You’re here to create the life you want and I’m here to help prepare you for what’s ahead during the next 365 days no matter what calendar point in time you are reading this. Create your own fiscal year. Life doesn’t wait and new ventures all begin with a starting point.
Below are my top picks for non-stock market investments for 2016 listed in no particular order. Grab a cup of whatever your poison (tea, coffee, green juice all affirmative) and cozy up with a pen and planner. It’s time to prioritize and write down what each of the below mean to you, and commit to budgeting for these in your plan.
Education
Upgrade your knowledge and skills via an online course, in the flesh workshop, learning a new language, going on a cultural exchange, or sinking those dollars into books, including audio; wicked great for your commute. On an audio note, most podcasts are free.
Community
Give back. Take a look around at what needs an injection of cash or elbow grease. It doesn’t always have to be a monetary capacity you contribute with. Use your unique skills to contribute to a charitable organization. Whatever your personal resources are, they double as your currency and exchange with the rest of the world.
Experience
Buy the plane ticket and budget for the shoes, take the invitation or make the invitation. Experiences can be lofty, large investments or inexpensive ventures. Planning in advance helps the former, the latter – more easily done on whim. In selecting where you invest using the time and cash you’ve allocated, consciously think about what you’d like to extract from any given experience.
Relationships
Cultivate your relationships. This entails promoting some, demoting others, and plain old firing some. Life is far richer with relationships, especially when those relationships are of mutual exchange. Be selective with whom you invest your time and energy. Alike fuel into your body, relationships are fueled by what you put in. Be mindful, and don’t act out of obligation (livelihood excluded, to a degree). Trust your gut and intuition, energy does not lie.
Future
Pay yourself first. Creating financial goals no matter the size are important. Do it today, don’t wait until tomorrow. Before bills and before fun (discretionary spending), put away a percentage of your income into the account where these funds will be held in safe keeping. The amount you choose to put away will depend on your budget and goals. The important thing isn’t how much you begin to consistently put away, it is that you simply do it.
Health
Look after your body and your mind. Budget for these bad boys or nothing else on your list will work out. Depending on your role, several companies have employee benefits that include a fitness allowance and medical coverage for acupuncture, massage, and therapy. Be sure to ask if there’s any part of your contract that accounts for these expenses. Even if these are out of pocket expenses to oneself, they are still pay yourself first requirements in my view under the category of preventative medicine.
Budget accordingly for quality food. Shop around for what you need, make a list and stick to it, buy quality over quantity, get creative, and don’t waste. Check out the only three food and money rules you need here.
Take advantage of freebies. Meditate. Need tunes? Hit up YouTube for plenty of free transcendental meditation beats. Do some deep breathing and stretching. Each can virtually be done anywhere and will improve oxygen circulation and flexibility. Sprinkle some essential oils on the shower floor (not everyone has a bath tub) or soak in a bath of Epsom salts. The epsom salts and essential oils aren’t free, though a little go a long way. Epsom salts can be bought in bulk. Go for the $3 bag (vs. $20), and the miniature $20 bottle of essential oils you’re about to invest in should last you a solid 6 months (depending on usage).
Self
Spend on what motivates you. Budget to allow yourself indulgences and rewards along the way. After all, you are the one driving the ship! Where you invest your time and inevitably your dollars, you invest your life. Ask yourself who you want to spend it with, how you want to spend it, and why. Hot tip: focus on the why 😉
The game can change at any time, it’s how we respond and adapt that counts – hence we must prepare. The only way to do this is to pay attention to yourself and your needs ongoing, and not deprive yourself. Do “you” for once! Personal wealth creation is at the helm of all we do, be wise, stay conscious, and leave room for flexibility.
Love, light, high vibes and the richest prosperity your way for the next 365.
X
photo source: the beautiful Cara McLeay of A Fashion Love Affair
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