When we talk about happiness with our family, friends and colleagues, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that more is always better: more money, more options, more security, more stuff. But the truth is far gentler and far more powerful. Happiness doesn’t come from having more. It comes from being aligned. That means alignment between our values and our goals. Between priorities and lifestyle. Between what we’re chasing and what actually matters. Whilst […]
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Short-term wins in long-term planning
When it comes to financial planning, some goals can take decades to come to fruition. Retirement. Paying off a bond. Funding education. Leaving a legacy. Long-term goals matter; they guide our decisions and give us direction. But here’s the catch: they’re also really far away. And without smaller wins along the way, it’s easy to lose motivation, second-guess our plan, or drift into inaction! That’s why short-term wins aren’t just nice to have. In fact… they’re […]
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Flexible, practical, and resilient
Here’s how strong financial plans really work… It’s so easy to fall into the trap of talking about financial plans as if they’re written in stone, neatly laid out, precise, and permanent. But in reality, the best financial plans are anything but rigid. They’re designed not just for ideal scenarios, but for real life, which is why they need to be robust enough to weather market turbulence, flexible enough to adapt to personal changes, and practical […]
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Is boring the new best thing?
Want a better life? Be boring… Why?? Well, it can be argued that consistent, simple choices often lead to the most extraordinary outcomes! Here’s the thing: We don’t often celebrate the word “boring.” In a world that glorifies bold reinventions, dramatic success stories, and overnight transformations, being boring doesn’t exactly spark applause. But when it comes to your financial life — and, honestly, your overall wellbeing — being boring in the right ways is one of […]
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PTBS isn’t BS
It hardly bears repeating, but money is emotional! No matter how hard we try, we inevitably move from scanning spreadsheets to stressing about security, survival, self-worth, and status. So when something goes wrong, a job loss, a business failure, a debt spiral, or a traumatic period of being “flat broke” — the impact isn’t just practical. It can be deeply personal. Post-Traumatic Broke Syndrome, or PTBS, is a term gaining traction to describe the lingering psychological […]
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A budget isn’t a cage – it’s a key
For many people, the word budget triggers an almost visceral reaction: restriction, rules, red ink, and the end of fun as you know it. It’s no wonder so many of us avoid it, procrastinate on it, or feel a twinge of shame every time it comes up. But what if we’ve been looking at budgeting all wrong? A well-crafted budget isn’t a punishment for spending. It’s a permission slip for living — with clarity, with purpose, […]
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Does stillness feel strange?
When was the last time you just… stopped? Not to check your phone. Not to plan your next move. Not to squeeze in one more errand or scan your to-do list. Just… stopped. Stillness can feel foreign these days, like something reserved for a retreat or a rare weekend escape. But more than ever, stillness is essential. It’s not a luxury or an indulgence. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to reconnect with […]
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Spotting gaps and overlaps
At first glance, many people often think that diversification is a strategy that focuses on spreading their money around a bit. But it’s about so much more than that; it’s about intentional design, making sure your investments and financial structures work together to support your life goals. And this is where we encounter more complex challenges: most portfolios grow over time, often in layers. You buy a fund here, open a retirement account there, add a […]
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When your goals change… or chase you!
Have you ever set a goal, or set of goals for yourself? And… when life changed and those goals were no longer relevant or attainable, what did you do? One of the most underrated challenges in financial and life planning isn’t setting goals… it’s managing them when life changes! We’re often told to set smart, measurable goals and stick to them. And that works… until life throws you a curveball. A new job. A health scare. […]
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Are you diversified… or just busy?
We often hear investors say, “I’ve spread my risk — I’m well diversified.” But when we take a closer look, their portfolios tell a different story. We often find overlapping funds, highly correlated assets, exposure to similar sectors, or a long list of holdings that feel diverse but tend to move in the same direction when markets shift. The truth? Owning more things doesn’t always mean you’re diversified. Sometimes, it just means you’re busy. Variety is […]
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