Staying out of the red over bank holiday weekends
Editor’s note: This is a guest post brimming with interesting data and sound ideas. Whether you’re a flag-waving fan of British tradition or you just like the idea of a long, fun-filled weekend, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was one of the big events of 2012. Marking 60 years of Queen…
About the importance of spotting opportunities and acting on them
Today I was sitting here, thinking that my sabbatical is almost coming to an end – I have only about a month left of twelve-month study leave. I was also considering that we are still halfway through paying off our debt. And that it will take spotting opportunities and…
Another Sunday Full of Fun
Yes, we did it again! After weeks and weeks without doing anything except working this is the second weekend in a raw when we did something to restore our spirits and refresh our souls. We had fun! Today in Manchester (Manchester, UK, this is) we had glorious weather – sunny,…
How I Manage Finances in my Relationship
This is a guest post written by Dannielle at Odd Cents as part of the latest Yakezie blog swap. If you would like to see my post please visit Odd Cents; well, visit Odd Cents anyway. As it stands right now, my boyfriend and I each manage our own finances…
Four conditions under which cash loans may not be such a bad idea after all
I know, I know that sound personal finance and cash loans don’t mix very well. But I wouldn’t really be me, and this wouldn’t be the blog you like reading, if I don’t break established conventions from time to time. Before I go on and set out the four conditions…
Covered for life
When something bad happens, it’s always handy to have something to fall back on in times of need. Most people have the safety net of insurance to fall back on for all kinds of situations, and with good reason. Insurance in all its forms is seen as being necessary, as…
‘Skills we need’ and ‘skills we have’
We do tend to focus, a bit too much I believe, on the skills we need. Here I use ‘skills’ very broadly so these can include competencies, knowledge and narrow technical skill sets. This is part of our obsession with control and the illusion we want to create that we…
A need or a want: this is the problem!
Our lives change, this is only natural. Our lives change most when there has been a seriously interruptive event in them – although we can change our lives because we want to do, we do this most efficiently and quickly when we need to. Have you talked recently to your…
Politics and economy in the Eurozone part 2
The immediate response of the markets last week was quite muted. They assumed that with Germany in charge of the Euro and Merkel in charge of Germany, the austerity programmes will continue to the bitter end. Simpletons. Faced with changes in France and another election in Greece, people then started…
About Greek art and the little things that make our lives
Usually on Thursdays I tell you about a book I have read, or an idea that I have got from a book; and sometimes I also engage in polemics but then I would, wouldn’t I? These past weeks, I have been so frightfully busy and so preoccupied that I have…
Politics and economy in the Eurozone part 1
The people have spoken in France and Greece. They do not like this austerity business one little bit. Can you blame them? After all it was not the people who caused the problem so why should they suffer while the banks get off scot-free? But what are the implications? What…
100 words on minimalism
We live in societies of over consumption and consume to offset the consequences of over consumption. Don’t believe me? How much did you eat today? Did you go to the gym to work out these extra calories? Did you drive to the gym? Told you so! This reminded me of…