Time for a financial check-up?

After the indulgent highs of Christmas and the holiday season, reality often returns with a resounding thump when the bills roll in February/March leaving many parents feeling anxious, stressed-out or depressed.

Overspending on your credit card or last-minute impulse buying may have left you and your finances depleted. Chances are you are not alone.

Now is the ideal time to review your finances and plan and set goals for the year ahead. Here are some tips to help:

Start small and simple
Don’t get overwhelmed, stressed or anxious about your current financial or emotional situation. Keep things simple – identify one area that you want to focus on first e.g. your financial goals, budget, income or expenditure.

Financial check-up
Identify any areas for improvement that may be draining or stretching you financially, e.g. credit card debt, expenditure, high-interest or multiple loans. Establish or review existing budgets and seek financial or professional assistance if necessary. Try using online resources such as sorted.org.nz to assist with debt and financial management.

Take action
If you find yourself in an undesirable financial position, one of the most important steps you can take is to do something about it. Even one small change can make a big difference and help you move towards improving your situation and alleviating stress and pressure. If you put off or avoid taking action, it will only make matters worse.
Make time to sit down, discuss and review your financial position and options with your partner or financial adviser. Set short- and long-term financial goals. Remember it's OK to seek financial advice and assistance.

Next week, I'll cover ways to save money, earn additional income and make your money work for you.

Do you have parenting question you'd like answered? Email Karyn results@rileylife.co.nz

Why Parents Need to Have Fun Too!

Parents often find the boredom of similar routines and responsibilities, day in, day out, monotonous, all-consuming and overwhelming. At times, it can feel like all the fun and spontaneity in life has gone for good.

Many parents also commonly place the needs of others before their own, leaving little time or energy for self-care and fun.

As parents, we're told we should be investing a great deal of time, energy and often money to ensure our children are raised living happy, constantly-entertained, fun-filled lives.

But what about us, the Parents? Who said only little kids get have fun? We "big kids" not only want to have fun but need to have fun. Why? Because it helps us stay sane when life with children at times can feel like anything but.

I was recently one of over 300 parents who attended a parenting talk given by Nigel Latta, NZ Clinical Psychologist and Author. We were treated to an evening of learning, laughter and lighthearted entertainment.

The best thing about the night wasn't the great practical parenting advice Nigel shared with us; it was parents going out for a night with their friends and partners, and having a really good laugh! It was an opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the lighter side of life (without feeling guilty for doing so!).

What helps you to relax and enjoy life? What's stopping you from enjoying life as it is right now? What do you need to do to include fun and enjoyment in your life?

It's a fact: laughter makes us feel good, and that's something I think we "grown-ups" could do with more often.

Celebrating Mothers

Every day should be Mother's day!

Mothers day is a special time for families to connect and celebrate the amazing world of parenthood.

As mothers, we have one of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs there is.

If you are a stay at home mum you might be dealing with isolation, loneliness and boredom with the same routine day in, day out. You may be putting everyone elses needs before your own, with little time or energy left for self-care or relationships.

If you are a working mum you are probably balancing the demands of work and family life, juggling various roles and your available time to fit "everything" in. You could be experiencing feelings of guilt at returning to work and missing out on special milestones or events in your child's life. You may have little time or energy left for yourself and/or your partner.

Do you want to get your life back? (even for just one day!)

This Mother's day sit back, relax and let go of the burden of responsiblity and guilt. Celebrate WHO you are as a person, not just as someone's mother. Remember that mothers are people, too!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you!