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Welcome to another edition of #AusFIWeekly. It’s Michelle here from FrugalityandFreedom.com, bringing you this regular selection of great financial independence links, news, and events from Australia and beyond.
This week features another guest curator from our local FI community. Serina from The Joyful Frugalista has picked a mix of resources to get you thinking – including a response to the recent Australian bushfire crisis. Over to you…
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Hi, I’m Serina Bird aka The Joyful Frugalista. I was always a bit on the frugal spectrum, but I started blogging about budget food and saving money after I become suddenly single over five years ago due to domestic violence. I love cooking, and am a Top Cook at Australia’s Best Recipes. I also contribute semi-regularly to Money Magazine Australia and MoneySaverHQ. Oh, and I wrote a book called The Joyful Frugalista that was published by Murdoch Books last year, plus I cohost a podcast called This Abundant Life that features a number of FI/FIRE people. This year I’m on a challenge to declutter at least 366 items (i.e. one a day during this leap year, aka #joyfulgiving366) in a meaningful and mindful way (i.e. not just throwing them out).
I’ve compiled a random list of blog posts that has gotten me thinking. I hope you enjoy them!
www.joyfulfrugalista.com
Facebook @joyfulfrugalista
Twitter @joyfrugalista
Australian Links
Weight loss tips that won’t cost you big bickies – Serina Bird, The Daily Telegraph
Ms Lyndi Cohen lost 20kg over four years by eating intuitively and embracing regular, gentle exercise. “It doesn’t cost a lot of money to eat healthily,” she said. “Anyone who says otherwise wants to profit from you.”
If the FIRE Journey Makes You Miserable, You’re Doing it Wrong – Strong Money Australia
“The FIRE journey is certainly not about deprivation or sacrifice. Rather, it’s about conscious spending, priorities and simply getting our financial shit together. If you feel deprived, miserable and are wishing the days away, you’re doing it wrong. Maybe you need to revisit your values, or make room (in your life and your budget) for what’s important to you.”
This Girl is on FIRE – Weave the Future Magical
“I’ve recently joined a cult. One which involves embracing simplicity and self-sufficiency to optimise happiness and freedom.”
Making Money on Youtube – Aussie Firebug (podcast)
Mr Firebug does a podcast interview with Brandon, “a 24-year-old Physio from Canberra who also runs the Aussie Wealth Creation YouTube Channel that currently has over 45,000 subscribers”.
Why you should widen your investment assets this year – Anthony Keane, Herald Sun
“Property, shares and cash in the bank have long been Australians’ favourite investments, and many still stick with just one. However, widening your investment vision across all three and beyond can deliver improved wealth and extra protection when a downturn strikes.”
How to make 2020 the year you take control of your super – Susan Hely, Money Magazine
“You can’t just hope for the best when it comes to having enough money for retirement. You need a plan to boost your superannuation to fund your retirement.”
Australian Events
Adelaide: Keepin’ It Frugal – Potluck Lunch & FIRE Chats – Sat 1 Feb 12pm, Largs Bay
Brisbane: Mustachians Australia – South Brisbane’s First MMM Meetup of 2020 – Sun 2 Feb 1pm, Holland Park
Melbourne: Kickstart your 2020 Financial Goals @ GA Assembly – Wed 29 Jan 6pm, CBD
Melbourne: FI Meetup Melbourne – Melbourne FI Weekend Meetup! – Sun 2 Feb 2pm, Royal Botanic Gardens
Perth: Choose FI Perth – February 2020 Meetup – Sun 2 Feb 11am, Kings Park
Sydney: Mr Money Mustache Sydney Tribe – Sydney Mustachian Meetup – Sat 1 Feb 12.30pm, Neutral Bay
Special Edition: Australian Bushfires
7 actions you can take to support bushfire relief efforts – Money Bites
“No one will remember how many cars you owned when you’re done or how expensive your shoe collection is or how much super you managed to accumulate. They will remember the difference you made to the lives of people around you, what you stood for and the work you undertook to help others.”
Day 2: #joyfulgiving366 – Bushfire devastation – The Joyful Frugalista
“This is a time for generosity but also important to be mindful about doing so. As many people declutter in January, giving is probably at the top of our minds. The issue is ensuring that you give the right things to the right people or organisations who need it. Volunteers are already working overtime and sorting through and disposing of junk can be a distraction.”
International Links
Yes, you can retire in your 30s. This couple left work before 33 to travel the world, and they’re loving it – The Star (Canada)
“Learning to scuba dive. Playing with elephants rescued from the logging industry. Daily massages, long hikes, dining out with friends. This is what freedom 30-something looks like for Kristy Shen and Bruce Leong.”
How to Talk About Money – Carl Richards (The NY Times)
“Money is not a math problem. It’s a proxy for our moral foundations, our most cherished dreams and our deepest fears.”
Thanks for sharing these thought-provoking links, Serina! Read more from her at JoyfulFrugalista.com
Do you fancy yourself as a guest curator? Got some other Australian events or favourite blogs to include? Get in touch.
Yours in pursuit of FI,
Michelle @ Frugality and Freedom
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