Adding Up
By Serena Dot Ryan
After spending most of her adult life in debt, it wasn’t until Serena started working with Accountants and Cloud Accounting Service Providers that she saw how important it was for her to take control of her finances.
October 2018 she decided to re-write her future, get financial education and become debt free.
Consistent small changes are adding up.
Listen as Serena shares her personal finance journey.
Adding Up May 23, 2019
Ep.100 Adding Up - The Power Of Documenting
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.
Ep.099 Adding Up - What Happens When Interest Rates Go Up, Again
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.
Ep.098 Adding Up - Learning New Ways To Save Money
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.
Ep.097 Adding Up - How Is Your Money Understanding Setting You Up
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.
Ep.096 Adding Up - Don't Think It Won't Happen To You
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.
Ep.095 Adding Up - Staying In Control With Finances
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.
Ep.094 Adding Up - What Does Financial Security Look Like?
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
Ep.093 Adding Up - New Year Resolution For Saving
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
Ep.092 Adding Up - Are You Really Saving Money At The Sales?
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
Ep.091 Adding Up - Holiday Season Tips For Saving Money
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 down
Learn 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
Ep.090 Adding Up - What Would Financial Decisions Look Like If They Were Easy?
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
Ep.089 Adding Up - Can I Really Change My Bad Money Habits?
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
Ep.088 Adding Up - When Money Is Not The Motivator
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
Ep.087 Adding Up - Money Gets Messy When We Are On Mute
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
Ep.086 Adding Up - Being A Force For Good Budgeting
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
Ep.085 Adding Up - Flicking The Switch The Power of Focus
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
Ep.084 Adding Up - Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations
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
Ep.083 Adding Up - Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard
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.082 Adding Up - Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money
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
Ep.081 Adding Up - Time or Money. What’s more valuable?
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:
Ep.080 Adding Up - What To Do When Unexpected Opportunities Come Your Way
Ep.080 Adding Up - What To Do When Unexpected Opportunities Come Your Way
This week I've had an unexpected opportunity come up for work. I wasn't sure whether to make the most of it, especially since it is school holidays. In this episode I share the thought process I have gone through and what the potential is for this to be an opportunity to teach my kids financial literacy.
Ep.079 Adding Up - Making Hard Money Decisions
Ep.079 Adding Up - Making Hard Money Decisions
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'Making Hard Money Decisions.' 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
Plus, following on from Episode 78, I continue to share how I’m planning to cope these school holidays and do my best to have fun too!
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Google Airfares
My Best Learning - Complete The Warranties or take photos!
Money Bravery - Invest in what you value
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Budgeting for School Holidays (again)
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
- Pack Your Snacks (and save!)
- Resist
- Create Checklists
- Look for money
- Get rid of unnecessary costs
- Share with others what you want
- The Highlight reel vs highlight real
Ep.078 Adding Up - Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible?
Ep.078 Adding Up - Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible? I’m feeling the pressure as school holidays are coming around again!
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible?'
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
There’s nothing like growing, constantly hungry kids being around for 2 weeks to make the blood pressure and budget rise!
I share how I’m planning to cope these school holidays and do my best to have fun too!
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Having a holiday outside of school holidays (seriously!)
My Best Learning - More Money Conversations With The Kids Are Needed
Money Bravery - Show Your Failures
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Budgeting for School Holidays (again)
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
- Pack Your Snacks (and save!)
Ep.077 Adding Up - How To Avoid The Squeeze of Inflation
How To Avoid The Squeeze Of Inflation. Is a great question and one that is continuing to challenge many in Australia and the world right now as inflation continues to stay high and interest rates have gone up 4 times in 4 months.
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'How To Avoid The Squeeze Of Inflation?'
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Groceries are still uncomfortably $150 per week
Our Mortgage Has Increased 4 Times
We are saving less
How I am coping with the changes
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Not replacing the dishwasher
My Best Learning - Watching Bluey
Money Bravery - Buying things for others
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Budgeting for School Holidays (again)
- The Value Of Supporting Others
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
Ep.076 Adding Up - Beginning Again When It's Easier Not To
Beginning Again When It's Easier Not To
This is a tough episode, but I'm glad I've done it. When we stop doing something, time can suddenly slip by and if enough time goes by, we can stop doing it altogether. This was my track record with dieting and budgeting and now podcast episodes.
8 weeks ago I got sick. It was the sickest I had been in at least 3 years and I had to stop doing virtually everything, including this podcast.
I had almost 3 weeks bed rest and now 8 weeks later I finally feel like I have caught up with work and I have had the opportunity to do more, including starting podcast episodes again.
This episode is a little different than the previous few episodes, but I still include:
- My best saving, my best learning and my money bravery.
It's important to focus on the positives in any situation no matter what, I'm still incredibly further along in my money journey than I was even 8 weeks ago, let alone 3 years ago when I first started this podcast, and for that I am grateful.
Ep.075 Adding Up - What Better Budgets Look Like With Out Earning More Money
What do better budgets look like without earning more? Is a great question and one that is continuing to challenge many in Australia and the world right now as inflation continues to stay high and interest rates have gone up 3 times in 2 months..
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I continue to explore ; 'What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More Money?'
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Groceries are now uncomfortably $150 per week
My Budget Highlights:
My Best Saving - Staying home
My Best Learning - Blankets and pillow make the best forts
Money Bravery - Stop saying no for other people
Also included are my tips and experience on:
- Saving Money On Groceries
- The Value Of Time Together
- The Opportunity Of Flexible Work
- UnPaid Vs Paid Work
- Teaching Kids Financial Literacy
Ep.074 Adding Up - Not Blowing The Budget In School Holidays
Ep.074 Adding Up - Not Blowing The Budget In School Holidays
School holidays are upon us. This brings up anxiety for me. Essentially because it's a change in routine and when routines change it's easy to be unprepared and things to blow out in time and money. I’m determined I’m not blowing the budget in school holidays. So how do I make that work?
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Not blowing the budget in school holidays’ what this means for me and sharing how I’m planning to stay on budget and still have fun with the kids. This particular holidays are a challenge with many things like the recent increase in cost of living that I cannot plan for or control.
My 3 Highlights This Week
My Best Saving - Finally using up Service NSW Vouchers
My Best Learning - Keeping the pantry stocked can save you
Money Bravery - Checking the calendar first
Plus, also included:
- How I am planning
- Looking for the free things
- Avoiding driving places
- Where are the free activities
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Ep.073 Adding Up - Being Resourceful With Money
Ep.073 Adding Up - Being Resourceful With Money
Being resourceful with money is easier said than done. Especially when you are determined to not rush to increase your income.
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Being Resourceful with money.’ I love being resourceful and making the most of what I have, but what does this look like? I'm sharing how my resourcefulness has enabled me to successfully clear more than $43,000 in debt and maintain my quality of life in the process.
Being With Resourceful With Money Intro 00:08
My 3 Highlights This Week 01:04
My Best Saving - Leftovers are so good 01:11
My Best Learning - Don’t assume you are the only one 02:48
Money Bravery - Maintain the awareness 05:41
The Good Fight By Liane Davey 06:32
Being With Resourceful With Money 07:07
What Is Resourcefulness? 07:29
Where To Start With Money Resourcefulness 08:10
Money is an exchange of value
Debt the first 5,000 years explores the birth of money and why it came into existence
Your Money or Your Life concept of enough
Reduce waste
Leftovers are amazing
Raid the pantry
Value Exchange
Baby Sitting
Holiday with others
Share sports activities
Buy & Sell 2nd Hand
Gumtree
E-Bay
Facebook Market Place
Op Shops for Fashion
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Resources:
Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com.au/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766/ref=asc_df_0143115766/
Debt the first 5,000 years https://www.amazon.com.au/Debt-David-Graeber/dp/1612191290
The Barefoot Investor https://www.amazon.com.au/Barefoot-Investor-Scott-Pape/dp/073039753X
Ep.072 Adding Up - Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now
Adding Up - Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now
I’ve always aspired to have the perfect budget. After so many years of financial and budget mistakes I am pondering is the perfect budget possible now?
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘The Perfect Budget.’ Just exactly what this means to me and how I have always seen the perfect budget to be so elusive.
00:45 Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now?
00:54 My 3 Budget Highlights
01:02 My Best Saving - Being sick has its benefits
02:36 My Best Learning - Practise is preparation
06:21 Money Bravery - Calling the bank
07:09 The Perfect Budget
08:58 The Surprising Learning
09:09 The Power of Reflection
10:49 What No One Ever Tells You About Savings
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Adding Up Podcast Episodes Referenced:
Ep.020 What I Learned Buying Property at 20 years old
Ep.030 Surviving the financial disasters of my 30 year old self
Ep.040 Forty fit and failing at finance
Mentioned in this episode:
Stacey Copas https://staceycopas.com
Man's Search For Meaning Viktor E. Frankl https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Mans-Search-for-Meaning-Audiobook/B00FG9FSA2
Ep.071 Adding Up - Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up
Adding Up - Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up
This week the interest rates in Australia went up 0.5%, the biggest hike in interest rates since February 2000.
After several weeks of recalculating the household grocery budget, it’s hard to not feel a little anxious about yet another way our budget is getting squeezed. In this episode, I’m going to share what other measures I’m taking to tighten the family budget that goes beyond groceries and what opportunities I’m finding for free events and activities to keep the fun in our family life and try not to be so focused on money for enjoyment.
01:23 My Budget Highlights
01:29 My Best Saving - Service NSW Vouchers to be used by 30 June 2022
04:00 My Best Learning - Online Shopping doesn't always work
07:17 Money Bravery - Staying home
08:32 Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up
09:10 Financial Literacy learnings
09:43 Breaking the cycle of debt
11:58 Shopping around for savings
12:40 Saving money with solar power
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
Ep.070 Adding Up - Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible
Ep.070 Adding Up - Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible
The struggle and pain is real. As groceries seem to be increasing in price every single week, I’m noticing I’m not the only one feeling it. I’m using all my creative skills to make every dollar count. It’s not helping that my kids seem to be eating me out of house and home!
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible’ even when the kids won’t stop eating.
00:40 My Budget Highlights
00:49 My Best Saving - Raiding the pantry
02:05 My Best Learning - There value in the mundane
03:12 Money Bravery - Not signing up for another subscription
04:55 Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible
05:10 Confessions of an over spender
09:59 Finding money in school lunches
13:11 Teaching kids financial literacy
16:45 What to do when you’re not a chef
17:34 The cooking budget killer
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
A life changing book for entrepreneurs and really anyone who is time poor and wants to save money, is one I used and continue to refer to is 4 Ingredients by Kim McCosker & Rachael Bermingham.
Ep.069 Adding Up - Making It Harder To Access My Money
Ep.069 Adding Up - Making It Harder To Access My Money
Technology is great to increase accessibility to money. But what if you don’t want to access it so easily?
In this episode of Adding Up the podcast I explore; ‘Making It Harder To Access My Money.’ How I have put barriers in place to restrict my access so I can grow my savings.
01:35 My Best Saving - Sending My Husband To Hockey Training
02:34 My Best Learning - It’s Okay To Be Messy
02:59 Money Bravery - Wait For The Invoice
05:09 Living Paycheck to Paycheck
11:05 Going to the shops daily
12:24 I used the envelope system
15:23 So how could I recreate this for my lifestyle now
16:00 Removing cards from my wallet
22:05 Transitioning to using one card
23:50 The Convenience Tax Of Shopping Online
Learn more about the Adding Up Podcast and discover more episodes to listen to https://addingup.com.au
A life changing book for entrepreneurs I have read and continue to refer to is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.
Also mentioned in this episode; Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape and Dave Ramsey.
Ep.068 Adding Up - What No One Ever Tells You About Savings
Ep.068 Adding Up - What No One Ever Tells You About Savings
This is tough and it's personal. There are so many things I wish I knew about savings when I started my journey to get out of debt. I didn't realise the impact my ability to save money would have on my ability to have long term success with debt reduction.
My 3 highlights from this week are shared:
03:02 My Best Saving - 7eleven coffee. It’s $1 and still amazing :)
04:25 My Best Learning - The oven was worth the wait
05:24 Money Bravery - Kids didn’t get canteen lunches this week
05:43 Teaching my kids financial literacy.
06:17 The value of time together.
07:28 The challenge of building savings.
09:10 Things I wish I knew when deciding to get out of debt.
09:40 How I kicked my credit card debt.
10:01 How to prepare for emergencies
11:05 The super power that unlocks change
12:56 Why goals matter
13:55 The consequences of not changing
14:15 Saving is expensive
16:34 Being Empowered with cash
17:39 New habits take time
18:42 The unexpected feelings savings bring
20:48 It's okay to be a learner
22:13 Money management for entrepreneurs resources
You have to say no.
It’s expensive. It’s literally at the expense of everything else
It’s easier when you have a goal.
If you don’t have a reason to hold onto it you won’t.
On Tuesday I will be releasing a video on my 4 things I have focused on to achieve savings without earning more.
A life changing book I have read and continue to refer to is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Ep.067 Adding Up - What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More?
Ep.067 Adding Up - What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More?
- Rising Cost of Living
- Inflation now 5.1%
- Groceries are now uncomfortably $150 per week
This week’s episode includes:
My Budget Highlights:
02:21 My Best Saving - Buying Presents At Post Office
04:19 My Best Learning - Kids listen to everything!! There was nothing better than my kid noticing how much money I had spent on them.
08:47 Money Bravery - Somethings can wait. New oven was installed this week 3 weeks after the old one broke.
16:20 Saving Money On Groceries - Yes, I am saving money on groceries, it's not easy but it is still happening.
18:04 The Value Of Time Together - Time with family needs to be created and the space held for them. This is more important than trying to earn more.
18:45 The Opportunity Of Flexible Work - This can be created even when you think it can't.
19:12 UnPaid Vs Paid Work - Work is work regardless of if you're paid to do it or not. There are no days off.
21:15 Teaching Kids Financial Literacy - This happens in the little unexpected moments.
Watch What Do Better Budgets Look Like Without Earning More? on YouTube
Ep.066 Adding Up - Trying Not To Go Into Panic Mode With Interest Rates Rising
Ep.066 Adding Up - Avoiding Panic Mode With Interest Rates Rising
This episode includes:
Interest rates have risen for the first time in more than 10 years. I’m doing my best to not go into panic mode. I’m revisiting all my habits I set up when I started my journey to become debt free. I’m reminding myself of what works. It’s okay to not be okay, the key thing is to find and reach out to your support network. Groceries are needed but are all of them needed? What is in the cupboard? Can I make it from scratch? The oven is broken, now what?
My 3 highlights from this week are shared:
My Best Saving - Waiting to purchase what I need when it is on sale!
My Best Learning - Saying no can give the opportunity for yes
Money Bravery - Talk about your fears
Repeat behaviours can be hard to break. Things like over spending, using credit cards, avoiding difficult conversations, saying yes all the time. When you are not agreeable you risk offending others. But who pays the consequences of this?
Includes:
The discovery of my most popular episode in the last month ‘How do you cope with the rising cost of groceries.’
Ep.065 Adding Up - Is It Possible To Lose Everything?
Is It Possible To Lose Everything?
Repeat behaviours can be hard to break. Things like over spending, using credit cards, avoiding difficult conversations, saying yes all the time. When you are not agreeable you risk offending others. But who pays the consequences of this?
My 3 highlights from this week are shared:
- My Best Saving - Making My Own Lunch
- My Best Learning - Every decision is a new opportunity
- Money Bravery - Following up is powerful
This episode includes:
- Saying no more, gives space to say yes more
- The scarcity mindset and how to break it
- What happens when you give into instant gratification
- The consequences of living beyond your means
- Credit cards are not your own money. What happens when you treat them like they are.
- ‘The Good Fight’ by Liane Davey
Ep.064 Having A Holiday When You Don’t Have The Money To Have One
Ep.064 Having A Holiday When You Don’t Have The Money To Have One
This week I have managed to have a holiday but it has not been without its challenges. School holidays 4 times a year create the opportunity for holidays and quality time with our kids but that doesn't mean it is easy. School holidays can easily blow the budget!
In this episode I share the challenges to have a holiday when we simply don't have the money to have one. I share the different kinds of holidays we have had since I've made the active decision to reduce our debt and live under our means.
My 3 highlights from this week are shared:
1. My Best Saving - Go To The Beach! It's FREE
2. My Best Learning - Entertainment doesn’t need to be expensive (see point 1)
3. Money Bravery - Waiting 48 hours before making a commitment and seeing if I change my mind...
Ep.063 Is It A Budget Breakthrough Or Bust?
Ep.063 Is It A Budget Breakthrough Or Bust?
Is it a budget breakthrough or bust? That is a great question that I explore in episode 63 of the Adding Up Podcast. After working hard to pay off credit cards and officially be credit card free since April 2020. I started to save money that was previously going toward credit card payments. I saved over $49,000 in 18 months. This is still really new for me and I started to contemplate using some of this money to do house renovations. What I didn’t expect was the anxiety that would come from spending money that I had worked hard to save.
I include the challenges of the unexpected things out of my control and how I have coped. Things such as; rising cost of living kicking in, record torrential rain, a leaking roof, oven blowing up and front screen door breaking.
Ep.062 Adding Up - Money Journey's Are Messy And That's Okay
This week's episode is an express version. It's a necessary and important one. Being dedicated to sharing my money journey warts and all is important. This week has been challenging to fit everything in. It would have been easier to not record an episode but that I believe would miss the point of documenting. The most important thing I'd like to you take from this episode, is to reflect on where the journey to become better educated about Money starts. It rarely starts from an easy place, and once you start it is important, especially on the challenging weeks to remind yourself of how far you've come.
If you haven't already, go and listen to Ep.001 Adding Up - What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Change Someone's Life?Ep.061 Adding Up - When I Realised Why Liquidity Matters
Ep.061 Adding Up - When I Realised Why Liquidity Matters
This week I reflect on the incredible advice I received from my Accountant that has helped me to break the cycle of being dependent on credit cards. Breaking habits that have been formed over 2 decades are not easy to break, the life changing advice helped me to see differently the value of understanding and focusing on liquidity as a personal finance goal.
1. My Best Saving - Thanks to David from In Macarthur Magazine I discovered coffee roaster, La Casa Del Caffe that roasts great beans AND saves me $$$.
2. My Best Learning - Find out how much things are! (Before worrying how much they will cost!)
3. Money Bravery - Having an invoicing error is not the end of the world, talk about it.
This episode includes:
- What is liquidity?
- What happens when you don't have liquidity.
- What it's like having credit cards for 25 years.
- How I broke the cycle of having credit cards by paying less on debt.
Ep.060 Adding Up - What It Looks Like When You’re Having A Budget Reset
Ep.060 Adding Up - What It Looks Like When You’re Having A Budget Reset
This week I was on the ABC’s program 7.30 Report. Quite fittingly to talk about the rising cost of living. Having the cost of groceries increase from $100 on average to now between $140 - $150 is quite gobsmacking and in last week’s episode I talked about how to do you cope with the rising cost of groceries. Over this past week I started looking at our whole budget, not just groceries and noticed how much everything is going up. To stop my blood pressure going up too, I have decided to have a budget reset and in this episode take you through what that looks like. I’m determined to not fall into the trap of working more to finance our budget and debt. So this leads to creativity with what we have.
1. My Best Saving - Ordering online $9 delivery! Cheaper than driving
2. My Best Learning - Have boundaries
3. Money Bravery - Scheduling a date night to talk money
This episode includes:
- Budget Meeting with significant other
- Listing all expenses including insurance renewals
- Removing nice to haves from shopping
- Going back to baking - Banana Bread
- Pausing any more renovations
Useful episodes to listen to if you're having a budget reset:
Ep. 044 Adding Up - Preparing the Family Finance In A Pandemic 27/03/2020
Ep.042 Adding Up - Financial Certainty In Times Of Uncertainty 13/03/2020
Ep.029 Adding Up - What Empowered Financial Education Look Like 13/12/2019
Ep.021 Adding Up - The 1% Difference That Stopped Debt In Its Tracks 18/10/2019
Ep.018 Adding Up - Coping With Routine Changes 27/09/2019
Ep.016 Adding Up - When Creativity Helps Budgeting 13/09/2019
Ep.059 Adding Up - How Do You Cope With The Rising Cost Of Groceries?
I can’t recall the exact date my grocery bill started getting more expensive. But it was this week I suddenly noticed fuel at $2.19 a litre, I started feeling nauseous. My Accountant mentioned lifestyle creep at our last in person meeting. It was as a cautionary tale just after I had completed paying off the credit cards. This episode I share my experiences with changing my habits with grocery shopping, how I've had success and how I'm revisiting the habits to save money again and exploring new habits and opportunities to save money when grocery shopping.
This episode starts with 3 amazing things I have achieved this week:
1. My Best Saving - A $12 Mirror instead of $49.
2. My Best Learning - Saying No. This week I resigned from a role. It was an important reminder I’m not Wonder Woman.
3. Money Bravery - I immediately followed up a non-payment notice.
Ep.058 Adding Up - How I Saved $4,362 On A Designer Wardrobe
Quality without compromise. It's an underlying theme of this personal finance podcast. Another way to say this is, making the most of what you have. We shouldn't have to sacrifice time or money to have the life we want, but what if we looked at this differently. What if we were unnecessarily spending money?
This episode starts with 3 amazing things I have achieved this week:
1. My Best Saving - $5 Gumboots from Kmart (you won't believe how I discovered them)
2. My Best Learning - Done is better than perfect. Yes this is a popular saying, but seriously so true, overcoming this is a game changer.
3. Money Bravery - I share how I have tackled a bad habit of non-confrontation and ended up being better financially for it.
PLUS: In this episode I share how the process I went through that changed what I thought about spending money on fashion and in the process saved $4,362!!
Mentioned in this episode:
Ep.057 Adding Up - When Trying To Be Wonder Woman Doesn't Work
Time flies when you're having fun and the funny thing is it also flies even if you're not having fun too. I had every intention of this podcast being weekly until I didn't. Little did I know a temporary pause in podcast episodes in June 2020 would extend to March 2022.
It wasn't until I received a message today asking me to confirm if I was still a podcaster that I realised it was time to start weekly podcast episodes again.
On Tuesday 8th March 2022 it is International Women's Day. I see this as timely to recommence the podcast episodes. After all financial literacy is something I see as equally important for women but often seen as being a male dominated arena. I feel it's important for my voice and perspective on financial literacy to be heard.
The fact is, incredibly, since June 2020, my financial education has grown exponentially. I have had challenges I didn't think were possible and believe it or not I have had to work hard at not letting history of bad money mistakes repeat themselves.
In 2020, life got busy. When home learning kicked in on top of family responsibilities and running my business, I found myself pondering, do I sleep or record a podcast episode? It was in that moment of exhaustion I made the decision to stop the Adding Up Podcast weekly episodes. The initial relief was and still is mixed with a feeling of failure. It's interesting though as I was working out what intro to put on this episode I heard myself talk about learning and we don't fail if we learn from our mistakes. It is with this in mind I am proud to recommence this podcast weekly. I have so much news and learning to share too!
In the new episodes of the Adding Up podcast I will be sharing these lessons and what I have gained from them.
Ep.056 Adding Up - Successfully Saving Money, When You Don't Have Savings
Successfully Saving Money, When You Don't Have Savings
Welcome to another episode of Adding Up the podcast where I, Serena Dot Ryan am sharing my experiences with money as I become debt free.
In this episode:
Savings Tip of The Week - How do you start saving when you're not used to it? Inspired by Mike Michalowicz author of Profit First , this week's tip is to hide money from your biggest obstacle, yourself! I show how I have created a hidden savings account to protect my money from me!
Book Of The Week - Debt by David Graeber.
My Weekly Money Challenge - This week I tackle the challenge of the viability of re-starting to pay my mortgage. Should I do it? What are the pros and cons. How do I break my old habits of ignoring tough decisions when faced with so many unknowns.
Ep.055 Adding Up - How Much Does Appreciation Cost?
How Much Does Appreciation Cost?
Welcome to another episode of Adding Up the podcast where I, Serena Dot Ryan am sharing my experiences with money as I become debt free.
In this episode:
Savings Tip of The Week - October 2018 I decided to audit my expenses, one of the casualties of this was to stop having a cleaner every 2 weeks and no longer have a gym membership. Interestingly enough I discovered great unexpected benefits to this. Cleaning the house is great exercise!
Book Of The Week - Profit First by Mike Michalowicz whilst written for Entrepreneurs for better money management, in this episode I share why I believe this book is for everyone and what you can gain from it.
My Weekly Money Challenge - This week I tackle the challenge of buying gifts and the relationship between how much the gift costs and how much you love someone.
Ep.054 Adding Up - Can You Really Live Without That?
Can You Really Live Without That?
Welcome to Episode 54 of Adding Up.
In this episode:
Savings Tip of The Week - My curiousity led me to have my first coffee at 15 years old, in this episode I share how this lead to a very expensive daily habit and how I changed this habit without compromising quality and saving myself and my family thousands in the process.
Book Of The Week - I read this book first in 2017, but it took a full 12 months before I took action, or so I thought. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape.
My Weekly Money Challenge - This week, just when I thought I wasn't thinking about money or being challenged by it, I discovered I was. It's funny how when you spend so much time learning about money management consistently for almost 2 years it starts to be absorbed into your life you don't even see it. For that I am grateful.
Ep.053 Adding Up - Starting Where You Are, Again
Starting Where You Are, Again
Welcome to another episode of Adding Up, the podcast with Serena Dot Ryan. Happy New Year! This is the moment the podcast is entering its 2nd year and with that comes a refresh and a new format. This episode details the reflection and thinking behind this.
Each episode will now include, a spotlight on a book or podcast, a savings tip that can be easily actioned and a documentation and reflection on my weekly challenges with money.
Mentioned in Episode 53, Adding Up:
Book: Your Money Or Your Life - Vicki Robin
Savings Tip: Write a grocery list with a set budget including the amount of each item. If you're not sure where to start, go to the grocery store online and look up the cost of each item.
Money Challenge: Are My Financial Decisions Racist? How Can I Do Better?
Also mentioned: Sway Them In Color Podcast Hosted by Christina Blacken.
Ep.052 Adding Up - When Stopping Debt Payments Messes With Your Head
When Stopping Debt Payments Messes With Your Head
Welcome to another episode of Adding Up.
One year ago this week I decided to push the button and start publicly sharing my challenges with money and learning from my money mistakes, how I'm gaining financial education and most importantly, re-writing my financial future.
In this episode I share one of my hardest challenges at the moment, dealing with being in a pandemic and not paying down debt. This is a challenged I never even considered I would ever have. yet, here we are. I am determined to stay on track even though progress on my journey to become debt free is currently paused. I also reflect on the importance of remembering savings and wealth creation.
Mentioned in this episode:
Ep.023 Adding Up - Financial Freedom, Is Debt Or Wealth The Answer?
Ep.051 Adding Up - What's The Point Of Money Anyway?
What's The Point Of Money Anyway?
Welcome to another episode of Adding Up, the podcast I am Serena Dorothy 'aka' Dot Ryan. In this episode I'm reminded by Instagram Memories that a year ago this week I published the very first episode of Adding Up the podcast.
A lot sure can happen in a year and I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on how far I have come. Small, consistent changes, positively moving towards my goal of becoming debt free, really have added up to being $18,000 less in debt. If I hadn't publicly taken the step to become accountable for moving towards the goal of becoming debt free I doubt I would be this far ahead.
In this episode I give my 20 something self advice I wish I had taken sooner. You don't have to have it all figured out, but you do need to be clear on what you are aiming for. After all, earning money and saving money, what's the point of it anyway?