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The Business Of Happiness With Xero

August 1, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

A little while ago I was invited to try out a new service which aims to make organising the financial side of a small business just that little bit easier. As I was previously hoping to make the step from part time to full time blogger it’s something that appealed to me..unfortunately that is on hold for the present time as I am still unwell.

I’ll admit that I am not the most organised person in the world so anything which helps to keep it all that little bit simpler is a great help.

Let’s be honest we all want things that will make our personal and business lives that bit easier. Over the coming years I imagine that artificial intelligence for business will make things even simpler especially for those who want to keep their company small without adding many more employees. Industrial Vision Systems have a lot of informative articles if you want to learn more.

What is Xero:

Xero is an online accounting software for small businesses.

It has all the time-saving tools you need to grow your business: unlimited users and 24/7 support.

Xero thinks your business should be a happy place, business can be blissful.

HAPPINESS.

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What do we think:

One of the features that interested me was the ability to send online invoices and be notified when they are opened and actioned. Its also easier for your clients as they can literally click one button to pay the invoice by credit card or Paypal. I imagine the ease of the transaction would encourage people to pay quickly so you get your money in a timely manner – always a bonus. You can also personalise the invoice templates with your logo and details so that it will look more professional.

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I love that there is an app. I already use my online banking app daily to keep up with my accounts but this makes everything easier. Chasing overdue invoices while I’m on the school run and also ideal for keeping track of your expenses such as train travel or working lunches etc.

Xero app

You can use Xero to pay bills and connect to over 350 apps which means you can really streamline your business. Perhaps you use an app for tracking time spent on a particular account – this would then be linked to Xero which would make invoicing that little bit simpler. You also have the options of fast bank reconciliation, creating purchase orders, claiming expenses and to organise your payroll – if you have one.

The starter account on Xero is £9 per month and if you want to try it out yourself first there is a 30 day free trial option.

I have only been trying out Xero for a few weeks and because I’ve unwell for some of it I haven’t really been able to review it as thoroughly as I’d like but from what I’ve seen and used I can definitely recommend it and I’ll keep you updated with how I feel in a few weeks time.

You can find out more about Xero and The Business of Happiness here.

* I was given a free trial to review this and a voucher for my time.

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Filed Under: random · Tagged: Mumsnet, Xero review

Fathers Day Gift Guide 2023

June 9, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Fathers Day is fast approaching and I wanted to share you with a few ideas for gifts.

First up we have Great Drams. What do they have to say?

Award-winning from our first dram, with one of our most recent award wins being in the most prestigious global whisky competition describing our whisky as being “amongst the finest products in the world”, we will introduce whisky drinkers to their next favourite. GreatDrams is a family business bringing great quality, limited edition whiskies and whiskeys to the people, all at a fair price and never compromising on flavour.

GreatDrams was launched with the aim to make great whisky more approachable & available. We are experts in finding incredible tasting rare casks of whisky.

Next up we have Skates.co.uk They have the best selection of scooters, skateboards and accessories for the more adventurous dad. We love the Nitro Circus Ryan Williams Scooter.

Joe and Sephs have always got a great selection of gift items to suit most budgets. We especially love their Budweiser popcorn and their chocolate popcorn slabs.

If you fancy getting a gift for the whole family why not go for this Yonex Badminton set from BadmintonHQ.

Caru spirits are a new brand to me who I am looking forward to working with as a brand ambassador over the coming months. Here’s what they have to say about their product:

Our smooth superior British brandy liqueur has a sweet seductive aroma of brandied raisins, vanilla and fresh orange. On the palate, velvet cocoa and coffee give way to light spiced prunes with a subtle hint of ginger to close. Caru is an artisanal premium liqueur sustainably produced in the UK. Developed by one of the UK’s master distillers in his award-winning distillery, Caru is a re-imagination of a timelessly elegant spirit with a hint of the exotic and a luxurious taste – a timeless tonic with a modern twist, bringing a touch of spice to a traditionally strengthening spirit to warm and comfort.

If you want to save some pennies use the promo code: MUNCHIES for 5% off.

Caru Brandy Liqueur

* Some products in this guide have been gifted for the purpose of this post.

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Filed Under: Gift Guide ·

Turning 40

May 25, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Last week I turned 40. And it feels strange, not in a bad way. To grow older is a privilege and particularly knowing the health scares I’ve had the last three years I feel that I am lucky. There are people from my school year who have not made it this far and every day we are here is a blessing. But being 40 and feeling still 25 in your head is a strange feeling. When I was younger I looked at 40 year olds and thought they had mastered life, they had it all figured out, they were always sensible and responsible and well old I guess. I’m lucky to be 40 at a time when women are still starting careers and families at this age, women are still considered in their prime and this was not the case 20 or even 10 years ago. There is still time and hopefully plenty of it to change career paths or move home or improve health and fitness which is my focus right now.

I’m struggling a lot with my health at present but I am lucky in so many ways. I have two absolutely amazing, kind and loving daughters who make me so happy every day. I have an incredible partner who supports me even when I have bad days and makes me feel loved and beautiful. I have the best parents you could ask for who I see or speak to every day and who are the best role models I could ask for in life. I have my siblings who help me and are there for me who I love so much and I have great friends who know just how to make me smile and I’m still here. I am not where I want to be in terms of health but my life is still full and I’m determined to make this year a positive one even if things decline.

It is too easy sometimes to focus on the bad. To feel angry at the world at how unfair it is that I am going through this pain with seemingly no end but although I don’t always feel it I am strong and I will get through it.

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Filed Under: Life, long covid ·

Extravagant Ideas for Your Vow Renewals: Celebrate Your Love in Style!

May 17, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Vow renewal ceremonies are an exquisite way to commemorate your everlasting love for one another, so why not make your ceremony an extravagant affair? This blog post presents seven extravagant ideas that will make your ceremony truly remarkable: from breathtaking locations and themes, these ideas add an air of luxury and grandeur that is sure to make this day’s occasion truly memorable. So let’s dive into this world of extravagant vow renewals together and make our celebration unforgettable!

Via Pixabay

Create a Travel Extravaganza

If you and your partner want to make your vow renewal an exceptional event, consider having the ceremony in a beautiful destination. For example, Lake Como weddings can create an unforgettable backdrop for your vows. Or, if you’re looking for something closer to home, you could choose a stunning beach or mountain location.

Themed 

Create the wedding of your dreams by having a themed vow renewal ceremony! Be it elegant Roaring Twenties glamor, fantasy fairytale magic, or tropical paradise charm, embrace a theme that speaks to both you and your guest’s personalities and passions – elaborate costumes, immersive decor, and themed activities will bring this magical event alive, making sure that this momentous milestone event in your lives becomes genuinely spectacular!

Luxury Cruise Renewal 

Make memories that stand the test of time by opting for luxurious cruise renewal celebrations. Board a luxury cruise ship and enjoy romantic ceremonies on board as well as breathtaking sights at each port of call. Cruise lines provide customizable packages explicitly tailored to each passenger to ensure a hassle-free and luxurious vow renewal experience; from private balconies with ocean views to gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, it will create memories that last a lifetime!

Consider an Aerial Adventure

For a luxurious vow renewal experience, why not go on an aerial adventure? Exchange vows while floating high above the clouds in a hot air balloon, helicopter, or private jet – taking in breathtaking views such as those found at Grand Canyon, Swiss Alps, or Serengeti, for example – an aerial adventure will create an unforgettable and extraordinary memory that you and your guests won’t soon forget!

Celebrity Wedding

Consider channeling celebrity weddings when planning an extravagant vow renewal that exudes glamor and luxury. From lavish venues to designer attire, recreate the magic of celebrity celebrations by including luxurious decor, floral arrangements, gourmet cuisine, professional photographers/videographers to capture every moment perfectly, and even inviting an established artist or band to perform at your ceremony if the budget allows it. Emulating celebrity weddings will ensure that this ceremony stands out from others as one to remember for years!

Castle

Make your vow renewal magically unforgettable by hosting it at an elegant castle. These grand buildings, beautiful gardens, and rich histories create the ideal atmosphere for an extravagant celebration – choose one with accommodation options so the festivities can stretch over several days and organize activities such as guided tours, medieval banquets, and fireworks displays for an added touch of grandeur. So don your regal attire as you exchange vows in one of the charming courtyards or chapels at this fairytale castle affair; create unforgettable memories in an event fit for royalty. Combine this with some Champagne for New Years Eve in the castle garden at the start of the countdown and you’ll have a super magical backdrop to make use of!

Exclusive Resorts

Revel in luxury and seclusion by hosting your vow renewal celebration at an exclusive resort retreat. Choose a resort known for its impeccable service, breathtaking views, and incredible amenities; these resorts can be found nestled into mountains, perched upon private islands, or located deep within tropical paradises and offer luxurious venues and accommodation options such as spa treatments, intimate dining experiences and personalized services that allow you to relax while celebrating romantically and lavishly.

Your vow renewal is an opportunity to celebrate your everlasting love in grand style and extravagance. From choosing an idyllic destination, themed extravaganza, or private retreat – – each will create a memorable and extravagant event to commemorate the two of you and create lasting memories together. Embark upon an extravagant adventure and make memories you will treasure forever.

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Filed Under: Life ·

6 Ways You Can Improve Your Health Starting Today

May 16, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Pixabay

We all want to be as healthy as possible but the truth is, being healthy is hard work. It’s also time consuming so it can seem like somewhat of a hassle. When you’re busy running around and taking care of all your other responsibilities, your health can sometimes fall to the bottom of your priority list.

So, when you do get a second to think about your health, it’s important to be mindful of things you can do there and then to improve your general health. Here are some simple things you can start making a healthy habit right now.

Drink More Water

Whenever you get five minutes throughout your day, go fill a glass full of water and drink it. Many people don’t drink nearly as much water as they should each day. It’s one of those things that can seem like more of an inconvenience at first but the more you do it, the easier it will become second nature.

It can help to take a drinks bottle with you wherever you go and keep refilling when you need to. Drinking water has tons of benefits including healthier skin, fewer headaches, and it helps vitamins and nutrients get to your body faster.

Sleep Well

Too many people don’t get the right amount of sleep. There could be many reasons for this. From insomnia to anxiety, pain to young children waking in the night. So, when you know there are times when you can’t sleep well, it’s even more important to make good sleep a priority.

Get into a good routine in the hour leading up to going to bed. Set that time aside to rest your mind and your body by doing things that help you to relax.  Instead of staying up late to watch your favourite tv show, go to bed and rest.

Cut Down On Bad Habits

Everyone has bad habits and they aren’t easy to stop. However, some bad habits can be bad for our health and it can help to at least cut down on them. For instance, if you’re a smoker, cutting down by using an e-cigarette instead can improve your health. The Aspire Flexus Q kit is a good place to start.

Similarly, if you find yourself drinking too much alcohol, it can help to limit yourself to one glass with an evening meal. Stopping bad habits is one of the more difficult ways to improve health but it’s certainly worth doing.

When it comes to cutting down on bad habits, it’s also worth stopping and thinking about what defines a bad habit. It should be about ourselves and what we think. And what’s good for our bodies. So take a minute to think about what you’re putting in you’re body and what you’re putting it through. Drinking more water is good for it. So is swapping sugary drinks for healthy alternatives like kombucha. But making time for yourself is also excellent for you. 

The point is, it’s about tailoring the experience to you, to your individual life, body, and mind. 

Spend Time Outdoors

The rain has finally stopped (or has it?) The point is, when you get the opportunity to spend time outdoors, take it. As the summer months arrive, there will be plenty to do outdoors so it’s your chance to embrace the benefits of it for your health. Firstly, spending time in the sun is the best way to soak up some vitamin D. Just be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Secondly, it’s a great excuse to do some exercise too. Whether you’re walking, swimming, surfing, or going on a family bike ride, exercise is a great way to boost your health and your mood. Thirdly, people often spend time outdoors with others and socialising is essential for good physical and mental health.

Eat Your Greens

Having a healthy, balanced diet is a must when you want to see the benefits for your own health. Arguably, there’s nothing more important than eating your greens. Green vegetables have so many advantages to them. They contain iron for your energy levels, they’ll make your skin glow, help your digestion, and even improve your mood.

You only need a small portion of greens on the side of your meal to feel these benefits. You can even add them to a smoothie if you find them difficult to eat.

Take 5 Minutes

Everything can change in five minutes. When life becomes overwhelming it can help to delay before making a reaction. Stopping to take five minutes to sit and settle can change the course of everything that happens next.

It can also have a dramatic effect on your health. Stress isn’t good for anyone so the less stress in your life, the better you’ll feel. If stopping for five minutes can stop you from making decisions you’ll regret, it will mean you’re less stressed.

Improving your health for the long run requires a long-term commitment but there are many ways you can get started right now. If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, take a look at the rest.

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Filed Under: Life ·

Ways Landlords Can Help Rental Tenants During The Testing Cost Of Living Crisis

May 9, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

You’d have to be living under a rock to not know we are in difficult times financially in the UK right now. Everything has increased from general grocery shopping to mortgages and when mortgage rates go up inevitably rental rates do too. I know a growing number of people who are struggling to meet mortgage payments and an even bigger number of people who are just not able to find affordable rentals.

A friend of mine has recently found out her landlord is selling up, it is not really surprising as many landlords just cannot afford the mortgage rates that are ever increasing and are being forced to sell. Then obviously you have the fact that as the cost of quite literally everything goes up they are aware that every little thing that goes wrong with the property is going to cost the landlord that little ( or lot) more.

Finding the best possible landlord insurance can cover you for all manners of types of gripes and worries. Landlord insurance can also in turn help tenants should your property ever be affected by events like flood damage while they are living in it.

Landlord insurance can protect against common risks such as flood, fire, storms and burst pipes. It can even cover injuries to individuals in the rented property. It can also cover you if you are in the unfortunate position of your property being maliciously damaged by tenants. It can also help the tenant with costs of temporary accommodation if the property is damaged such as by fire or storm and if a large appliance such as white goods were to need replacing this is also covered meaning less time for your tenants to be without essential appliances.

This is what CIA have to say:

Why do I need landlord insurance?

If you own a property that you rent out to tenants, you should consider getting landlord insurance. It can help protect your investment and provide financial security in case of unexpected events, such as property damage, liability claims, or loss of rental income.

While it’s not legally required to have landlord insurance, many mortgage lenders may require it as a condition of the loan. Additionally, standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover rental properties, so having landlord insurance is often necessary to ensure adequate protection.

Ultimately, whether or not you need landlord insurance depends on your specific circumstances. Here at CIA, we believe that landlord insurance is the best way to safeguard your financial future and protect your property investment.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized ·

Helping Your Child With a Food Allergy or Intolerance: 3 Essentials to Know

May 5, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Pixabay – CC0 Licence 

If your child comes up to you saying they’ve got a bad stomach or is sleeping a lot more or even less than normal, it can be easy to dismiss some of these things as a part of them growing up and finding their place in life. But these days, we’ve got to be a lot more careful if these are signs they have a food intolerance. It’s something that a lot of us don’t necessarily understand. But if your child is starting to show signs of an intolerance or you suspect that there may be one developing, what should you do? 

Find the Root Cause It’s a lot tougher to get a fully-fledged diagnosis of a food allergy or intolerance. Sometimes, there can be signs early in life, for example, if your child was not able to digest standard milk formula and your doctor recommended a lactose free formula, but you can find the root cause by paying attention to some of the signs that the food they’re consuming is not benefiting them.

They may be itchy or the stomach is bloated, but they also may be a lot more tired than usual. When you start to find the root cause, you can then do what is called an elimination diet. This is where you remove the food from their diet for at least 30 days to see if any symptoms improve before reintroducing it very slowly. 

Ensuring You Know the Common Culprits 

One of the biggest problems we’ve all got right now is that we need to opt for cheaper food items, but if there are foods in your child’s diet that are triggering some sort of allergic reaction or intolerance, for example, nuts, seeds, shellfish, soya, eggs, or cow’s milk, allergic reactions usually happen within a few minutes of exposure. Common allergic reactions can include coughing, a rash, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, eczema, or worsened asthma symptoms. Lots of children could also have adverse reactions to food additives like sulphites. When you are undergoing the elimination process, have a look at the labels and see if any E numbers or colours or preservatives are present. 

Do Not Assume the Symptoms Will Disappear by Themselves Lots of people can have an undiagnosed wheat intolerance, and it can be years until they feel like they are themselves again. If your child is displaying any signs that they’ve got an allergy or intolerance, the best thing you can do is to get rid of the root cause as soon as possible. It can be a lot of responsibility on top of your already busy demands as a parent, but the fact is that if your child is struggling with tiredness or is constantly saying they’ve got a bad stomach, we shouldn’t chalk this down to growing pains. Lots of people can cope with an allergy or an intolerance, but others do not fare so well. Therefore, giving them all your support, even if you don’t know much about it, will help so much.

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby ·

Guilt

April 26, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments

This is something that’s been on my mind for a long time. We all know that as parents parental guilt is something we all feel from time to time. For me though lately it seems to creep into every day. I hit a point last week where I just had a bit of a culmination of all of the feels and I spent the majority of the day in tears.

We’ve all had times where we feel we aren’t doing enough as parents, not doing enough activities, not taking your children to enough fun places or sometimes just not being present enough. For me being a mother is the most important role in my life, I am there for my children whenever they need me, whether that is for help with schoolwork or fun stuff or to talk about any problems they have. I know this, I know in my heart that I am doing everything and probably more than I am actually capable of at this time. But to me it’s still not enough. I am not well and haven’t been for the best part of two years but the last 12 months my physical symptoms have exacerbated to a point where most days I have physical limitations on what I can do. I have gone from being someone who walks 20,000 steps daily and is a regular gym goer to someone who really struggles on days with the school run. I can’t chase my kids around like I used to or go and do fun activities like climbing walls and trampoline parks. Does this mean I am trying less? No. Do they blame me for this? Also no. My children who are wonderfully kind and empathetic totally understand my limitations. And there for me that is the problem. I don’t want them to get it. I don’t want them to say mam don’t do that you are too tired or when will your long covid go? Or spotting my grimace when I stand or walk even when I try so hard to pretend I am fine.

Life is hard, we all know this but childhood should be free and full of joy. I try my hardest to make my children’s lives as happy and wondrous as it can be. But this, this is the hardest part of parenting I have ever done.

I know I am a good mother. I support my girls emotions. I am there for them every step of the way as they navigate growing up. I need to stop putting this stupid amount of pressure on myself to be perfect, to be what I cannot be in this moment.

I am doing everything in my power to get better, yet I may not, get better that is. I may be like this for the rest of my life or it could get worse. I am still hopeful that something will change, I cannot and will not give into it.

I hope that my girls know when they are older how hard I tried for them and look back and remember a happy and loving home in spite of this illness. I hope it doesn’t define any part of their childhood and I hope they never blame me for this.

I hope that one day this burden of guilt gets lighter. I hope I learn to give myself a break. For now writing this has helped, I know others will feel the same and I hope reading this helps you know you are not alone.

I will fight for my health harder for the ones that I love than I would purely for myself. I have to be better, for them. Not just my children but for my partner who supports me and deserves more and for my parents who I know worry about me and that is unfair.

I hope this hasn’t read as a pity party because it’s not. I know the way I speak to myself in my head is important and getting these feelings out will help me move on. I am enough, even when I am not. And so are you.

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Filed Under: long covid · Tagged: long Covid, parental guilt

4 Major Mistakes We Need to Let Our Teenagers Make

April 25, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Image – CC0 Licence

When our kids make a mistake, it’s something that we want to engage with our children about directly, but we all know that mistakes are a big part of life. The fact is that parenting is always a big responsibility, and as parents, we are always making mistakes. But even though you have misgivings and you think that your children should not make the same mistakes you did, there are a number of mistakes that we should really allow them to make by themselves. As parents, it’s our job to guide rather than enforce. Here are some areas that you should let your children do as they wish. 

Choosing a different style

It’s our teenage years where we become more independent and we start to express ourselves. The toughest thing we can go through as parents is having to let them wear those clothes or dye their hair that colour, but while we can all learn how to get permanent dye out of hair, one of the bigger lessons from all of this is when your children look back and realise that what they were wearing didn’t look good. 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what they are wearing, as long as those fashion choices aren’t harmful or offensive. We also have to remember that there can be fashion choices that may be offensive to older generations but not necessarily to your kids. This is where the big old debate about having a tattoo can cause friction between family members. But you have to remember that if you allow your child to express themselves in a way that isn’t harmful, they are less likely to go to extremes later on. If you tell them they cannot dye their hair that colour, it’s very likely they will up the ante in other ways and go for that tattoo and potentially not even tell you!

Making Wrong Friendship Choices

There will be a time in your child’s life when they become friends with somebody you don’t care for in the slightest. Your teenager will have to make their own decisions and understand who is good for them or not. It’s not fair for us to forbid our children from spending time with certain people because this will only make them want to hang out with them even more. The most important thing you need to do is to help them make the decision by themselves as to whether that person is worth their time. This is where having encouraging and open conversations can help them to decide what should be acceptable interactions in a friendship.

You may think that your child is being used by that friend or your child’s friend is not speaking to them in the right ways, and this is where you need to ask your child questions as to what they like about their friend, but also what they potentially don’t like about their friend that can encourage them to decide whether they are worth their time. 

There’s a whole myriad of other issues here, for example, peer pressure or the fact that maybe your child is spending time with that friend because they have been excluded by other friendship groups. This can bring to light the whole notion of feeling independent and not wanting validation from other friends. But we’ve all made wrong friendship choices in life, some may have gone on for a long time, but this is where we have to remember that as long as we’ve learned our lessons, this is the most important thing.

Experiencing Negative Emotions

It is a big part of our teenage years when we start to experience uncomfortable sensations. We don’t want to see our children hurt, whether it’s because a friendship has gone sour or they are feeling the pressures of modern life, but there will be times when your child just feels lonely and they can’t explain why. 

We’ve all felt those pangs of sadness and anxiety and loneliness, especially as teenagers, but it’s not about you trying to tell them that they should “snap out of it” or even try and distract them. We need to build our child’s confidence and help them develop into someone more mature by helping them experience these uncomfortable emotions in healthy ways. One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is not talking about these uncomfortable thoughts. We don’t want our children to feel that they can’t come and speak to us when they’re feeling something. 

No doubt, some may have the echoes of their parents’ “advice” at the back of your mind, uttering unhelpful things like “snap out of it”. Instead, we have to remember that as humans, we’re all prone to anger, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, and depression. We also need to remember that our children could hurt our feelings when they are like this. This is where a little bit of empathy can go a long way.

Trying Things They’re Not Good at

You might have a great understanding of what your child cannot do, but instead of you steering them towards things that can make for a small win, it’s so important to fail at things. We need to have failure in life because there are always challenges around every corner. Your child may not be able to sing a note, but if they want to try out for the choir, you can’t deny your child the experience. 

When they have their heart set on something and they don’t get what they want, they will be upset, but we can use this as a great opportunity to overcome these challenges and deal with the almighty notion of disappointment. It’s at this point that they will be far more susceptible to developing resilience, which is something we all need to have in our lives.

You might think that you need to protect your child at every turn. Everybody feels like they need to shield their child because it’s something that’s a part of who parents are. When they are teenagers, they are going to assert themselves in ways that will surprise you. But they are their own person, so you need to let them make these mistakes.

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Filed Under: Life ·

Take Control of Your Finances: A Guide to Financial Independence for Single Mums

April 19, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

As a single mum, financial difficulties may arise that make providing for your family and meeting day-to-day expenses challenging. But financial independence is achievable; this blog post will offer guidance on how you can take charge of your finances and eventually reach it as a single mum. By creating smart budgeting strategies, wise investments and understanding the fundamentals of personal finance you can gain the skills required for building a secure financial future for yourself and your children.

via Pexels

1) Keep track of credit card debt 

Credit card debt can be especially challenging for single moms to manage. To stay on top of things, be mindful of what you spend and any interest rates attached to what you owe. Ideally, try paying off your credit card debt faster or at least make sure that more than the minimum payment is being made each month. 

Be mindful when using credit cards for expenses beyond what is realistic in your current budget and avoid cash advances. Make extra payments than the minimum required in order to reduce interest fees and shorten repayment terms; and consult a financial adviser if necessary about how best to handle credit card debts.

2) Stay Organized 

Organization is key for any single mom who aspires to financial success. Begin by creating a spreadsheet or budgeting software that tracks both your income and expenses in one convenient place, giving an accurate picture of where your money goes each month – knowing where it goes will allow for easier financial management decisions in future months. 

3) Save for Emergencies 

Single moms looking for financial independence need an emergency fund in place. Start small with the goal of having three months’ living expenses saved away if something unexpected comes up, like illness or job loss. Save a bit every month until eventually there will be enough savings in place to provide security for you and your family. 

4) Invest wisely 

Investing can be a great way to grow wealth over time, but it must be undertaken with care. Before diving in, ensure you understand all the different kinds of investments and their associated risks; speak to a financial advisor for guidance as to which investments best suit your personal situation. 

Alternatively, if you have excess funds after setting aside funds for emergencies and expenses, investing some of them into long-term investments like stocks or mutual funds could help generate even more returns over time and diversify your portfolio. 

5) Get help if you’re in trouble 

If you find yourself in a tight financial situation, do not be ashamed to seek assistance. There are various resources available for single mothers facing financial difficulty such as food pantries and IVA help, as well as speaking with a certified credit counselor or financial adviser for guidance on how best to manage your finances in the future. Follow these simple steps and gain control of your finances as a single mom to become financially independent and secure a brighter future for both yourself and your family. By employing effective budgeting strategies, selecting wise investments, and possessing an understanding of personal finance fundamentals, you too can reach financial independence!

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Filed Under: Budgeting ·

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The Wonders Of Wales

My very favourite street food vendors Dusty Knuckle have found a home in Cardiff and I could not be happier for them! On … Read More

The Wonders Of Wales

Recipe Development

Oreo Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream – Oreo Flavours

I love Oreos. Eaten whole, munched in half, deconstructed with the filling scooped off and of course dipped in tea. What … full post here

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