My workplace recently had a financial planner visit our premises to give staff advice regarding their superannuation. After going over my policy with Joe the financial planner, we started chatting about how life takes you in unexpected directions. He had initially started to study accounting and then changed to economics. Joe worked in various roles and is now employed by a superannuation company as a financial planner. While discussing our careers we both mentioned how we felt work life balance was important.
We both worked in finance related occupations but we choose sectors which were ‘family’ friendly. I had always wanted to be available for my family so I chose jobs which enabled me to spend time with my loved ones as well as have a career. I currently work as a Business Manager at a secondary college and this fits in perfectly with my family life.
It is funny how working out your superannuation, can make you reassess your life. Superannuation makes you think about questions such as how long you are expected to live and how much money you will need after your retirement. It can be a morbid subject but it is something we all need to consider. Thinking about your future also makes you consider how you live your life.
To help you work out your answers, ask yourself if you would be happy with the way you have lived your life, when your time is up.
Here are some points to consider:
Work life balance
I have heard the phrase, we are meant to work to live, not the other way around. A lot of people spend long hours at work and then collapse into bed each night. This pattern of behaviour will eventually affect the relationships around you (if you have any) and your health. There is no point in accumulating ‘nice’ things, a huge bank balance and then dying before you have a chance to spend or enjoy any of it. Look at your life and see if you are making the most of your life. If not, think about how you would like to live and the changes you can make to achieve what you want.
I understand that money is essential to live but there are ‘smart’ ways to grow your money such as through property investment. Leslie, a friend of mine, for instance used $10,000 of her savings as a deposit for an investment property. Twelve years later that same property has equity of over $250,000. Investing allows you to grow the money you save, without having to work long hours. There are many tools which can help you to start investing but the main thing to remember is to educate yourself, follow your gut instinct and set goals.
Be happy
Life is about experiencing all that the world has to offer. Work out what your dreams are and then follow them. Make a list of all the things you would like to do, places you would like to visit and then go for it. I have heard people refer to a ‘bucket list’ which is a list of things people want to do before they die. How about making and doing the things you love now?
Maintaining relationships
I have met people who are so busy pursuing ‘money’ that they neglect their family and friends. Over time the relationships slip away and they find themselves alone. When you are lying on your death bed, do you think the dollar bills are going to keep you company? In troubled times, it is your relationships with others which gives you the support you need. When you are celebrating a happy occasion, your friendships help you savour the moments even more. It is important to keep in touch with your friends and family or you may find yourself alone in the end.
It is funny how working on your superannuation can make you think about life. However it is better to do it while you are still healthy and able to act upon your dreams, rather than being close to death and having regrets.
Speaking of living your dreams, I have just received my new business cards and who knew a person could be so excited by a card. My dear friend Ella is a talented graphic designer and she has created them for me. The next step is tell the rest of the world about my book so if you have any ideas please email me. I have had positive feedback from people who have read my book and found it useful. I feel so honoured that each person has found it helpful and relevant to their own needs.
Until next week, take care of yourself and live your life to the fullest.
We both worked in finance related occupations but we choose sectors which were ‘family’ friendly. I had always wanted to be available for my family so I chose jobs which enabled me to spend time with my loved ones as well as have a career. I currently work as a Business Manager at a secondary college and this fits in perfectly with my family life.
It is funny how working out your superannuation, can make you reassess your life. Superannuation makes you think about questions such as how long you are expected to live and how much money you will need after your retirement. It can be a morbid subject but it is something we all need to consider. Thinking about your future also makes you consider how you live your life.
To help you work out your answers, ask yourself if you would be happy with the way you have lived your life, when your time is up.
Here are some points to consider:
Work life balance
I have heard the phrase, we are meant to work to live, not the other way around. A lot of people spend long hours at work and then collapse into bed each night. This pattern of behaviour will eventually affect the relationships around you (if you have any) and your health. There is no point in accumulating ‘nice’ things, a huge bank balance and then dying before you have a chance to spend or enjoy any of it. Look at your life and see if you are making the most of your life. If not, think about how you would like to live and the changes you can make to achieve what you want.
I understand that money is essential to live but there are ‘smart’ ways to grow your money such as through property investment. Leslie, a friend of mine, for instance used $10,000 of her savings as a deposit for an investment property. Twelve years later that same property has equity of over $250,000. Investing allows you to grow the money you save, without having to work long hours. There are many tools which can help you to start investing but the main thing to remember is to educate yourself, follow your gut instinct and set goals.
Be happy
Life is about experiencing all that the world has to offer. Work out what your dreams are and then follow them. Make a list of all the things you would like to do, places you would like to visit and then go for it. I have heard people refer to a ‘bucket list’ which is a list of things people want to do before they die. How about making and doing the things you love now?
Maintaining relationships
I have met people who are so busy pursuing ‘money’ that they neglect their family and friends. Over time the relationships slip away and they find themselves alone. When you are lying on your death bed, do you think the dollar bills are going to keep you company? In troubled times, it is your relationships with others which gives you the support you need. When you are celebrating a happy occasion, your friendships help you savour the moments even more. It is important to keep in touch with your friends and family or you may find yourself alone in the end.
It is funny how working on your superannuation can make you think about life. However it is better to do it while you are still healthy and able to act upon your dreams, rather than being close to death and having regrets.
Speaking of living your dreams, I have just received my new business cards and who knew a person could be so excited by a card. My dear friend Ella is a talented graphic designer and she has created them for me. The next step is tell the rest of the world about my book so if you have any ideas please email me. I have had positive feedback from people who have read my book and found it useful. I feel so honoured that each person has found it helpful and relevant to their own needs.
Until next week, take care of yourself and live your life to the fullest.
RSS Feed