People think that understanding money is hard. Some people associate it with maths at school and automatically have a mental block when they look at their finances. Algebra at school involved complicated formulas, whereas money only requires you to add up, subtract, divide and multiply. All of this can be done on a calculator. The first step in learning about money is to believe that you are great at managing your own finances.

I have met many people who are in relationships with angry and depressed people and then wonder why they are not happy with the relationship. Bottom line is that if a person is furious or sulky most of the time, and they are unable to change their mood, then they have not learnt the skills to be happier. No one is happy all of the time. However if your partner is prone to depression then they need to seek help. You cannot alter their mood. They have to want to change. 

To be happier you have to work on yourself first, and that includes looking at the relationships around you.

You can like Karen Fernandez's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/karenfernandezaustralia

This week one of my dear friends lost her Uncle. He was a good man who loved and cared for his family. His death was sudden and unexpected, leaving everyone who knew him in a state of shock and disbelief. My memory of him was of a family man who was honourable and kind. This blog was inspired by the news of his death and my own reflections on what I would like to leave behind when I have moved on.  This may seem morbid to some but I think when events like this happen we have to remind ourselves of what is truly important in our lives.

You can like Karen Fernandez's page here https://www.facebook.com/karenfernandezaustralia

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Some of you may find yourself alone at this time. This may be for a variety of reasons, one of which is divorce. Try and do something that will help you through the day. Watching DVDs and eating whatever you want is one of the ways to celebrate the day. Go for a walk and enjoy nature. Just realise that there are many people who do and have had to spend the day alone. It is only one day.
Stay safe and have a wonderful day no matter what you do. xx

You can like Karen Fernandez's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/karenfernandezaustralia.

Not everyone looks forward to the holiday season. The reason varies from person to person but the main thing is that depression and loneliness seems be felt even more during this time of the year. Realise that you are not alone. There are many like you who feel dread when Christmas approaches. Talking to friends or a trusted professional counsellor may help you get through this period.

It is so easy to think about what could have happened in your life, if you had made different decisions. This is a waste of energy and only makes you feel miserable. Instead think about how far you have come and focus on what you have achieved in your life. I am not talking about material things. It is about realising how much knowledge you have gained through all your experiences. Feeling better about yourself and knowing more about you.
You can like Karen Fernandez's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/karenfernandezaustralia

My friend Rose was telling me about how her daughter had been 'bullied' by a carer at her after hours school care. She had spoken to staff members who had witnessed the incidents and the Manager. The carer was eventually let go, but only after Rose pursued the issue. Rose felt that the carer would have been picking on other children who may have been too young or too scared to say anything to their parents.
It amazes me that in this day of strict legislation, that there are people who feel that they can pick on young children and get away with it. I urge you to have regular conversations with your child about how they are going at school and how they feel about the people in their lives. This is a great way to bond with your child but you may also discover something that is upsetting them.

You can like Karen Fernandez's page at https://www.facebook.com/karenfernandezaustralia.