Episodit
-
Ep.100 Adding Up - The Power Of Documenting
Welcome to one hundred episodes! I’ve just re-listened to episode one of the Adding Up Podcast. My voice was shaking and I stated that if I could help just one person in the process of recording this podcast it would be a success.
4 years and thousands of downloads later, I am humbled. The power of documenting is something that I completely underestimated.
I started the podcast buoyed by a shred of hope, I had made enough changes to my spending habits to pay off $5,000 off of one credit card. I still had more on that balance plus another 2 cards maxed out, but I could see quite literally little changes could add up.
I have stumbled more than once in 4 years. I have had 2 significant breaks in recording episodes. The first when I was on the verge of burnout during the 2nd lockdown of my local area trying to keep up with running my business and homeschooling my children. Something had to give and thankfully I noticed at the time that I wasn’t prepared to give up my health.
The 2nd time I became bedridden for 2 weeks. I simply didn’t see the warning signs the 2nd time. This time I had no choice but to not record the podcast.
Listening to the first episode of the podcast again today, reminded me of just how far I have come.
Taking stock of my achievements since starting this podcast in May 2019, I have:
As of May 2019 Serena I had reduced my debt by $6,000 without increasing my personal budget. By December 2019, I reduced my debt by $11,200 and had $3,046 left on my 3rd and final credit card. My target was to have no more credit cards by June 2020.
As of April 2020 I achieved this goal and had reduced my debt by $17,507.54.
As of March 2023, I have reduced my debt by $47,097.54.
It’s important to note that as of March 2022 I adjust the budget to save for a family holiday as the need to pay down extra debt hasn’t been as important. Interest rates have also been increasing so this has impacted the ability to pay extra as I see the importance of paying debts.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Saving Money Tips
- Interest on savings
- 7-Eleven Coffee
- Having difficult conversations
- Money mindset
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.099 Adding Up - What Happens When Interest Rates Go Up, Again
Deep breath and here we go, again. Another month, another interest rate rise. I’m feeling like it’s groundhog day. It’s getting harder to stay positive and even harder to save money, or, is it? There’s no point crying about it (well at least not all the time). This episode is one where I share the hard feelings, the pity party and then how I’m moving on and getting focused on the future.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Pausing
My Best Learning - Continuing to learn
Money Bravery - Get clear and open to creative solutions
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Saving Money Tips
- Paying in instalments
- Interest on savings
- Negotiating better rates on a mortgage
- Shop around on insurance premiums
- Service NSW Premium and Savings Vouchers and Rebates
- Shopping Online Vs In Store
- The Convenience Tax
- Reusable Coffee Cups
- 7-Eleven Coffee
- Checking your details are up to date with your insurances
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- Money mindset
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Puuttuva jakso?
-
Ep.098 Adding Up - Learning New Ways To Save Money
Another month, another interest rate rise. It’s getting harder to stay positive and even harder to save money, or, is it? In this episode it’s about looking for creative and different ways to save money despite the current economic challenges.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Raiding The Freezer
My Best Learning - I Can Always Learn
Money Bravery - If You Don’t Speak Up You Don’t Have Opportunity Of A Yes
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Saving Money Tips
- Paying in instalments
- Interest on savings
- Negotiating better rates on a mortgage
- Shop around on insurance premiums
- Service NSW Premium and Savings Vouchers and Rebates
- Shopping Online Vs In Store
- The Convenience Tax
- Reusable Coffee Cups
- 7-Eleven Coffee
- Checking your details are up to date with your insurances
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- Money mindset
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.097 Adding Up - How Is Your Money Understanding Setting You Up
Is your money understanding setting you up for success? Or failure? The funny thing is if we’re not paying attention to the money we have and what we are using it for we can find ourselves struggling. Going on a journey to get better with my finances I’ve discovered that more people are challenged with money understanding and money confidence than I realised. Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For me to break the myth that it doesn’t happen to everyone, more stories from many different backgrounds need to be brought to light. In this episode I also detail what and where I’m seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need
My Best Learning - Centre For Women’s Economic Safety
Money Bravery - Always Ask For Alternatives
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- The value of documenting
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.096 Adding Up - Don't Think It Won't Happen To You
You don’t know what you don’t know. Going on a journey to get better with my finances I’ve discovered that more people are challenged with money understanding and money confidence than I realised. Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For me to break the myth that it doesn’t happen to everyone, more stories from many different backgrounds need to be brought to light. In this episode I also detail what and where I’m seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Service NSW Back To School Vouchers
My Best Learning - Research, there can be more for free than you realise
Money Bravery - Use the payment plans
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- The value of documenting
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.095 Adding Up - Staying In Control With Finances
Staying in control with finances is my focus in 2023. For this to happen I’m taking the time to review all the things I can control and even plan for the things I can’t control. In this episode I also detail what and where I’m seeking more support and advice to continue to be and do better with my budget and finances.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Walking the dog
My Best Learning - Routine with choice
Money Bravery - If you don’t have all the facts you can’t make an informed decision
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Saving money on food
- Eating leftovers
- How to avoid the fridge to bin problem
- Favourite leftover meals
- Switching off lights
- Service NSW vouchers
- Combatting the costs of going back to school
Do you want to be my guest sharing your Money Story? Use the link this link to share your details and we'll be in contact.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.094 Adding Up - What Does Financial Security Look Like?
What does financial security look like? I spoke at an event recently about financial literacy. Afterwards a woman approached me to thank me for sharing my story. She then went on to say I only have a credit card for emergencies. I had been there myself at one point. In this episode I share why I have changed that approach and how I did it.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
This episode is one of a series pre-recorded so I have a break with my family over the Summer Holidays in Australia. No weekly highlights mentioned in the episode, but in saying this, the fact thatI’m having a break with my family it’s a HUGE highlight for me.
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.093 Adding Up - New Year Resolution For Saving
Is it possible to save more money with the cost of living rising?
Review your spending of 2022
Adjust your budget
Shop around on essentials
Do your homework
Automate saving
Consistently look for savings
Every saving matters
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving -
My Best Learning -
Money Bravery -
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
- The Good Fight by Dr Liane Davey
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.092 Adding Up - Are You Really Saving Money At The Sales?
Is it possible to save more money with the cost of living rising?
What I’ve learned from sales:
Have a budget
You’re only saving money if you are going to use it
If it doesn’t fit it’s a waste of money
If you don’t have the money don’t turn up
Don’t use your credit card
There will always be another one
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Avoiding the sales
My Best Learning - Only use the money you have
Money Bravery - Saying no to going shopping with others
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.091 Adding Up - 10 Holiday Season Tips For Saving Money
My top 10 tips for holiday saving. As my anxiety rises at the thought of having my kids on holidays for the next 6 weeks. Here are ways I help to reduce my anxiety and spending while having the kids around for a lot more than usual.
Plan Look For Free Beware of Free Don’t leave home hungry Parks, Beaches, Gardens Rest Boredom is good Board Games Projects Slow downLearn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Kris Kringle
My Best Learning - Extra special cards
Money Bravery - It’s okay to not spend money
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.090 Adding Up - What Would Financial Decisions Look Like If They Were Easy?
It’s officially the holiday season aka ‘silly season.’ I’m having moments of feeling overwhelmed and I have found myself wishing my financial decisions easy. So what does that look like? My attitude is everything.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - I don’t need to keep all my books
My Best Learning - Be aware of auto renew
Money Bravery - Stand up for yourself
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.089 Adding Up - Can I Really Change My Bad Money Habits?
This week I got another letter from the bank letting me know the interest rates and payments on our mortgage were going up. It sent me into a tailspin.
The interesting thing about this process has been my learning about my own money relationship.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Driving Past The Drive Thru
My Best Learning - Mistakes Happen The Reaction Is More Important
Money Bravery - Share Your Story
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
- Grocery Shopping Without a Shopping List
- The Good Fight by Dr Liane Davey
- Journaling
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.088 Adding Up - When Money Is Not The Motivator
One of my greatest fears has been becoming a reality. Having ungrateful kids. The worst part of this has been trying to teach them financial literacy and they haven’t been motivated to do chores to earn money. This blows my mind. So in the episode I share the journey to get them motivated to not just earn money but also to help around the house and even take the step to save money.
The interesting thing about this process has been my learning about my own money relationship.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Repurposing my bra
My Best Learning - Kids are amazing teachers
Money Bravery - Have the conversations
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Kids don’t listen, they watch
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- Value exchange
- Money mindset
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.087 Adding Up - Money Gets Messy When We Are On Mute
As a reformed spender and someone who has struggled with being a people pleaser and avoiding tough money conversations this episode focuses on how I’ve discovered the power of the mute button. When you are aware of it you can be better with your awareness and this leads to productive money conversations.
Keeping myself in check is a daily task. The biggest lesson I’ve learned to date is that being better with money and having better budgets is a constant series of positive actions. In this episode I share the steps I’m taking to focus on the positive in every situation, even the money mistakes. Who says a budget can and has to be an excel spreadsheet to be successful?
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Op Shopping Right On Cue
My Best Learning - Be An Active Listener
Money Bravery - Back Yourself
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Prepare Enrich Can Be Done At Any Time In Life
- Issues Grow When We Ignore Them
- Me Money
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Being A Force For Good Budgeting
As a reformed spender and someone who has struggled to naturally enforce sticking to a budget, how do you do better?
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Being A Force For Good Budgeting.’
Keeping myself in check is a daily task. The biggest lesson I’ve learned to date is that being better with money and having better budgets is a constant series of positive actions. In this episode I share the steps I’m taking to focus on the positive in every situation, even the money mistakes. Who says a budget can and has to be an excel spreadsheet to be successful?
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Best & Less Clearance Rack
My Best Learning - Tokens Can Be A Teacher
Money Bravery - Talking About My Money Challenges
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The cashless envelope system
- Money mindset
- Ep.020 Adding Up - What I learned Buying Property At 20 years old
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.085 Adding Up - Flicking The Switch The Power of Focus
Where you look is where you go. So how does this translate when you’re struggling with your relationship with money and the cost of living rising simply out of your control.
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Flicking the switch, the power of focus.’
I’ve felt my bad money habits creeping back in as rising interest rates are biting and cost of living is pushing upwards. I’m struggling to keep myself in check.
This episode is an important one as I share how I’m combating the challenge of focusing on maintaining the essentials. I share the thought process and how I’m holding myself accountable.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Not spending money
My Best Learning - Being Open To Learning
Money Bravery - Pulling The Plug On What You Think You’re Not Using
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The power of accountability and action
- Money mindset
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.084 Adding Up - Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations
Following on from Episode 83 and talking about ‘Why is changing money habits so hard?’ In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations.’
Our kids are seemingly oblivious that things cost money. I hate that. This has been so frustrating. We’ve tried pocket money and the jar system of donating money to charity, saving and spending money, but quite simply it’s not working.
In this episode I share how I’m combating this challenge with a new way of looking at kids' financial literacy. I share the thought process and challenges I’m currently going through as a result. Where is the easy answer?
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - My wardrobe is a treasure trove of fashion
My Best Learning - You’re only as good as your decisions, the next decision could be better
Money Bravery - Take time to remind yourself and others of your worth
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The power of accountability and action
- Different views of money and value
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.083 Adding Up - Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard. There’s never a shortage of things to spend money on. Cost of living is steadily increasing, this week the mortgage has increased for the 6th time. I’m faced with the challenge to either increase my income or be more creative with what I have. I share the thought process and challenges I’m currently going through as a result. Where is the easy answer? Why is changing money habits so hard?
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - My wardrobe is a treasure trove of fashion
My Best Learning - You’re only as good as your decisions, the next decision could be better
Money Bravery - Take time to remind yourself and others of your worth
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Look for money
- What is the purpose of money
- Having difficult conversations
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The power of accountability and action
- Different views of money and value
Mentioned in this podcast:
Cliff Ravenscraft https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/
Ep.008 Adding Up - Cliff Ravenscraft His Debt Journey
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.082 Adding Up - Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money' It’s finally getting warmer and almost like clock work I’m finding reasons to clear out things we no longer need in the house and as the prices of things are going up, I’m finding reasons to double check and evaluate what do we or don’t we need in our budget.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - The washing machine is fixed!
My Best Learning - Kids don’t listen, they watch
Money Bravery - If you say yes to everything you miss opportunities
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
- Create Checklists
- Look for money
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- The power of accountability and action
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message -
Ep.081 Adding Up - Time or Money. What’s more valuable?
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore ; 'Time or Money. What’s more valuable?' I share my challenges making decisions and the impact of this and how I’ve shifted my approach and gained so much more of what I wanted.
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Online Shopping
My Best Learning - Resist getting the new machine
Money Bravery - Time with your kids is never wasted
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
- Create Checklists
- Look for money
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- Share with others what you want
- The Highlight reel vs highlight real
Book mentions in this episode:
Your Money or your life by Vicki Robin
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/serena-dot-ryan/message - Näytä enemmän
