Kate & Emily

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This is a ‘scene-setting’ mission, somewhat akin to ‘planning to’ take up keep fit, i.e. going out to get the shoes and leisure wear, without actually getting sweaty in it! Yes the first step of a financial work out requires very little effort and is more of a fact-finding mission. However, by the end of the first step you will have a good idea about what you need to do to tackle your own personal situation and will be ready for the other worksheets.

YOU WILL NEED:

• I small notebook for your bag to be kept with you at all times
• One shoebox
• A little bit of time to answer some questions

METHOD

Write down in the notebook everything that you spend, and by that I mean absolutely everything. An entry in the little book such as ‘ £50 cash’ will not do. Stuff into shoebox all bills, all bank statements and receipts that you acquire during the month. This is not rocket science, and you are going to learn how to get a grip of your finances and manage your money rather than have it manage you. During the 4 weeks you will see patterns emerging. Review the figures at the end of the 4 weeks and see what you are up to and where, and how, one or two habits can be changed. This is mind-numbing and depressing but vital. This way you can see exactly what you’re up to and it’ll provide some clarity and clues to achieving very easy and quick results. You’ll also need to think about your finances generally and set some goals. Think about the following questions:

• What worries you at the back of your mind?
• What would you like to be able to afford that you can’t at the moment but have realistic dreams of?
• How could you earn some more money?