Your 2023 Bucket List
In the past I have talked about your bucket list and all the things that you want to do in your life. Now however I would like break that down into a more manageable chunk. Let’s look at 2023 and start setting some goals of what we want to achieve. I am actually doing this exercise with my wife at the moment. Tammy is writing down the things she would like to tick of her bucket list this year and I am doing the same. Then together we are going to make a list of all the things that we would like to do together in 2023.
Now is the time to get thinking about your 2023 Bucket list goals.
So at the time of writing this we are 23 days into 2023. I have left you alone for a few weeks to allow the dust to settle on a new year. However now is the time to get started.
Let us get working on your bucket list for 2023.
In the past I have talked about your bucket list and all the things that you want to do in your life. Now however I would like break that down into a more manageable chunk. Lets look at 2023 and start setting some goals of what we want to achieve. I am actually doing this exercise with my wife at the moment. Tammy is writing down the things she would like to tick of her bucket list this year and I am doing the same. Then together we are going to make a list of all the things that we would like to do together in 2023.
Make it Realistic
The main key to this 2023 bucket list is to make it realistic for the time frame that we are looking at. I am not going to put down on my list a trip around the world as I know that will take a lot longer than a year to plan and save up for. My life long bucket list has an around the world trip on it, just not my bucket list for the next 12 months.
Timing
Once you have a list of the things you want to do in 2023, it is time to grab out the calendar. With a little bit of thought, start filling in the calendar with the things on your bucket list and when you would like to do them. Take some care with this, because once it is finished it should go up on the wall for all to see.
Savings
Some of the items on your bucket list for 2023 may require some addtional funds to make them happen. Make a budget of how much your bucket list items will cost. For those with a reasonable cost work out how much you need to save per week and start putting that away into a savings account. This part may also show that not all of the items on your bucket list for 2023 are achievable. Thats okay, start putting these on your 2024 bucket list.
This is Your List
I have spoken to a few people who are worried that what is on their bucket list is not exciting enough. If the items that are on your bucket list are the things that you really want to do, then that is exciting. Imagine when you get to the end of the year and you have ticked everything off your list. How bloody exciting will that be. This is your list and no one elses. Write them down, plan them and then tick them all off your bucket list.
Time to take action and live a great life.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant
Tips to fight rising costs…(your welcome)
Okay, so all we hear is “inflation, inflation inflation” right?
Yes, things have increased and if you are waiting for things to return to normal then you are risking a massive loss in revenue and profits.
One of the biggest impacts to hit any business is rising interest rates… especially home loans.
What Can you Do?
Sometimes in life, you just have to put your hand up and ask…
Okay, so all we hear is “inflation, inflation inflation” right?
Yes, things have increased and if you are waiting for things to return to normal then you are risking a massive loss in revenue and profits.
One of the biggest impacts to hit any business is rising interest rates… especially home loans.
What Can you Do?
Here is one way you can handle it…(Assuming you wish to keep more money in your back pocket that is)
You write an email to your banker or speak with someone at the bank where your finance is held. If you know the person who did your finance – even better!
You explain that due to the constant increase in interest rates that you have been forced onto considering other options. Therefore, you will be seeking some alternative quotes to refinance and get a lower interest rate. That is unless they can sharpen their pencil.
It is almost guaranteed that your bank will come back to you and offer you a more competitive rate.
The trouble is… with all the noise in the media and constant talk of interest rates increasing, we can all be guilty of just accepting it and copping it on the chin!
We get indoctrinated by the media and industry commentators who teach you to do what they say and not question it.
What many do not realise is… banks are held accountable for sales and certain performance targets. The saying goes “A new client always gets a sharper interest rate than an existing client”
It has been proven over and again by many of my clients, that requesting a lower rate does often get a positive response.
Here is a copy of an email from a banker to a colleague I know, who did exactly this and as you can see… if he can prove a lower rate elsewhere he stands to drop his rate even further.
What’s next?
So if you want to add a few extra dollars a week to your own back pocket… write that letter now and get yourself some savings.
The best thing about this action is that it doesn’t come at a cost. You can get a lower rate without losing any additional service or value.
Keep an eye out for more tips on saving money without losing anything of value…they are out there!
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant
Retirement - Why it needs to be renamed?
I think the retirement concept has put too many of us onto a treadmill, that we don’t know how to get off. To me it is crazy. Why are we waiting until retirement before we start doing the things we enjoy? And if we enjoy work, why do we have to stop?
The way I see it, we currently have a two tiered system. From the age of 20 to 65 we are expected to work hard. Sure we take some holidays here and there, but for the most part during these ages there is an expectation that our predominant activity is working. And then a magical switch is flicked and we are no longer working, but are now able to enjoy life. This delineation has us set in a fairly rigid pattern that we don’t seem to escape from. I want to offer up an alternative to this. Please bear with me as I go through this.
Why wait? Don’t wait until you retire to do some crazy things you wish you did when you were younger…
“I can’t wait until I retire! I will get a chance to do all the things that I have wanted to do, but never had the time to do them”.
How many times have we heard this sentence uttered from peoples mouths?
Too often for my liking.
I think the retirement concept has put too many of us onto a treadmill, that we don’t know how to get off. To me it is crazy. Why are we waiting until retirement before we start doing the things we enjoy? And if we enjoy work, why do we have to stop?
The way I see it, we currently have a two tiered system. From the age of 20 to 65 we are expected to work hard. Sure we take some holidays here and there, but for the most part during these ages there is an expectation that our predominant activity is working. And then a magical switch is flicked and we are no longer working, but are now able to enjoy life. This delineation has us set in a fairly rigid pattern that we don’t seem to escape from. I want to offer up an alternative to this. Please bear with me as I go through this.
Let’s Just Live Life!
Imagine this. You are 20 years old and you write down all the things you want to do in life. You write down your Bucket List. You then go about planning your life so that you can start ticking them off. Imagine the memories created when you run with the bulls in Pamplona at 23. They last a lifetime. As you get older you add things to your Bucket List and tick them off as well. You get to the end of your time and you look back. The things you have done are amazing and your life has been full.
Me! in Pamplona at age 23. Living my best life!
Now imagine at the same time you are doing this, you are working in a job you love, or running your own business that you love. This job or business is funding all those things that are on your bucket list. And because you love what you are doing, you see no need to stop working. You just keep doing what you love doing. At some point in time, you stop working but not because you have reached a pre-determined age. You stop working because you choose to.
Don’t get me wrong, what I am proposing here wont be easy and it will take some work and planning. But if you start the work and planning early then it is easier. Understand and embrace what is important to you. And set the plans in place early to achieve what is important to you. Don’t be put off by others, walk down your own manicured path.
If retirement is all about doing the things in life, then let’s start retirement early. That phrase “If you are doing a job you love, you will never work a day in your life” is so true. Don’t settle for second. And (shameless plug) we at The Bucket List Accountant can help you do this. We will help map out your plans and work towards achieving them.
Lets tackle life together, so that together we can do great things in this life.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant
Your Christmas Bucket List…
I don’t want to alarm you, but Christmas is less than two months away. I am going to pause for a minute while that sinks in and freak out just a little. Right, now that you have settled down again, let’s have a look at it. Christmas can be a great opportunity to achieve one of your bucket list goals. But it is also a great opportunity to help others with their bucket list goals.
Maybe it’s time to have a white christmas in the Swiss Alps?
Now listen. I don’t want to alarm you, but Christmas is less than two months away. I am going to pause for a minute while that sinks in and freak out just a little. Right, now that you have settled down again, let’s have a look at it. Christmas can be a great opportunity to achieve one of your bucket list goals. But it is also a great opportunity to help others with their bucket list goals.
Your Loved Ones Bucket List
It is not always about you!! Do you know what is on the bucket list of your significant other? If not it is time to do a little digging. There is still enough time to do some research and come up with a great bucket list item for Christmas for your partner. Everyone loves a gift that has had a lot of thought put into it.
Donate to a Great Cause
Christmas is tough for some. Why not use the festive season as a way to give to a worthy cause? Giving is something that is very high on my Bucket List. We have a charitable foundation at work that last year helped pay off lay-bys for families in need. If this is something of interest then check out the following links to some very worthwhile causes
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/donate/give/toy-and-book-appeal
https://www.foodbank.org.au/you-can-make-a-difference-this-christmas/?state=vic
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas/get-involved-this-christmas/
White Christmas
A white Christmas is on the bucket list of many Australians. Whilst we have probably left it a bit late for this year, but let’s start planning for Christmas 2023. I was lucky to have a white Christmas in Scotland in my early 20’s and it was awesome. Below is a list of some of the best places for a white Christmas
Rovaniemi, Finland - The official town of Santa Claus
Zermatt, Switzerland - One of the best place for families
Courmayeur, Italy - Picture postcard view of the Alps
Quebec, Canada - Old world Charm and Cobblestone streets
New York City, USA - C’mon you have seen the movies
Let’s Get Creative
Christmas is a great time of year. Let’s use that festive spirit to get creative on our bucket lists. Some of these items might be out of reach for 2022, but let’s start to focus on 2023 or even 2024. That white Christmas in Canada is within reach if we plan for it and work together to achieve it. How about Christmas at the North Pole? Whatever it is that you want to do, what is stopping you? Let’s start making the plans.
We at The Bucket List Accountant would love to know what is on your bucket list for Christmas. “Treat Yo self” or those closest to you this Christmas. We love getting inspired by what you are doing.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant
Why waiting to retire to tick off your bucket list is not the best option….
We all know the traditional way of life. Work hard until you reach retirement age and save up for your retirement nest egg. Once you have retired then you can start doing all those things you had been putting off but wanting to do. Things such as a caravan trip around Australia, or a cruise down the Danube. I say this is rubbish. Ticking things off your bucket list should be done as you go along in life and there are two main reasons why.
The timing of your Bucket List
We all know the traditional way of life. Work hard until you reach retirement age and save up for your retirement nest egg. Once you have retired then you can start doing all those things you had been putting off but wanting to do. Things such as a caravan trip around Australia, or a cruise down the Danube. I say this is rubbish. Ticking things off your bucket list should be done as you go along in life and there are two main reasons why.
Creation of Memories
Ticking something off your bucket list will create a memory that will last with you for your lifetime. Something that is ticked off at a young age is a memory that will last with you for decades. In my early 20’s I left my job and family and travelled to Europe, as many did. Part of that trip was attending the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain (which is where I met my wife, but that is a story for another time). On my bucket list at the time was to participate in the Running of the Bulls but to also jump from the Fountain of Santa Cecilia. Below is a photo of me jumping.
Me, Jumping from the Fountain of Santa Cecilia in Pamplona, Spain.
The reason I show this is that it was nearly 30 years ago and I still talk about it. That one moment has been recreated hundreds of times since in conversations with people. One action taken early has created nearly 30 years of memories. (The photo doesn’t show it but there are six people there to catch me before I slam into the pavement. If I had waited for retirement for this chances are I wouldn’t have done it and no lasting memory.
Makes Work More Enjoyable
Ticking things off your bucket list as you go along, also makes the day to day grind of work more enjoyable. We all know that a goal that is set too far into the future, aka retirement, is too far away to allow you to stay focused on it. When you know that there is an overseas trip in six months if you can achieve certain goals in your business then you become more focused and work becomes more enjoyable. Once this is done then a new bucket list item becomes front and centre and you can start to focus on this.
These bucket list items give greater meaning to any decisions that you make in your business. “Is this business decision going to improve my business and allow me to tick something off my bucket list?” If the answer is yes then lets do it. If your reward is not for another 30 years then there is less reason to make the decision and potentially you will lose some of the focus.
So let’s not wait until retirement before we start ticking things off your bucket list. Get your list written down now and start ticking them off as soon as you can. You will thank yourself in 30 years time for doing it.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant
Your Bucket List and Mental Health
At The Bucket List Accountant, we are all about helping you tick all the things off your bucket list.
Part of this is ensuring that your business operates at its optimal level. If it is not then we help you implement practices that will allow you to step up to this level. One very important aspect of this is the good mental health of business owners. That is why R U OK day is so valuable to the small business community. It brings to the forefront the importance of mental health and the importance for business owners to look after their mental health.
At The Bucket List Accountant, we are all about helping you tick all the things off your bucket list.
Part of this is ensuring that your business operates at its optimal level. If it is not then we help you implement practices that will allow you to step up to this level. One very important aspect of this is the good mental health of business owners. That is why R U OK day is so valuable to the small business community. It brings to the forefront the importance of mental health and the importance for business owners to look after their mental health.
Stressful times
Since March 2022, in Victoria especially, it has been a tough time to be in business. Constant lockdowns and staffing issues have put an enormous strain on business owners and their families. As an accountant for small businesses, I was seeing first hand the toll that was being taken on people. I was taking phone call after phone call from clients, worrying about their business, that many had spent years building up.
We are out of Covid now (well sort of), but the pressures are still there for small business owners. Staff shortages are now a big issue, together with the rising cost of living.
Support each other
Now is the time to support each other. In my opinion, we have become extremely disconnected during the last two and a half years. It is now time to break out. Be observant of those around you. If you see someone who seems to be struggling, take the time to ask – Are you OK? And more importantly, take the time to listen. And I mean really listen. It can be an awkward conversation, but you need to own the awkwardness and help out. Sometimes all it might take is for someone to feel that they are really being listened to. R U OK talks about using the following 4 steps that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage Action
4. Check In
Seeking help is not a weakness
At times in the past, I have struggled with my own mental health. Battling my own negative thoughts, facing massive anxiety and losing sleep wondering if it will ever be ok. At the start of Covid when things were really tough a friend reached out purely coincidently. They had become a mind mentor at Quality Mind and asked if I would like to do the program. It was a six month program that completely changed my outlook on life. Sure there were awkward moments, and bloody vulnerable moments, but boy it was healing. Thanks to Leigh I now have tools that I can use to help me when I am starting to feel overwhelmed.
One life
We are constantly reminded about how short life can be. At The Bucket List Accountant, we are determined to help people tick as many things off their bucket lists as possible. Good mental health is extremely important to help achieve this. A strong mind and a strong body will help you overcome anything that life throws at you.
If you are struggling please reach out to someone. If you want to talk to a complete stranger, my number is 0409 422 595. I am not sure how I can help, but I promise that I will listen. Let’s tackle this together.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket List Accountant