CHATTING MONEY

CHATTING MONEY
A place to discuss money choices
By Elizabeth Bradley
 
Well THIS is a doozy

AUGUST 7, 2020
Who would have thought at the beginning of 2020 that summertime would hold quarantine orders and new fashions in mask-wear? There is SO much unknown – schools, elections, will I ever wear non-loungewear again, how will this pandemic play out, when will we feel excited about our world again?? Well, my approach is to focus on whatever brings the most joy, in whatever dose possible. While I’ve taken my loungewear game to a whole new level, my love for chocolate, sunshine, tequila, and good books & streaming apps have brought newfound joy.

This insane time has also provided the chance to focus on things we always meant to get to – like reorganizing the closet, starting an herb garden, cleaning the window screens. The exciting part (yes, I’m going to try to make an exciting part) is that focusing on your financial life might even be the MOST interesting option!! OK, maybe that’s not worthy of two !!’s, but at least having some plans plan in this time of uncertainty can feel productive, soothing.
So let’s chat $$.

If your income has taken a hit, and you’d love some added income, there are actually some interesting new options in this new world, all from your couch. Tutoring is a brilliant idea when education uncertainty is everywhere, or other types of child care, or dog-walking, or deliver (love Instacart) groceries and packages.

One of the few benefits of life on lockdown, I’ve noticed my spending has gone down, have you?? Less morning coffee spends, less vacation spending, fewer dinners out – I have purchased more relax-wear, but generally spending is down. All this makes now a great time to reassess monthly spending, and look at paying down any high interest debt.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to, why not start that savings or investing fund you’ve had in the back of your mind!

Talking about finances can decrease the stress and anxiety. Find friends, family, anyone who knows how to use zoom (isn’t THAT a new world). We chat about our sex lives and relationships in detail with our girlfriends, why not add finances as a topic? It can be overwhelming and make you feel vulnerable, so approach it like you would anything you hold dear – be selective about who you chat with, find someone you trust, and respect their opinion. And just share parts of the picture to start – test the waters perhaps. This time of chaos gives us a chance to find some order.

​And definitely time for more chocolate.