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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.
I’m half-way through 14 days of self-isolation, after returning to Australia quickly from 8 months in New Zealand. I’m stuck in my ol’ childhood bedroom right now, but I’m grateful for some downtime to be still and reflect (plus watch copious amounts of tv without guilt). By popular request, I’m sharing my “Room Service By Mum” updates in my Instagram story. Have a look for a laugh.
Recently at Frugality and Freedom…
- NEW POST: How Covid-19 Thwarted My Plans For 2020 – It’s not the right time to be a nomadic, housesitting, event worker.
- PODCAST: Ep 17: Michelle, Frugality and Freedom talks about semi-retirement, travel and cats – I had fun recording for This Abundant Life podcast recently with hosts Kirsti and The Joyful Frugalista‘s Serina.
- POPULAR POST: FI Glossary – Curious about some terms thrown about in the financial independence space? Never fear, read their definitions here.
Australian Links
The Most Surprising Way Decluttering Improves Your Life – Simply + Fiercely
“At first, a decluttered life can actually be uncomfortable. You might feel bored or uneasy with your new space and be tempted to fill it with something else. But sit with your discomfort for a bit and notice what happens…”
How I Found $1,062.89 in 1 day with a Money Hunt – The Thrifty Issue
“A money hunt is going in search of money. I do this 2 ways – physically and online. Physically, it is searching through my home, under appliances, in my car, looking through clothes etc… Check if you have anything that needs to be returned/refunded or paperwork lodged… Online: Look at everything you have signed up to online and see if you have cash in there ready to claim.”
Growing Financial Independence – Captain FI
“Choosing to grow food is a step towards self sufficiency, which is a great way to progress towards financial independence. There are some small set up costs associated however these can be really minimised if you take a few simple steps and make use of the three R’s (reduce – reuse- recycle). The very small cost of seeds and the relative ease at germination means that for a fraction of the price of your weekly grocery bill, you can be growing fresh, healthy organic produce in your own home.”
Your 10 Step Financial Health Checklist – How To Money Australia
“A financial checklist is a clear and structured tool that can help you progress towards your financial goals. With fluctuating phases of motivation and surprise bills that pop up throughout the year, it’s easy to fall into old habits and quit on the goals you previously set yourself. To better position yourself for financial success, here’s a checklist of the major tasks you should work through, to strengthen your financial future.”
International Links
Cutting Your Own Path to Financial Independence – City Frugal (US)
“At first, mimicry is a perfectly reasonable way to learn the strategies and tactics for achieving financial independence. Just like following an exercise regimen set out by a trainer is a great way to get in shape, so is following a set of prescriptive set of financial rules to improve your finances. But at some point, as Will Hunting put it, you must ‘start doing some thinking on your own.'”
Looking Beyond Financial Capital on the Path to Financial Independence – Rich and Resilient Living (US)
“The most well known and sought after form of capital is financial capital. Yet, there are a number of other forms of capital and they are almost never mentioned in the FIRE realm… While they don’t necessarily fit easily into spreadsheets, opening our eyes and minds to these other forms of capital can bring us closer to true financial freedom as well as a more joyful, meaningful life.”
Now Is The Best Time To Pursue Financial Independence – Life Outside The Maze (US)
“Like me, you have probably already reduced spend as a side effect of the Coronavirus social distancing… Yes, this imposed level of reduced spend is uncomfortable, however, in a way it is an opportunity to prototype some thrifty life changes and commit to the ones that work for you. Frugality does not need to be a deprivation when you choose what areas to cut from.”
Questions to Focus on Enjoying the Journey to Financial Independence – Modest Millionaires (Canada)
“Think about the present and what you may be forgetting to focus on while you keep your eyes on that prize which we believe financial independence will allow us to attain. Ironically, while that goal of achieving FIRE is greatly dependent on income generation and thinking about how we spend our money, one of its very sought out gifts is to move away from focusing on money.”
Take care, wash your hands and stay home, everyone! Needing some fresh entertainment? I’ve just updated my site’s list of Australian FI Bloggers. Hope you find some new favourites.
Want to be an #AusFIWeekly guest curator? Have blog posts to recommend? Get in touch.
Yours in pursuit of FI,
Michelle @ Frugality and Freedom
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