Financial Tsunami- Reflections

I just wrapped up all my work for this year. It was a good year for me.....I am looking forward to a good year in 2009.
2008 has been a very volatile year and lot of changes in the world. As we normally do, looking back at the year that was...... and a New year......ready to unfold....I want to look at a couple of things....

Reflections

Goal for the new year...

I did an exercise on Reflections yesterday. I want to share it with you all. List down 3 things you are proud of achieving this year. It could be at work, family or with friends. Also list down 3 things you thing you could have done better. Missed opportunities. Miscalculations.

It can happened that you have 3 positive and 30 negatives... Don't be so critical on yourself. Its a very natural feeling that we feel we could have done better. Pat your back for the positives in your life and reflect on the negatives. Make a GOAL for the new year to reduce your negatives.

I strongly believe in The law of attraction. You attract what you feel in your subconscious. Start to be more aware of positive and negative thoughts and consciously avoid the negative thoughts. You will definitely see a POSITIVE impact in your life.

Gratitude.....

In this materialistic world we always want more and hardly spend time looking back at what we have. I am grateful for your time spent reading my thoughts. Thank you.... Danka.... दन्यवाद....... நன்றி. Sharing a poem that I like....

I am grateful!

I am grateful .......For the mess to clean after a party,Because it means I have been surrounded by friends!

For the clothes that fit a little too tight, Because it means I have enough to eat!

For my shadow that watches me work,Because it means I am out in the sunshine!

For my landscape that needs trimming,Windows that need cleaning,Roof that needs fixing,Because it means I have a home!

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the street,Because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation!

For my air conditioning and electricity bills,Because it means I am cool and comfortable!

For the pile of laundry and ironing, Because it means I have more than enough clothes to wear!

For the occasional power outages,Because it makes me stop and become present!

For the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,Because it means I have been capable of working hard!

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,Because It means that I am alive!

And finally, for too much of e-mail,Because it means I have friends who are thinking of me!

By J।Loeks.

Wishing you all a Positive and Fulfilling New Year..... Until the next year.... Swarna

Planning for young parents

Everyone who has a child will agree that "having children is expensive". You need to plan well in advance how to manage time, career and money when it comes to children.

Here are 5 tips to consider

1. If both parents are working, re look at the priorities and careful plan how you are going to manage time and career. Plan on the chores each of you will do.
2. Re look at your insurance. Typically, you need to have at least 10 years of your basic expenses covered.
3. Education planning is a huge expense these days. the earlier you start saving the easier it would be on your purse.
4. Critical illness & Medical insurance for the child is also essential. It is not uncommon these days to see young kids having cancer or heart problems. The cost of treatment is high and this will be easy on your pocket. Also, cost of insurance is low when you start young.
5. If you haven't got a WILL written yet, get it done ASAP. Estate Planning is essential.

Is Money sense about Saving?

When I tell people I do workshops on MoneySense for children, they immidiatly tell me- "Good, children these days need to learn to SAVE."

Saving is not the only aspect of Money management. We need to spend too. What is the point of earning money when you cant spend.

Money sense is about knowing how much to spend and save, where to spend it and when to spend it.

The idea is that children learn to practice a method from young so that it becomes a habit by the time they are grown up. :)

Money Sense for Children

Last weekend, I conducted my first workshop on Money Management for age group 8-12yrs old.

The workshop was interactive and we had role play and games to understand Money, also the common mistakes we do with money. Actually, I learnt a lot from the children. They were so open with their views and didn't have any inhibitions expressing their views. We finished the workshop with their Dream clouds for Money Goals.

Some Feedback from Parents and participants.

"I loved the roll play and the Dream clouds- Anushka- 9 yrs old"

" I know my needs and wants now- Vignesh-12 years old"

"I really enjoyed reading their Dream clouds- what they wanted and what they sensed was important- it is a great tool to teach kids a very abstract subject (and helps a busy mom learn what is important to her kids!) Thank you for a great afternoon for my girls!"- Nancy Frohman.

" My daugther is now a Price detective. She check the prices of items before she buys"- Kavitha

I have a few more workshops lined up for the holidays and looking forward to more fun.

Money and Children

Are you thinking if I am going to talk about the financial implications of having Children.

No. I am very proud of being a parent. I strongly believe that Money cannot give the happiness my child gives me. Ofcourse, how many children is another question!

I want to talk about money and its influence on children.

• Do they associate love with money?
• Do they value friends based what stuff they have?
• Do they care about the difficulties that parents go through?
• Are they grateful for the life they have?

The questions can go on.... Send me your views on Money & Children... Would love to hear from you.