Best Learning - It's Okay To Be Messy 02:59 Money Bravery - Wait For The Invoice 05:09 Living Paycheck to Paycheck 11:05 Going to the shops daily 12:24 I used the envelope system 15:23 So how could I recreate this for my lifestyle now 16:00 Removing cards from my wallet 22:05 Transitioning to using one card 23:50 The Convenience Tax Of Shopping Online Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au A life changing book for entrepreneurs I have read and continue to refer to is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Also mentioned in this episode; Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape and Dave Ramsey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.068 Adding Up - What No One Ever Tells You About Savings This is tough and it's personal. There are so many things I wish I knew about savings when I started my journey to get out of debt. I didn't realise the impact my ability to save money would have on my ability to have long term success with debt reduction. My 3 highlights from this week are shared: 03:02 My Best Saving - 7eleven coffee. It's $1 and still amazing :) 04:25 My Best Learning - The oven was worth the wait 05:24 Money Bravery - Kids didn't get canteen lunches this week 05:43 Teaching my kids financial literacy. 06:17 The value of time together. 07:28 The challenge of building savings. 09:10 Things I wish I knew when deciding to get out of debt. 09:40 How I kicked my credit card debt. 10:01 How to prepare for emergencies 11:05 The super power that unlocks change 12:56 Why goals matter 13:55 The consequences of not changing 14:15 Saving is expensive 16:34 Being Empowered with cash 17:39 New habits take time 18:42 The unexpected feelings savings bring 20:48 It's okay to be a learner 22:13 Money management for entrepreneurs resources You have to say no. It's expensive. It's literally at the expense of everything else It's easier when you have a goal. If you don't have a reason to hold onto it you won't. On Tuesday I will be releasing a video on my 4 things I have focused on to achieve savings without earning more. A life changing book I have read and continue to refer to is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.067 Adding Up - What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More? Rising Cost of Living Inflation now 5.1% Groceries are now uncomfortably $150 per week This week's episode includes: My Budget Highlights: 02:21 My Best Saving - Buying Presents At Post Office 04:19 My Best Learning - Kids listen to everything!! There was nothing better than my kid noticing how much money I had spent on them. 08:47 Money Bravery - Somethings can wait. New oven was installed this week 3 weeks after the old one broke. 16:20 Saving Money On Groceries - Yes, I am saving money on groceries, it's not easy but it is still happening. 18:04 The Value Of Time Together - Time with family needs to be created and the space held for them. This is more important than trying to earn more. 18:45 The Opportunity Of Flexible Work - This can be created even when you think it can't. 19:12 UnPaid Vs Paid Work - Work is work regardless of if you're paid to do it or not. There are no days off. 21:15 Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - This happens in the little unexpected moments. Watch What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More? on YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.066 Adding Up - Avoiding Panic Mode With Interest Rates Rising This episode includes: Interest rates have risen for the first time in more than 10 years. I'm doing my best to not go into panic mode. I'm revisiting all my habits I set up when I started my journey to become debt free. I'm reminding myself of what works. It's okay to not be okay, the key thing is to find and reach out to your support network. Groceries are needed but are all of them needed? What is in the cupboard? Can I make it from scratch? The oven is broken, now what? My 3 highlights from this week are shared: My Best Saving - Waiting to purchase what I need when it is on sale! My Best Learning - Saying no can give the opportunity for yes Money Bravery - Talk about your fears Repeat behaviours can be hard to break. Things like over spending, using credit cards, avoiding difficult conversations, saying yes all the time. When you are not agreeable you risk offending others. But who pays the consequences of this? Includes: The discovery of my most popular episode in the last month ‘How do you cope with the rising cost of groceries.' --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Is It Possible To Lose Everything? Repeat behaviours can be hard to break. Things like over spending, using credit cards, avoiding difficult conversations, saying yes all the time. When you are not agreeable you risk offending others. But who pays the consequences of this? My 3 highlights from this week are shared: My Best Saving - Making My Own Lunch My Best Learning - Every decision is a new opportunity Money Bravery - Following up is powerful This episode includes: Saying no more, gives space to say yes more The scarcity mindset and how to break it What happens when you give into instant gratification The consequences of living beyond your means Credit cards are not your own money. What happens when you treat them like they are. ‘The Good Fight' by Liane Davey --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.064 Having A Holiday When You Don't Have The Money To Have One This week I have managed to have a holiday but it has not been without its challenges. School holidays 4 times a year create the opportunity for holidays and quality time with our kids but that doesn't mean it is easy. School holidays can easily blow the budget! In this episode I share the challenges to have a holiday when we simply don't have the money to have one. I share the different kinds of holidays we have had since I've made the active decision to reduce our debt and live under our means. My 3 highlights from this week are shared: 1. My Best Saving - Go To The Beach! It's FREE 2. My Best Learning - Entertainment doesn't need to be expensive (see point 1) 3. Money Bravery - Waiting 48 hours before making a commitment and seeing if I change my mind... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.063 Is It A Budget Breakthrough Or Bust? Is it a budget breakthrough or bust? That is a great question that I explore in episode 63 of the Adding Up Podcast. After working hard to pay off credit cards and officially be credit card free since April 2020. I started to save money that was previously going toward credit card payments. I saved over $49,000 in 18 months. This is still really new for me and I started to contemplate using some of this money to do house renovations. What I didn't expect was the anxiety that would come from spending money that I had worked hard to save. I include the challenges of the unexpected things out of my control and how I have coped. Things such as; rising cost of living kicking in, record torrential rain, a leaking roof, oven blowing up and front screen door breaking. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

This week's episode is an express version. It's a necessary and important one. Being dedicated to sharing my money journey warts and all is important. This week has been challenging to fit everything in. It would have been easier to not record an episode but that I believe would miss the point of documenting. The most important thing I'd like to you take from this episode, is to reflect on where the journey to become better educated about Money starts. It rarely starts from an easy place, and once you start it is important, especially on the challenging weeks to remind yourself of how far you've come. If you haven't already, go and listen to Ep.001 Adding Up - What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Change Someone's Life? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.061 Adding Up - When I Realised Why Liquidity Matters This week I reflect on the incredible advice I received from my Accountant that has helped me to break the cycle of being dependent on credit cards. Breaking habits that have been formed over 2 decades are not easy to break, the life changing advice helped me to see differently the value of understanding and focusing on liquidity as a personal finance goal. 1. My Best Saving - Thanks to David from In Macarthur Magazine I discovered coffee roaster, La Casa Del Caffe that roasts great beans AND saves me $$$. 2. My Best Learning - Find out how much things are! (Before worrying how much they will cost!) 3. Money Bravery - Having an invoicing error is not the end of the world, talk about it. This episode includes: - What is liquidity? - What happens when you don't have liquidity. - What it's like having credit cards for 25 years. - How I broke the cycle of having credit cards by paying less on debt. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Ep.060 Adding Up - What It Looks Like When You're Having A Budget Reset This week I was on the ABC's program 7.30 Report. Quite fittingly to talk about the rising cost of living. Having the cost of groceries increase from $100 on average to now between $140 - $150 is quite gobsmacking and in last week's episode I talked about how to do you cope with the rising cost of groceries. Over this past week I started looking at our whole budget, not just groceries and noticed how much everything is going up. To stop my blood pressure going up too, I have decided to have a budget reset and in this episode take you through what that looks like. I'm determined to not fall into the trap of working more to finance our budget and debt. So this leads to creativity with what we have. 1. My Best Saving - Ordering online $9 delivery! Cheaper than driving 2. My Best Learning - Have boundaries 3. Money Bravery - Scheduling a date night to talk money This episode includes: - Budget Meeting with significant other - Listing all expenses including insurance renewals - Removing nice to haves from shopping - Going back to baking - Banana Bread - Pausing any more renovations Useful episodes to listen to if you're having a budget reset: Ep. 044 Adding Up - Preparing the Family Finance In A Pandemic 27/03/2020 Ep.042 Adding Up - Financial Certainty In Times Of Uncertainty 13/03/2020 Ep.029 Adding Up - What Empowered Financial Education Look Like 13/12/2019 Ep.021 Adding Up - The 1% Difference That Stopped Debt In Its Tracks 18/10/2019 Ep.018 Adding Up - Coping With Routine Changes 27/09/2019 Ep.016 Adding Up - When Creativity Helps Budgeting 13/09/2019 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

I can't recall the exact date my grocery bill started getting more expensive. But it was this week I suddenly noticed fuel at $2.19 a litre, I started feeling nauseous. My Accountant mentioned lifestyle creep at our last in person meeting. It was as a cautionary tale just after I had completed paying off the credit cards. This episode I share my experiences with changing my habits with grocery shopping, how I've had success and how I'm revisiting the habits to save money again and exploring new habits and opportunities to save money when grocery shopping. This episode starts with 3 amazing things I have achieved this week: 1. My Best Saving - A $12 Mirror instead of $49. 2. My Best Learning - Saying No. This week I resigned from a role. It was an important reminder I'm not Wonder Woman. 3. Money Bravery - I immediately followed up a non-payment notice. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Quality without compromise. It's an underlying theme of this personal finance podcast. Another way to say this is, making the most of what you have. We shouldn't have to sacrifice time or money to have the life we want, but what if we looked at this differently. What if we were unnecessarily spending money? This episode starts with 3 amazing things I have achieved this week: 1. My Best Saving - $5 Gumboots from Kmart (you won't believe how I discovered them) 2. My Best Learning - Done is better than perfect. Yes this is a popular saying, but seriously so true, overcoming this is a game changer. 3. Money Bravery - I share how I have tackled a bad habit of non-confrontation and ended up being better financially for it. PLUS: In this episode I share how the process I went through that changed what I thought about spending money on fashion and in the process saved $4,362!! Mentioned in this episode: Op Shop Personal Stylist The Red Cross Shop Newtown --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Time flies when you're having fun and the funny thing is it also flies even if you're not having fun too. I had every intention of this podcast being weekly until I didn't. Little did I know a temporary pause in podcast episodes in June 2020 would extend to March 2022. It wasn't until I received a message today asking me to confirm if I was still a podcaster that I realised it was time to start weekly podcast episodes again. On Tuesday 8th March 2022 it is International Women's Day. I see this as timely to recommence the podcast episodes. After all financial literacy is something I see as equally important for women but often seen as being a male dominated arena. I feel it's important for my voice and perspective on financial literacy to be heard. The fact is, incredibly, since June 2020, my financial education has grown exponentially. I have had challenges I didn't think were possible and believe it or not I have had to work hard at not letting history of bad money mistakes repeat themselves. In 2020, life got busy. When home learning kicked in on top of family responsibilities and running my business, I found myself pondering, do I sleep or record a podcast episode? It was in that moment of exhaustion I made the decision to stop the Adding Up Podcast weekly episodes. The initial relief was and still is mixed with a feeling of failure. It's interesting though as I was working out what intro to put on this episode I heard myself talk about learning and we don't fail if we learn from our mistakes. It is with this in mind I am proud to recommence this podcast weekly. I have so much news and learning to share too! In the new episodes of the Adding Up podcast I will be sharing these lessons and what I have gained from them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Successfully Saving Money, When You Don't Have Savings Welcome to another episode of Adding Up the podcast where I, Serena Dot Ryan am sharing my experiences with money as I become debt free. In this episode: Savings Tip of The Week - How do you start saving when you're not used to it? Inspired by Mike Michalowicz author of Profit First , this week's tip is to hide money from your biggest obstacle, yourself! I show how I have created a hidden savings account to protect my money from me! Book Of The Week - Debt by David Graeber. My Weekly Money Challenge - This week I tackle the challenge of the viability of re-starting to pay my mortgage. Should I do it? What are the pros and cons. How do I break my old habits of ignoring tough decisions when faced with so many unknowns. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

How Much Does Appreciation Cost? Welcome to another episode of Adding Up the podcast where I, Serena Dot Ryan am sharing my experiences with money as I become debt free. In this episode: Savings Tip of The Week - October 2018 I decided to audit my expenses, one of the casualties of this was to stop having a cleaner every 2 weeks and no longer have a gym membership. Interestingly enough I discovered great unexpected benefits to this. Cleaning the house is great exercise! Book Of The Week - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz whilst written for Entrepreneurs for better money management, in this episode I share why I believe this book is for everyone and what you can gain from it. My Weekly Money Challenge - This week I tackle the challenge of buying gifts and the relationship between how much the gift costs and how much you love someone. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Can You Really Live Without That? Welcome to Episode 54 of Adding Up. In this episode: Savings Tip of The Week - My curiousity led me to have my first coffee at 15 years old, in this episode I share how this lead to a very expensive daily habit and how I changed this habit without compromising quality and saving myself and my family thousands in the process. Book Of The Week - I read this book first in 2017, but it took a full 12 months before I took action, or so I thought. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape. My Weekly Money Challenge - This week, just when I thought I wasn't thinking about money or being challenged by it, I discovered I was. It's funny how when you spend so much time learning about money management consistently for almost 2 years it starts to be absorbed into your life you don't even see it. For that I am grateful. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Starting Where You Are, Again Welcome to another episode of Adding Up, the podcast with Serena Dot Ryan. Happy New Year! This is the moment the podcast is entering its 2nd year and with that comes a refresh and a new format. This episode details the reflection and thinking behind this. Each episode will now include, a spotlight on a book or podcast, a savings tip that can be easily actioned and a documentation and reflection on my weekly challenges with money. Mentioned in Episode 53, Adding Up: Book: Your Money Or Your Life - Vicki Robin Savings Tip: Write a grocery list with a set budget including the amount of each item. If you're not sure where to start, go to the grocery store online and look up the cost of each item. Money Challenge: Are My Financial Decisions Racist? How Can I Do Better? Also mentioned: Sway Them In Color Podcast Hosted by Christina Blacken. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

When Stopping Debt Payments Messes With Your Head Welcome to another episode of Adding Up. One year ago this week I decided to push the button and start publicly sharing my challenges with money and learning from my money mistakes, how I'm gaining financial education and most importantly, re-writing my financial future. In this episode I share one of my hardest challenges at the moment, dealing with being in a pandemic and not paying down debt. This is a challenged I never even considered I would ever have. yet, here we are. I am determined to stay on track even though progress on my journey to become debt free is currently paused. I also reflect on the importance of remembering savings and wealth creation. Mentioned in this episode: Dr John Demartini Ep.023 Adding Up - Financial Freedom, Is Debt Or Wealth The Answer? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

What's The Point Of Money Anyway? Welcome to another episode of Adding Up, the podcast I am Serena Dorothy 'aka' Dot Ryan. In this episode I'm reminded by Instagram Memories that a year ago this week I published the very first episode of Adding Up the podcast. A lot sure can happen in a year and I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on how far I have come. Small, consistent changes, positively moving towards my goal of becoming debt free, really have added up to being $18,000 less in debt. If I hadn't publicly taken the step to become accountable for moving towards the goal of becoming debt free I doubt I would be this far ahead. In this episode I give my 20 something self advice I wish I had taken sooner. You don't have to have it all figured out, but you do need to be clear on what you are aiming for. After all, earning money and saving money, what's the point of it anyway? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message

Cleaning Up The Mess Of Money Welcome to Episode 50 of the Adding Up podcast with Serena Dot Ryan. I am still in awe of making it here. In this episode I reflect on the shaky start to podcasting in May 2019 and not being too sure of what to do, but I did it anyway. It has been a huge learning curve podcasting each week and I haven't yet had a podcast I was excited and confident to publish, but again I am doing it any way. I am grateful as each episode is accountability, a benefit I didn't expect when I started a year ago. The evolution of this podcast is an interesting one, initially starting as one where I thought I needed to interview others, I realised several episodes in that whilst that is a great format for many of my favourite podcasts, the purpose of this podcast was not to be interviewing others. This podcast is one where I am here to be a living example of re-writing my financial future. Documenting my journey as I become debt free and help others to see what is possible, even when you yourself thought you would never not be in debt. Mentioned in this episode: Michael Port Your Money or Your Life - Vicki Robin Ep.001 Adding Up - What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Change Someone's Life Ep.002 Adding Up - How Do You Know If You Have The Right Accountant? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/serena-dot-ryan/message