Skip to main content
Adding Up

Adding Up

By Serena Dot Ryan

Serena Dorothy 'Dot' Ryan is an award winning Entrepreneur, Marathon Runner and Digital Marketing Strategist.

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.
Currently playing episode

Ep.094 Adding Up - What Does Financial Security Look Like?

Adding Up Jan 13, 2023

00:00
11:38
Ep.100 Adding Up - The Power Of Documenting

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.

Feb 24, 202314:33
Ep.099 Adding Up - What Happens When Interest Rates Go Up, Again
Feb 17, 202325:49
Ep.098 Adding Up - Learning New Ways To Save Money
Feb 10, 202318:34
Ep.097 Adding Up - How Is Your Money Understanding Setting You Up
Feb 03, 202318:02
Ep.096 Adding Up - Don't Think It Won't Happen To You
Jan 27, 202312:14
Ep.095 Adding Up - Staying In Control With Finances
Jan 20, 202326:04
Ep.094 Adding Up - What Does Financial Security Look Like?

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

Jan 13, 202311:38
Ep.093 Adding Up - New Year Resolution For Saving

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

Jan 06, 202317:20
Ep.092 Adding Up - Are You Really Saving Money At The Sales?

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

Dec 30, 202215:17
Ep.091 Adding Up - Holiday Season Tips For Saving Money

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.

  1. Plan
  2. Look For Free
  3. Beware of Free
  4. Don’t leave home hungry
  5. Parks, Beaches, Gardens
  6. Rest
  7. Boredom is good
  8. Board Games
  9. Projects
  10. 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

Dec 23, 202221:52
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?

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


Dec 16, 202209:49
Ep.089 Adding Up - Can I Really Change My Bad Money Habits?
Dec 09, 202223:06
Ep.088 Adding Up - When Money Is Not The Motivator

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

Dec 02, 202222:38
Ep.087 Adding Up - Money Gets Messy When We Are On Mute

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

Nov 25, 202214:41
Ep.086 Adding Up - Being A Force For Good Budgeting
Nov 18, 202215:22
Ep.085 Adding Up - Flicking The Switch The Power of Focus

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

Nov 11, 202216:38
Ep.084 Adding Up - Sucking It Up And Having Hard Money Conversations

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

Nov 04, 202218:36
Ep.083 Adding Up - Why Is Changing Habits With Money So Hard
Oct 28, 202222:60
Ep.082 Adding Up - Spring Cleaning The Budget And Finding Money

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

Oct 21, 202215:50
Ep.081 Adding Up - Time or Money. What’s more valuable?
Oct 14, 202218:47
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

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.

Oct 07, 202208:35
Ep.079 Adding Up - Making Hard Money Decisions

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

Sep 30, 202226:35
Ep.078 Adding Up - Budget Friendly School Holidays. Are they really possible?

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!)

Sep 23, 202211:42
Ep.077 Adding Up - How To Avoid The Squeeze of Inflation

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

Sep 16, 202221:44
Ep.076 Adding Up - Beginning Again When It's Easier Not To

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.

Sep 02, 202218:06
Ep.075 Adding Up - What Better Budgets Look Like With Out Earning More Money

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

Jul 08, 202222:08
Ep.074 Adding Up - Not Blowing The Budget In School Holidays

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

Jul 01, 202218:49
Ep.073 Adding Up - Being Resourceful With Money

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


Jun 24, 202221:23
Ep.072 Adding Up - Is The Perfect Budget Possible Now

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

Jun 17, 202214:26
Ep.071 Adding Up - Finding Ways To Stay Calm When Interest Rates Go Up
Jun 10, 202218:42
Ep.070 Adding Up - Making Saving Money On Groceries Possible

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.

Jun 03, 202222:30
Ep.069 Adding Up - Making It Harder To Access My Money
May 27, 202226:58
Ep.068 Adding Up - What No One Ever Tells You About Savings

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

May 20, 202225:22
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?

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

May 13, 202224:22
Ep.066 Adding Up - Trying Not To Go Into Panic Mode With Interest Rates Rising

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.’

May 05, 202224:29
Ep.065 Adding Up - Is It Possible To Lose Everything?

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:

  1. My Best Saving - Making My Own Lunch
  2. My Best Learning - Every decision is a new opportunity
  3. 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
Apr 29, 202222:24
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

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...

Apr 22, 202223:00
Ep.063 Is It A Budget Breakthrough Or Bust?

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.

Apr 15, 202221:31
Ep.062 Adding Up - Money Journey's Are Messy And That's Okay
Apr 07, 202205:57
Ep.061 Adding Up - When I Realised Why Liquidity Matters

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.

Apr 01, 202222:32
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

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

Mar 25, 202225:34
Ep.059 Adding Up - How Do You Cope With The Rising Cost Of Groceries?

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.

Mar 18, 202233:54
Ep.058 Adding Up - How I Saved $4,362 On A Designer Wardrobe
Mar 11, 202222:49
Ep.057 Adding Up - When Trying To Be Wonder Woman Doesn't Work

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.


Mar 03, 202212:53
Ep.056 Adding Up - Successfully Saving Money, When You Don't Have Savings

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.

Jun 26, 202021:40
Ep.055 Adding Up - How Much Does Appreciation Cost?
Jun 19, 202020:07
Ep.054 Adding Up - Can You Really Live Without That?
Jun 12, 202019:53
Ep.053 Adding Up - Starting Where You Are, Again
Jun 05, 202018:49
Ep.052 Adding Up - When Stopping Debt Payments Messes With Your Head
May 29, 202019:49
Ep.051 Adding Up - What's The Point Of Money Anyway?

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?



May 22, 202019:38