Set Up Your Money Goals Like a Boss

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

The first step is usually the hardest. However, you need to take the first step to live your best financial life. The longer you wait to establish your personal budget, the farther away your goals will be. Start by setting your money goals. Money goals include savings, investment, or spending targets that you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals can give you a clear idea of why you are saving your hard-earned money.

Setting money goals is one thing but transforming these dreams into reality is another. Begin by giving your money a “job”.

#1: MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

In the office, you have to accomplish tasks and finish them in the future. The same holds true for your money goals. What kind of life do you foresee for you and your family? Let money work for you!

Money goals are savings, investment, or spending targets you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals do not have to be set in stone as you will revise them throughout your life.

#2: CATEGORIZE EACH MONEY GOAL

There are diverse types of money or financial goals. You can categorize each money goal as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Short-term goals typically take six months to five years to complete. These goals include taking a vacation or purchasing a new washing machine.

Mid-term goals are accomplished within a period of five to ten years. It includes paying off your credit card debts and finishing a degree. Lastly, long-term goals take more than ten years to finish. It includes buying a new flat or saving up for your children’s education.

#3: SET A TIMELINE

You cannot achieve a goal overnight! Being specific helps make your goals more achievable.

If you have a toddler that is set to head into university by 2035, you must have a target date for your tertiary education savings goal. If you want to travel Europe for your 10th wedding anniversary, you must have a timeline that you are working toward.

#4: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look for goal setting tips and resources online to stay on course. Money apps for goal tracking can be helpful too. Additionally, you can use old-school methods such as placing a vision board in your bedroom. Affix a collage of pictures that represent your money goals. If you see it, you believe it.

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Having a tangible representation of the future you are working toward can help you stay motivated. Whatever method you choose, know that it will all be worth it.

Sources: 1 & 2

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From love to little things: How to make each of your kids feel special

mother and son giggling

As a parent, sometimes you may feel like you’re not doing enough to make your kids feel special.

You love them with all of your heart, but sometimes it’s hard to articulate that in words or actions that they will understand.

Small gestures can mean a lot to kids, and showing them that you love and appreciate them is one of the greatest things you can do as a parent. Here are some simple ways to make each of your kids feel special, no matter what age they are.

Kids need attention

All kids need attention. It might seem like they’re vying for it all the time, but that’s because they’re constantly seeking affirmation from their parents.

They want to know that they’re loved, and they want to feel special. So how can you give them that attention? It doesn’t have to be anything big or flashy. Just a few small things here and there can make a world of difference.

Some ideas: Have breakfast together every morning. Hug them and tell them how much you love them before you leave for work. Dedicate time to just hanging out with them—no phones, no screens, just you and your kid.

Special talents should be celebrated

Each of your kids is special in its way, and you should celebrate their talents and achievements.

Maybe one of your kids is a whiz at math, or they can sing like an angel. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to tell them how proud you are. Let them know that you think they’re amazing and that you’re grateful for their presence in the family.

When kids feel loved and appreciated, they shine even brighter. So start celebrating your kids’ special talents today—you won’t regret it!

Encourage independence
kids baking

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Kids love feeling like they can do things on their own, and they love knowing that they’re capable of handling things on their own. So start giving them some chores to do, and let them make some decisions for themselves.

It might be as simple as letting them choose what they want to wear for the weekend or letting them take over the kitchen for a day. Giving them a little bit of control will make them feel good about themselves and remind them that their opinions matter.

Verbal affirmations

One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to make your kids feel special is to give them positive affirmation. Tell them that you love them, tell them that you’re proud of them, and tell them that you believe in them.

Don’t underestimate the power of words. When we hear our parents say things like “I’m so proud of you” or “I know you can do it,” it makes us feel like we can accomplish anything. So go ahead and shower your kids with some verbal love.

Physical touch

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned hug.

You may not think that physical touch is enough, but it is. From the time they’re born, kids need to feel loved and safe. And what better way to show them that you love them than by wrapping your arms around them and giving them a little squeeze?

Not only does it make them feel good emotionally, but it has some pretty amazing physical benefits too. Hugging helps to release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin has all sorts of awesome benefits, like reducing stress, improving moods, and even helping to fight off infection.

All kids crave attention and love, and sometimes it’s hard to show each one of them that we care in the same way. But, thankfully, there are small things we can do each day to make our kids feel special and remind them that they’re loved. So take some time today to think of a small way you can make your kid feel loved and appreciated. It might be as simple as telling them you love them, making them breakfast in bed, or taking them on a one-on-one outing. No matter what you do, just make sure it comes from the heart. Because that’s what kids need—love and attention.

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How bragging about your work achievements can help you succeed

four women in a business meeting in a cafe

You’ve just landed a new job and you’re feeling on top of the world.

You’ve worked hard for this opportunity and you’re determined to make the most of it. But as the days go by, you start to feel a little uncomfortable with all the bragging your coworkers are doing. It seems like everyone is talking about their accomplishments, and you’re not quite sure if it’s the right move to join in.

Some people might tell you that bragging is never a good idea, but they’re wrong. Bragging can be a powerful tool when used correctly. It shows that you’re proud of your achievements and it can help you advance in your career.

In this post, we will discuss the reasons why you should take some time to brag about your work achievements and how to do it in a way that won’t backfire on you.

Defining “bragging”

When most people hear the word “brag,” they automatically think of someone who’s excessively boasting and trying to make themselves look better than they are.

And while there’s certainly a time and place for that, there’s another meaning to the word that’s just as important: To share your accomplishments with others in a respectful way.

When it comes to your career, bragging can be a smart way to show off your skills and achievements. Share the facts without any embellishment, and make sure to thank the people who have helped you along the way.

How bragging can be a positive thing

Bragging can be a positive thing. It shows that you’re proud of your accomplishments, and it can help you build relationships and connect with other people. It can also help you establish yourself as an authority figure and boost your confidence. Just make sure that you do it in a way that’s respectful and unpretentious because no one likes a cocky jerk.

The benefits of bragging about your work achievements
a man in suit and tie

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When it comes to your work achievements, it can be tempting to keep them under wraps. After all, you don’t want to come across as self-centered, do you?

But what you may not realize is that bragging about your work achievements can help you succeed. Here are some of the benefits:

  • It makes you look confident.
  • It strengthens relationships with your bosses.
  • It shows that you’re proud of your accomplishments.
  • It helps others remember who you are and what you’ve done.
  • It can open up opportunities for promotion and advancement.

So next time you’re tempted to downplay your achievements, think again. Bragging about your work accomplishments can help you achieve even more success!

The best way to go about bragging about your work achievements

First of all, you should only brag about your work achievements if you’re genuinely proud of them. It’s not a good idea to brag if you’re just trying to cover up for a lack of accomplishments. 

Timing is everything! Bring up your work achievements when they’re relevant to the conversation. If you start yakking away at the wrong moment, you will just end up looking like a pompous fool.

When it comes to the workplace, it’s important to toot your own horn from time to time. Bragging about your work achievements can help you feel more confident, which can in turn help you succeed. Of course, it’s important to be humble, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling proud of what you’ve accomplished. So go ahead and brag—and enjoy the extra morale it brings!

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Keeping the flame alive: Tips for a healthy, long-term marriage

an old couple at the beach

When you’ve been married for a while, the spark can start to fade. But don’t worry, it’s not too late to rekindle the flame!

In this post, we will explore some ways to keep the spark alive in your decade-old marriage. We will talk about how to make time for each other, how to keep things fun and exciting, and how to make each other feel loved and appreciated.

If you’re looking for ways to spice up your long-term relationship, these tips will help get you started.

Keep communicating

The first step to rekindling the spark in your decade-old marriage is communication. You need to speak, listen, and be open with each other.

A lot can change in 10 years, and if you’re not honest with each other about those changes, they can become a wedge between you. But if you’re communicative, you can work through those changes together.

Remember, it’s not about pretending that things are the same as they were 10 years ago. It’s about accepting the changes that have happened, and then working together to move forward.

Plan regular date nights

It doesn’t matter if you go out or stay in, as long as you make time for each other. This is your time to forget about the stresses of work and home life and just focus on each other.

And don’t forget to be spontaneous too. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a date night special—a walk in the park, an impromptu trip to the movies, or even just having a late-night supper. As long as you’re together, enjoying each other’s company, it counts.

Get creative in the bedroom
sex toy

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You may have fallen into a bit of a bedroom rut lately. And that’s understandable—ten years of marriage will do that to you. But to keep the spark alive, that means getting creative in the bedroom.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Text dirty to each other.
  • Fantasize about things you’ve always wanted to do together.
  • Surprise your spouse with something new—a new toy, a new position, a new place to have sex.

The key is to keep things fresh and exciting so that you both continue to feel attracted to each other.

Don’t forget the little things

You know, the things that used to make your spouse feel loved and appreciated.

It might be taking out the trash without being asked, making dinner, doing the dishes, or just taking a few minutes to hug them and tell them how much you’re comforted by their presence in your life. These small gestures may not seem like much, but they can mean the world to someone who’s been in a long-term relationship.

So don’t forget to do the little things. They may be small, but they’re a big part of keeping the spark alive.

It’s not always easy to keep the spark alive in a long-term marriage, but with a little effort, you can certainly make it happen. Here are some tips to help you get started: make time for each other, talk about your day-to-day routine and what’s going on in your life, show physical affection, and be mindful of your words and actions—always think before you speak or act, and be sure not to take each other for granted.

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What to say (and not to say) to your colleagues who have been laid off recently

listening to a coworker

You might be wondering what to say (or not say) to your colleagues who have been laid off recently.

It can be a tough situation for everyone involved, and it’s important to remember that everyone is dealing with the news in their way. Some people might be ready to talk about it, while others might not want to discuss it at all. Be sensitive to your colleagues’ feelings and give them the space they need.

Here are a few extra tips on how to approach the situation.

Ask how they’re doing

Your colleagues are probably going through a lot of emotions, so asking them how they’re doing can pave way for conversations. Whatever you do, don’t say any of the following:

  • This is God’s plan for you.
  • You have the freedom now that you’re unemployed.
  • It’s not that bad. You will find another job in no time.
Do offer to help

What can you do to be helpful? Well, for starters, you can be a listening ear. Let your colleague know that they can talk to you about anything they want. You can also offer practical help, like looking out for job openings or helping them update their resume. But be careful not to overstep your bounds. If your colleague doesn’t want your help, don’t push it.

Keep in touch
woman using her phone

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It can be tough to know what to say to a colleague who has been laid off recently. On the one hand, you want to be supportive, but on the other hand, you don’t want to make things seem worse than they are.

Here are a few tips for maintaining contact with your colleague after they’ve been laid off:

  • Send them a text or an email now and then, just to check-in.
  • Keep the lines of communication open. Let them know that you’re available to talk if they need to.
  • If they’re going through a tough time, offer to help out however you can. Whether it’s talking on the phone or taking them out for coffee, let them know that you’re ready when they are.
Avoid platitudes

So often, we default to platitudes, which don’t help at all. You want to be a good friend, but you don’t want to seem like you’re minimizing the person’s experience. Here are a few tips for what to say (and not say) to your colleagues who have been laid off recently:

  • Don’t say “I’m sorry.”
  • Don’t say “It’s for the best.”
  • Don’t say “Everything will work out in the end.”
  • Do say “I’m here for you.”
  • Do say “We’re all behind you.”
  • Do say “It’s tough, but you will get through it.”

It can be tough to know what to say to a colleague who’s been laid off. You want to offer your support, but you don’t want to say the wrong things and make matters worse. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re talking to someone who’s been laid off: be understanding, offer your help and support if they need it, and don’t make assumptions about what they’re going through. Remember, every person reacts differently to being laid off. Just let them know that you’re there for them if they need anything.

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