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Month: September 2015

September 2015 Income/Expenses

September 2015 Income/Expenses

It’s payday today which means time for this month’s Income/Expenses! I think it’s important to keep track of your income/expenses every month as it allows you to spot trends and areas for improvement. I find it really useful to track the spending changes each month, and really motivating to see the networth improvements. Sometimes it can seem like financial independence is so far away, but by watching your networth steadily increasing you’ll know you will reach that point eventually. I’ve…

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The opportunity costs of Sharesave

The opportunity costs of Sharesave

I’ve been at my new job for almost a year now which makes me eligible to join the company’s Sharesave scheme. At my previous company I signed up immediately and began pumping the maximum contribution amount (£250) in each month blindly following the ‘one-way bet’ mentality of most towards Sharesave right up until the share price crashed and the company was de-listed from the market. Granted; I got my 3 years worth of contributions back as a lump sum however…

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Guest post – My Secure Route to Early Retirement

Guest post – My Secure Route to Early Retirement

I was recently contacted to see if I’d be willing to host a guest post. Normally I decline offers of posts which are quite US focused, however I thought this one might be of interest to people on both sides of the pond as it focuses on investment in precious metals. I’ll admit; this isnt an area I’m particularly familiar with and I don’t currently hold any investment in physical assets.. however I appreciate that it is widely held by…

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You don’t get rich by spending

You don’t get rich by spending

Last night I finally got round to watching the 2nd part of Britain’s Spending Secrets. I’ve previously spoke about some of the themes of the 1st part of this insightful documentary which went into details on how people prioritised their spending and the infamous ‘middle class’ family who almost starved to death just so their 2 children could go to private school. The 2nd part however focused much more on the amounts people spent rather than specifically what they spent…

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Learning Personal Finance is like learning to swim

Learning Personal Finance is like learning to swim

I was recently talking with a friend who mentioned that he used to be “Drowning in debt”. It’s a commonly used phrase and a situation that I’m sure everyone is familiar with; you’re kicking and struggling against the rising tides of debt until eventually you take a last gulp before being totally covered in water. In a way, alot of financial knowledge and the state you find yourself in can be related to learning to sink or swim through your…

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August 2015 Income/Expenses

August 2015 Income/Expenses

Last month’s report is slightly late as I’ve just returned from a fantastic trip away to visit family in France. The weather was beautiful and the wine less than £2 a bottle! we stayed in one of my parent’s gites with a private pool right outside. Amazing what you can buy in another country for a price which wouldnt even get you a studio flat here in the South East.   On to the Income/Expenses! I think it’s important to…

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