Three to get ready and four to go! How could I have a name like Penny and not think about money? I have cash flow – it flows, and flows, and flows right out of my hands into the big sea of expenses – some quite necessary, some not so quite. And then the waves of necessity start pounding on my shore. Can I withstand this force? If I’m well-prepared, the waves are a beautiful and expected sight. But if I’m not, they threaten to overwhelm me and I’m left scrambling to reach higher ground.

Number-crunching is my hobby. It hasn’t made me any richer, but I have been able to put each expense into categories: Fixed, Flexible, Food, Fun, Funding (giving), Future (savings), and Vision. I have a very good idea of how much I spend for each category each month. I am fine-tuning these numbers into something that works, given my income.

Vision is a recent category. Writing is my true calling. I have authored one book and I’m working on two more. This puts me amongst the ranks of the self-employed. Any expenses connected to these books or my blogs fall under Vision.  You may wish to apply this category to your own vocation, calling, or work. These expenses are tax-deductible to some degree and are worth recording.

What is the purpose of this? It’s so I spend within the parameters of a carefully reasoned-out spending plan. It’s so I don’t have too much month left over at the end of my money. With a little bit of self-discipine, when those waves come rolling in, I’ll be prepared to meet each one. Peace of mind frees me, so my creative work is not inhibited. May you enjoy peace of mind on your journey.

Affectionately,

Penny