Mood as low as your bank balance? Self-care isn’t all about shopping sprees or expensive face masks – a lot of the time, it means just doing the basics to keep your wellbeing in check and help you feel a little brighter. Self-care is for everyone – it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got. Here are a few ways for you to take care of yourself without splashing out…

Take a day off from social media

We’re not saying it’s all bad. Social media can be great for our mental health – it allows us to keep in touch with friends, stay informed and, most importantly, look at pictures of excellent dogs. But sometimes, it can feel as though there’s just too much distressing news, or too much pressure to be funny or interesting online.

So, if you’ve found yourself feeling this way, here’s a challenge: see if you can go 24 hours without opening any social media apps. If you feel better, you might want to try it for longer. 

Cook something new

Cooking a meal or baking something for yourself, especially using a recipe you’ve never tried before, can be a great way to take your mind off whatever is worrying you, as you’re forced to focus entirely on the task at hand. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – the BBC Good Food website has a great section on budget recipes, which require very few ingredients, or use staples that you might already have in your kitchen.

Call or text a friend

You don’t even have to chat about how you’re feeling – though it usually does help to talk through any problems you might be experiencing. Just hearing a friend’s voice or seeing a text message from someone you love can lift you out of a bad mood. 

Sometimes, if you’re feeling low, you might feel at a loss as to how to initiate a conversation, even with a close friend – a good way to start is to send them a picture, meme or news story you think they’ll find funny or interesting.

Read something on paper

When you feel tired of looking at a screen, reading something in print can be a great way to unwind, so consider working your way through that to-read pile on your bedside table. If you feel as though you might struggle to focus on a book at the moment, you could treat yourself to a print magazine or have a flick through a newspaper supplement instead.

Get outside

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to exercise – sometimes it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get active when you’re feeling sad or worried – but simply spending time outdoors can really help. According to the charity Mind, spending time in nature can have positive effects on our mental wellbeing. So, plug your headphones in and take a short walk, or find somewhere to sit in the sun, relax and feel that endorphin rush – all without spending a single penny. Result.

@rebz_hastings

Worried about money? Click here for advice on what to do if money is affecting your mental health. 

The post 5 affordable ways to practise self-care appeared first on Money For Life.

After running two successful businesses over the last six years I achieved it all – a book deal, being self-employed, recognition and financial freedom. My view of wealth has changed greatly since being a teenager, I always aspired to be self-employed but had no idea of ‘how’ it would happen and viewed financial wealth as the ultimate goal in life.

Yet.. when I sold my first business which was the final tick on my goals list, I didn’t feel very wealthy at all. Although I had life-changing money and an incredible career I realised that the ‘wealth’ I thought I wanted wasn’t my version of wealth at all. This sparked a deep journey within myself to redefine my version of wealth and help others to feel truly fulfilled.

What does wealth mean to you?

So let’s look at your current version of wealth. It might help to write this down so you can look back on your answers. Normally when I ask people this question, they answer ‘money, a big house and a successful career’. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that answer but it’s important to get clear on what wealth truly means to you.

When I achieved all my life goals at twenty-five and had the ‘wealth’ I thought I wanted, I realised this wasn’t my version of wealth at all and that having a family and being fulfilled was really what I wanted. So my questions for you today to help you explore what wealth truly means to you are ‘what do you want to be written on your gravestone?’ and ‘If you were to die tomorrow what is one thing you’d be sad you didn’t create or achieve in this life?’. It may seem a bit morbid but asking yourself honest questions like this helps you to be able to see the bigger picture and re-evaluating the value of money in your life.

How to redefine your version of wealth

My top tip for redefining your version of wealth now that you’ve hopefully established what wealth truly means to you is to start by writing down your answers to these questions.

Go through each of your goals and ask yourself – ‘Am I hoping this goal will fill avoid or will this simply add to the joy and happiness I already feel in life?’

What is a non-negotiable for you off your goals list? 

What areas of your life do you currently not feel wealthy in?

Are you aiming for someone else’s version of wealth and goals or are your goals your true version of wealth?

What wealth do you currently have in your life?

How to create a more mindful relationship with money

The most important part of creating a positive and wealthy lifestyle is to create a mindful relationship with money. This can be done by setting regular goals and targets with money and by also feeling grateful for what you currently have. It can sometimes be hard to simply feel grateful especially if you’re in a difficult situation financially, but gratitude attracts more reasons to be grateful. The more positively you can choose to look at your current situation, you will be more likely to attract more positive situations and money.

Another great tip for being mindful is when purchasing anything ask yourself ‘does this feel good to me?’ When spending money on luxuries if it doesn’t feel good do you really need it and will it bring joy into your life? This is key when creating a positive relationship with money that every monetary exchange feels good to you and isn’t going to put in you in a worse position. If it’s bills you’re paying and you can’t feel happy about parting with the money I would suggest repeating this affirmation ‘Thank you for the money to pay this bill each month’. Switching your fearful feelings to gratitude will help you to focus on the money you do have instead of the lack. Finally, rewrite your story with money – how do you currently view your relationship with money? I hear a lot of people say ‘I’m really bad with money’ or ‘I never have enough’. Change this story to and affirm ‘I’m really good with money’ and ‘I always have more money than I can spend’. These positive statements will help you to change your relationship and interaction with money.

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If you want to really understand what’s going on behind your bank balance and what you can do about it, this book needs to be at the top of your reading list. Emilie’s approach helps you take a frank look at your finances – debts, poor spending habits and all – and start addressing them today. She takes you through practical tools to understand where you stand financially and how your beliefs about money are affecting the way you manage it.

From there, the book takes you through a process of setting money goals and lays out straightforward and friendly advice for achieving them – from getting debt-free to making your first investment.

Whatever your money goals, these are efforts we shouldn’t be taking on alone, according to Alex Holder’s new book Open Up: Why Talking About Money Will Change Your Life.

Would you be willing to share with friends and colleagues how much you earn? Alex thinks we should be sharing this and much more. In chapter two she leads by example and puts a number on the advance she received for writing the book.

Open Up argues that on a personal level, taboos about money are trapping us in shame, confusion, and bad habits. And, as a country, more transparency could be part of the answer to tackling pay inequality across gender, age, and race. Alex’s book is an invitation to have a more honest conversation about money in our relationships, with friends and at work.

The long-term impact of learning to talk about, plan and manage your money is life-changing according to Money Lessons, Lisa Conway-Hughes’ guide to money management.

Lisa knows that when it comes to money, most of us are scared, stressed and busy burying our heads in the sand. Her book encourages you to step back, map out the future you want, and understand how your finances can help you get there.

The book sets out a challenge: “If you spent an hour a month nurturing your finances for the next twelve months, how would you feel this time next year?”

Why not pick up any of these three books and set aside half an hour today to get started on resetting your own relationship with money.

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While it may be tempting to spend money visiting every single attraction possible, most destinations will have an abundance of free activities for you to spend your time on instead. Museums, parks, and natural landmarks are all free to visit, and often have a ‘pay what you can’ service to save people money.

Free walking tours are also often available and are a great way of familiarising yourself with an area – giving you a better idea of where to go and what to visit. They’re also a great way of meeting people when travelling alone and can give you travelling acquaintances to split holiday costs with.

2. Shop around for flights.

If you’ve ever used a flight comparison website, you will know how much flights can vary in price. This fluctuation typically depends on the time of year you are looking to go, the time of day the flight is, and the airline you choose to go with. It’s, therefore, best to shop around, rather than going for the first flights you see, as you could save yourself a lot of money by being flexible with your dates.

Also, if there is more than one airport in the area you’re visiting, compare the flight prices for each one. Murcia in Spain, for example, has multiple airports to choose between – from Corvera to Alicante to Valencia – so it might work out cheaper to fly to a less obvious alternative.

3. Go in the off season.

Destinations become so much cheaper to visit in the off season so, if you’re not fussed about when you go, you could save yourself a lot of money. The summer is often the most popular time to go away, but it really depends on the location – Berlin, for example, is a particularly popular place to visit at Christmas.

If you’re looking to travel further afield, visiting South East Asian countries outside of the dry season will save a lot on both flight and accommodation costs. Likewise, much of Europe becomes less expensive to visit in the post-Christmas months, so shop around then to find a cheap deal.

4. Sleep while travelling.

If you’re thinking of visiting more than one place while you’re away, why not consider sleeping while travelling? Booking a night flight or sleeper train could not only save you money on accommodation costs, but it could also mean you avoid wasting valuable holiday time travelling during the day.

5. Book accommodation wisely.

Transportation costs can quickly mount up so, just because you’ve seen an incredible deal on a hotel outside of the city centre, you might actually spend more getting in and out. Again, it’s worth shopping around and doing some research on the area you’d like to visit before booking anything. If you’re visiting a city, for example, staying near a subway or bus stop will generally make your life a lot easier while you’re there.

6. Eat and drink sensibly.

One of the biggest holiday costs you face while away is food and drink, of which there are multiple ways to cut down on spending. Here are some dos and don’ts to think about when trying to eat and drink sensibly on your travels:

• DO – Shop at farmer’s markets and local stores for food produce.
• DO – Ask locals where they go, as they’ll know the best places.
• DO – Take picnic food with you, rather than eating out everywhere.
• DO – Have big lunches, as lunch deals are typically cheaper.
• DO – Look for accommodation with a microwave/kitchen area available.
• DON’T – Eat in the city centre as it tends to be a lot more expensive.
• DON’T – Only drink in bars and clubs. Pre-drink before going out.
• DON’T – Eat at places outside of your budget.

Final thoughts…

So, there you have it – some great ways to keep your travel costs down. There are many other things you could think about too, like buying a pre-paid travelcard or updating your SIM card, but these six tips are the main ways to cut down on spending.

In general, the more research you do in advance of travelling, the more money you will save. Don’t rush in and buy the first flights you see – shop around for the best deals and be sensible about your spending. It’ll only make your holiday that much better as a result.

Annie Button is a Portsmouth based writer and recent graduate. Annie has written for various online and print publications and specialises in personal finance. Find out what else Annie has been up to over on Twitter: @anniebutton1994

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Indulging your hobby or passion by becoming part of a club will help you to meet other people who share your interests. Plenty of clubs are free to join, or offer cheap introductory fees – perhaps you’re:

• A sports fan?

Team sports, cycling or running clubs, and martial arts or athletic groups provide a brilliant way to make friends, as you’ll regularly meet up with the same people.

• A bookworm?

Reading is a solitary pursuit but starting a book club makes it a sociable activity. Starting out with just a few like-minded friends, all it takes is a little organisation, a packet of biscuits or two, and a few tea bags. To grow your group, encourage each member to extend an invitation to a friend from a different circle so that you can meet new people.

• A mover or a shaker?

Have a look at your local listings site and join a dance, yoga, or exercise class; these are often operated on a pay-as-you-go basis and needn’t cost a lot of money. Exercising releases endorphins and you’ll meet new people with common ground.

• A creative soul?

If you enjoy being creative then a weekly art, writing, or cookery class could enable you to devote more time to your hobby while also making friends who share your passion.

Tip 2: Search for free activities in your area

Google ‘free things to do in [your town or city]’, join your community’s Facebook page, or visit a local listings website for a calendar of events that are taking place in your area. Grab a friend and take a chance: although it might not be exactly what you’d normally choose, you’ll have fun and might discover a brand-new interest, for example:

• Battle of the Bands and smaller scale music concerts in public places
• Food festivals
• Cultural fiestas and celebrations
• Lectures and talks
• Exhibitions in museums and galleries

Live in or near London? Here’s a great article on things to do in London for free to provide you with some inspiration yet affordable entertainment in our vibrant capital.

If you live on the South Coast then here’s a handy list of free things you can do in Brighton.

Or, if you’re based further North then take a look at this long list of things you can do in Leeds for free. There’s also plenty of free activities in Manchester. No matter where you live there’s likely to be several places you can visit without having to spend a penny.

Tip 3: Boost your income with a sociable part-time job

Getting yourself some part-time work kills two birds with one stone, as they say. Not only will you be working with a whole crowd of potential new friends but you will also be earning money as you do so.

Fun part-time or temporary jobs include:

• PR and promotions for bars and clubs
• Bar or pub work
• Concert or festival stewarding/event crew work
• Resort holiday rep or ski season jobs

For more advice on getting yourself a ‘side hustle’, check out the Balance Careers’ article – ‘best second job ideas’.

Tip 4: Volunteer for a worthy cause

Helping out with a local charity or not-for-profit organisation benefits others and also means that you’ll meet new people. Plus, it will keep you busy and provide you with that all-important feel-good factor.

Giving back – whether helping out in a shop or shelter, lending your skills to a project, or mentoring someone who needs support – is humbling and will give you a new sense of perspective.

Tip 5: Get out more

Venturing out into the great outdoors is completely free, plus fresh air and vitamin D offer health benefits and an ideal way to reduce stress and lift your mood:

• Grab your bike and a friend and go for a cycle
• Don your trainers and go for a walk, hike or run with a mate
• Take your dog to the nearest park, woodland, beach or lake – there’s nothing like a dog to spark social interaction (if you don’t have a canine pal of your own then try a site like Borrow my Doggy)

Not feeling so active? Why not try:

• Going to restaurants or cafés with communal tables – far more sociable
• Reading a book or doing some work at a coffee shop – you never know who you might meet!
• Joining forces with a friend and packing up a picnic to enjoy in the park

When it comes to your social life – whether it’s admission fees or tickets, meals, and drinks, or travel and accommodation – costs can soon add up. Read this article, for more useful tips on how to avoid making purchases that you will regret. As well as this post on how to take back control of your money.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with some inspiration for sociable activities that won’t blow your budget, allowing you to strike the balance between friendly and frugal!

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Having Little Or Minimal Debt

Having a positive relationship with money means that as often as you can, you live within your means. This means having little or no debt. It can be very easy for debt to build up on a credit card or by having an overdraft with your bank. It may seem a lot simpler to use a credit card when purchasing something (especially when payday seems like it is ages away!) however this can result in a lot of stress later. This is because interest is charged on the amount that you spend on your credit card so when you go to pay it back you could be paying more than the original amount! It is important to live within your means, therefore if you can’t afford something, it’s better to save up until you can.

Setting Money Saving Goals

Another aspect of having a healthy relationship with money is to set saving goals for yourself. This could be to save for a new pair of shoes, a car or even to set your sights on saving for a mortgage deposit. You may also want to start saving for an emergency fund, which is savings that you put aside for unexpected expenses such as if your mobile phone breaks and needs to be fixed or your pet becomes ill and you have to pay for unexpected medical expenses.

Learning How to Budget

Another step you should take to develop a healthy financial relationship is to learn how to budget. Taking the time to create a budget can help you save thousands of pounds a year. By working out a budget, it can mean you are less likely to end up in debt or caught out by unexpected costs or money emergencies. The first step to creating a budget is to work out your essential outgoings such as bills, living costs and leisure. Then, you should work out your income. If you are spending more than you have coming in, cut down on unnecessary spending such as buying lunches out or canceling the gym membership you don’t use.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself!

It is normal to have the occasional slip up when saving money, but it is important you don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up about it if you fancy buying a coffee out! If you feel concerned about your financial wellness, you should seek professional help as there are plenty of people out there who are willing to help.

The post What Does A Healthy Relationship with Money Look Like? appeared first on Money For Life.

Forget a long run or a hard slog at the gym; scientists have found that small bursts of gentle exercise throughout the day do more for your blood glucose levels than a typical workout programme.

This technique is known as “exercise snacking” and can involve activities as simple as taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking more, dancing in your kitchen while you make your morning coffee, or quickly running through a few squats and lunges at home. You might want to start by simply setting an alarm on your phone to get up and walk around the room once an hour to avoid a day spent sitting still at your desk.

The key is to include a few short bursts of movement throughout your day.

Not only can these activities be more effective than a traditional work out, they can be done without any cost and with very little time. You don’t need to spend money on a gym membership or expensive sports kit, and there’s no need to set aside an hour in your day or travel to a particular location.

You can also increase your chances of sticking to your new plan by asking a friend to be your “accountability buddy”. An accountability buddy is a friend or group of friends that commit to making a change to their lifestyles together and agree to keep each other on track. It is a great (free!) way to make sure you stick to any new routine. In the case of exercise snacking, you might decide to walk to work together, or simply to check in on each other’s progress each day.

Exercise snacking can be done in a few spare minutes, almost anywhere and it’s totally free. Plus, with the help of a friend, it is easy to stay on track. Even better, a gentle ten-minute walk, or a few squats before bed, can feel much more accessible than a heavy workout routine at times when you are struggling with your mental health.

The post Exercise Snacking – How to keep active on a budget appeared first on Money For Life.

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What’s the link?

According to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute [https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/], people with problem debt are twice as likely to develop major depression as those who are not in financial difficulty. But as well as this, people with mental health problems are more vulnerable when it comes to successfully managing their money. It can be a vicious cycle – money problems can trigger mental health, which can worsen money management, which leads to more money problems.

Remember that these issues aren’t uncommon, and there are places to seek advice, such as:

• Mental Health and Money Advice
• Mind UK
• NHS Choices
• Citizens Advice Bureau

What can I do right now?

Speaking to a GP or seeking financial advice are great ways to find long-term solutions. Here are some suggestions that will help you start feeling more in control now:

• Make that first step. Book in with your GP, seek financial advice through the sources above, or speak to a friend or family member. Get the ball rolling on those long-term solutions – the sooner, the better!
• Making yourself a budget can help you to gain control and know where you stand. Take a look at our simple tips or try an app like Squirrel – there’s no need for it to be complicated! Remember things like groceries, petrol and rent, as well as incomings such as salary, allowance or student loan.
• Look back at your spending. How might you be able to save? Revisit recent bank statements and look for areas where you could economise. For example, if you buy a £3 meal deal for lunch everyday at work/uni/college, that adds up to £15 a week, or £60 a month! Making a packed lunch and putting the £3 a day into your savings seems small, but adds up quickly. See more of our saving tips here .

As a young person, managing money is a learning curve that won’t always be smooth (I’ve had my share of living off toast in order to save money!), so be kind to yourself. Don’t struggle alone – seeking advice, finding support and educating yourself will help you to stay in control and stand you in good stead for the future.

The post Overwhelmed? How to get on top of your money and mental health. appeared first on Money For Life.

Face to face is best

Ever been misunderstood in a whatsapp conversation? Yup it happens. So while it’s easy to hide because a call or a text, don’t be tempted. When having this conversation, it’s important you make yourself perfectly understood- and I’m afraid, this means face to face.

Keep the mood chilled and relaxed by choosing a bar or café. An open space provides an environment where there is a mixture of intimacy and some helpful noise to assist with any awkward silences.

The conversation

Start light– let them know that you’re here to talk to them about the money situation, but also, that you care about them.

Then be direct – ‘I need to ask you for that money back as it’s been some time now and I need it back.’

Don’t expect them to cough up the cash up straight away, they may need some help and time getting it together.

Do set a set a date, this will help them to make the necessary plans to get the money back to you.

You could suggest splitting it into a payment plan covering a couple of weeks or months. Reiterate that you know how life can be hard but you have your own set of financial commitments that you need to stay on top of. If possible, let them know what you need the money for as this helps them to understand your own situation.

Make sure you hear them out too as it’s likely there’s a good reason for not paying you back. Check out these articles for avoiding fights and getting out of debt.

Round it up

Once you’ve gone over the details, round up the conversation so you know you’re both on the same page with a statement such as ‘Glad that’s all sorted, so we’ve decided on £X amount on the 1st of every month’. Creating a summary is key to allowing both parties to show agreement and responsibility. If a summary isn’t given then it’s very easy for time to pass before someone says, ‘Huh? That’s not what I remember agreeing to’.

Now you’ve done the hard part, start talking about the shows you’re watching at the moment as a way to break the ice and show that you didn’t just meet up with them to talk about money!

Moving Forward

Now you’ve experienced lending money to a friend, it may make sense to not borrow in the future. Even if you are in a good position financially to lend someone money, it’s not always worth the impact it can have on the relationship with the person you’re lending money to. ‘I’m sorry, my money’s tied up at the moment. Is there any other way I can help?’ shows them that even though they can’t borrow from you, you still want to help in some way. Make sure they know that you’re always there to listen and you’re supporting them the best way you can.

If you’re worried about your friend or think they need further support, there are plenty of organisations who can help with debt, here are a few:

Citizens Advice – provides free, independent, confidence and impartial advice

National Debtline – A free, confidential debt advice service

Turn2us – helps those in financial difficulties access benefits

You can view Bola’s other article for Money for Life here

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