Category Archives: Personal Finance and making money.

Efficient Household Management: How to Save Time and Money

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Effective household management, often referred to as housekeeping, is about more than just cleaning and organizing your home. It also involves ensuring that household finances are well-managed to save your family valuable time and money. Whether it’s budgeting for groceries or reducing energy consumption, efficient household management allows you to successfully manage your family’s resources to meet your daily needs. 

Ensuring proper maintenance to avoid costly repairs, negotiating insurance costs, or shopping prudently, household management requires strategy, planning, and discipline. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage your household efficiently to save time and money.

Establish a Budget 

Setting up a household budget is the cornerstone of efficient household management, and it can do wonders for saving both time and money in the long run. A well-planned budget gives you a clear picture of where your money is going, allowing you to make informed decisions about expenditures. 

For instance, opting for a higher mileage, affordable car could lead to savings not only in terms of fuel efficiency but also in terms of insurance costs. Many families have saved a substantial amount of money by choosing Toyota insurance for their vehicles due to its reasonable rates. It is important to note that every dollar saved through wise decision-making can add up to significant annual savings.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Energy-saving practices are not only beneficial to the environment but also result in significant reduction in household expenses. By implementing measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, reducing water consumption, using LED lights, and insulating your home, you can save a substantial amount of money over time. Turning off unused electrical appliances, utilizing natural light during the day, and maintaining an energy-conscious mindset can also greatly contribute to reduced energy bills. 

Plan and Cook Meals at Home 

Eating out frequently or getting takeout can quickly add to your expenditures. A more cost-effective solution is planning and cooking meals at home. Meal planning allows you to use your grocery shopping time more efficiently and prevents wastage of food. Additionally, home-cooked meals are usually healthier and more nutritious compared to fast foods. When possible, buying groceries in bulk could deliver significant savings.

Embrace DIY and Maintenance

Adopting a do-it-yourself attitude toward home repairs and maintenance can save you a lot of money usually paid to professionals for minor repairs. Moreover, regular home maintenance can prevent future headaches and expensive repairs. For example, regularly servicing your car, checking for leaks, maintaining your home appliances, and cleaning your home regularly can extend the life of these items, saving you both time and money. 

Automate Bill Payments 

Automating your bills reduces the risk of late payments and the exorbitant fees that come with them. Most banks offer free online bill pay services. You can set up automatic withdrawals to cover your mortgage, utilities, car payments, and other regular expenses. This not only guarantees timely payments but it also saves you the time and effort of keeping track and writing out checks.

Negotiate

Never shy away from negotiating prices or contracts. This includes everything from your cable bill to your gym membership. Large corporations have some flexibility in their pricing structures and would rather give a discount than lose a customer. It’s definitely worth a call to ask if any discounts or promotions are available. 

In conclusion, efficient household management entails a well-planned budget, energy-saving practices, meal planning, DIY maintenance, automated bill payments, and the ability to negotiate. By applying these principles you can save a lot of time, while also preserving your family’s financial health. Essentially, managing a home effectively is similar to running a business, requiring both strategic planning and the discipline to follow through.

Cuts, charges and kids: 33 money events to watch in 2024

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    Sarah Coles, head of finance, Hargreaves Lansdown:

“2023 hasn’t been a golden year for our finances – with rising prices, mortgage rates and tax – and falling growth, house prices and morale. On paper, 2024 is looking more positive, with inflation, tax rates and childcare bills all set to drop. However, that’s not the full picture, because most tax thresholds have been frozen, and two of them are actually set to fall, so there’s a good chance a huge chunk of people will still be worse off by the time we struggle to the end of 2024.

1 January: new energy price cap
The energy price cap will rise £94 (5%) from £1,834 to £1,928, after conflict in the Middle East sent oil and gas prices higher. It’s worth bearing in mind that this isn’t a fixed cap on the most you can pay: it’s a cap on prices for the average user. If you burn through more energy, or live in a large or draughty house, you could see prices rise even further.

6 January: National insurance cut
Class 1 NICs, which are paid on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, will be cut by 2 percentage points, from 12% to 10%, saving an average of £304 for basic rate taxpayers, £647 for higher rate taxpayers, and £707 for additional rate taxpayers. Sadly this isn’t the shot in the arm it appears, because frozen income tax and National Insurance thresholds will still mean we pay more tax in 2024.

31 January: Tax return deadline
March: Rail fares rise
Normally the government uses July's Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation to determine the increase in regulated fares the following year – although at times of very high inflation it can cap this. Last year the rise was effective from 5 March.

23 March: Temporary cut to fuel duty ends
The 5p fuel duty cut was announced in March 2022, then extended another 12 months in early 2023. Unless we hear otherwise before this date, this is when it ends. However, we’re likely to get a Spring Budget before this point, so there’s hope.

31 March: Energy price guarantee ends
The scheme, restricting average bills to no more than £3,000 for an average user, officially ends today – although the price cap is highly likely to have been below the guarantee since July 2023, so the guarantee hasn’t been called on since then.

April: 15 hours of free childcare for the under twos
Working parents will receive 15 free hours a week for children under the age of two, as the first step along the road to secure 30 hours of free childcare for all children from nine months to the start of school between now and September 2025.

1 April: New energy price cap comes into effect
This is predicted to fall slightly from the January level.

1 April: TV licence fee rises
The government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee. In 2022, it announced that the fee would rise in line with inflation for four years from 2024. 

1 April: Car tax rises
This will rise in line with RPI.

1 April: Council tax rises
Council tax rises on 1 April, but we’ve not yet had confirmation of how much by.

1 April: National Living wage and minimum wage rise takes effect
On the 25th anniversary of the minimum wage, the National Living Wage will rise to £11.44 an hour – up almost 10% from £10.42, and the age threshold will fall from 23 to 21. 18-20-year-olds will also see pay rise to £8.60 per hour – up £1.11. The minimum hourly wage for apprentices will rise too. 

1 April: Water bill price changes come into effect
Several factors are used to determine changes in water bills, including the October inflation figure of 4.6%.

1 April: Air passenger duty rises
Rates will rise with RPI, so the cheapest tax on domestic flights will be £7 and on international flights it will be £13. The rate increases with the class of the flight and the distance, so an economy flight of more than 5,500 miles will be taxed at £92, a business class seat on the same flight £202, and a seat on a private jet flying the same route £607.

1 April: Prescription charge changes could kick in
NHS prescription charges in England rose 30p in April 2023. The previous year those charges had been frozen.

1 April: Fuel duty rise could be implemented
At the moment, the fuel duty rise is set to go ahead – rising with RPI. This is priced into the government’s calculations, but there’s a reasonable expectation the Chancellor will announce a fuel duty freeze closer to the time.

6 April: Dividend and capital gains tax changes
The threshold for dividend tax will be cut to £500 and the capital gains tax threshold to £3,000.

6 April: ISA changes
From this point, you will be able to pay into multiple ISAs of the same type in a tax year - and will be able to transfer slices of ISA money you paid in during the current tax year too (previously it was all or nothing).

It will be possible to hold long term asset funds and open ended property funds in an innovative finance ISA, although we don’t yet know whether any providers will make them available.

The minimum age to open a cash ISA will rise to 18, closing the loophole that allows 16 and 17-year-olds to have a JISA and a cash ISA allowance in the same tax year.

6 April:  Tax thresholds remain frozen
This stealth tax will have an enormous impact on our finances this year, and every year until 2028. The personal allowance will stick at £12,570, the higher rate threshold at £50,270, the inheritance tax nil rate band at £325,000, and the residence nil rate band £175,000. Plus, everything from ISA allowances to the annual gifting allowance, the high-income child benefit tax charge and the personal savings allowance remain the same.

The tax take will rise to its highest percentage of GDP since the Second World War, and it’s not just that we’ll all have to pay more tax, 4 million more people will be dragged into paying tax, 3 million more into paying higher rate tax and 400,000 more into paying additional rate tax.

6 April: National Insurance for self-employed people is cut
Class 2 National Insurance contributions will be axed altogether (saving an average of £186 a year). The main rate of National Insurance contributions for self-employed people will also be cut by one percentage point, from 9% to 8%. This applies to profits of between £12,570 and £50,270. This will cut tax an average of £117 in tax for basic rate taxpayers, £322 for those on the higher rate, and £358 for additional rate taxpayers. Of course, frozen tax thresholds will mean they’re still worse off.

8 April: State pensions rise with the triple lock
The state pension will rise 8.5% in line with the triple lock. For someone on the full new state pension this will see their pension grow from £203.85 to £221.20 a week, and for someone who hit state pension age before 2016 their full weekly basic state pension will rise from £156.20 to £169.50.

8 April: Benefits rise with inflation
Those receiving working age benefits will have them increased in line with September’s inflation rate, which this year was 6.7%. Pension credit, meanwhile, will rise 8.5% in line with the triple lock.

1 July: Energy price cap changes
This is currently expected to fall very slightly again from the April level.

31 July: Payment on account deadline
Self-employed people need to make advance payments towards their tax bill.

1 August: Freeze on alcohol duty ends
In the Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt said alcohol duty wouldn’t be increased before this date. So this is the first date a duty rise becomes possible.

In September: 15 hours of free childcare from nine months
The second stage in the roll out of free childcare will see 15 hours of free childcare extended to children from the age of nine months.

10 September: wage figures
These are used as part of the triple lock for next April’s state pension.

1 October energy price cap changes
This is expected to rise as we head into the winter, but forecasts this far ahead need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

16 October: inflation figures
These are used as part of the triple lock for next April’s state pension, and for uprating working age benefits.

31 October: Deadline to file paper self-assessment tax return for 2023-24
We’re overwhelmingly filing our self-assessment tax returns online but those who prefer to do it on paper will need their returns to arrive with HMRC by this date.

1 December energy price cap changes
So far, we haven’t had forecasts for this period, although prices are hoped to be less volatile later in 2024.

17 December: The last possible day to call the general election
This would be exactly five years after the last parliament met for the first time after the previous general election – which by law is the last possible date the election can be called. If it was left to the last possible date, the election itself would be on 28 January.

31 December: The £2 cap on single bus journeys ends
The £2 cap on single bus journeys in England is expected to come to an end. It saved people 30% on the average fare.”

    Women can’t catch men’s earnings, even after any children have left home

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    • In 2018/19, women earned an average of £22,200 and men £27,400 (median).
    • Men earned more than women at every age. At 20-24, men averaged £19,100 and women £17,700.
    • On average, income before tax peaked at age 40-44 at £30,200. However, it peaked for men between the ages of 45-49, at an average of £34,100, and for women at age 40-44 at £26,000.

    Now is the time for us ladies to take charge of our finances. Check your state pension entitlement and make sure there are no gaps in National Insurance contributions. Also consider taking out a LISA.

     

    HMRC has issued a range of tax and income statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/personal-income-by-tax-year

    Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown:

    “Women are out-earned by men at every stage of their career, so if women are waiting for a better time to get started with their financial plans, they could be in for a very long wait.

    Despite the fact that on average female students get better results at school, are more likely to go to university, and get more first class and upper second degrees, when they emerge from the education system, men are paid more. Between the ages of 20 and 24, women earn 7% less.

    The official pay gap – which measures people doing the same work – is close to zero below the age of 40, so the difference is likely to owe much to the careers dominated by women being lower paid than those dominated by men, and how we value particular skills as a society. It’s also influenced by more women working part time from the outset, and some starting families at younger ages.

    The gap between the average pay of women and men widens dramatically when people reach the age when they typically start a family. By their early 30s the gap is 13%, and by their early 40s it’s 22%. This is partly because women are overwhelmingly more likely to take career breaks in their children’s early lives, and make compromises over working hours and commutes in order to have more flexibility during their children’s school years.

    There’s no time to catch up afterwards either, because not only are women paid far less later in their career, but they reach their peak earning years well before men too – at the age of 40-44 rather than 45-50. This owes something to the fact that senior management roles tend to have a later pay peak, so women continue to pay for missing out on promotions during key childcare years.

    Women are also paid less later in their careers partly because once they have taken a financial hit relatively early on, they’re in the frame for any caring responsibilities that come along – including caring for elderly parents. This may mean they have to move into working part-time once again.

    A solution to unequal pay requires a combination of an awful lot of things – from changing the way different skills are rewarded, to altering the balance of caring responsibilities in the home, and building workplaces that allow equality of flexibility. The pandemic may help accelerate some of this change, by revealing just how many jobs can be effectively completed with a much higher degree of flexibly, but this kind of societal change tends to be slow and incremental.

    It means women can’t afford to wait for pay to equalise, they need to protect themselves now. These figures show the risk of putting off saving and investing, or building up your pension, until you’re in a better place financially. If you postpone it because you’re on a starting salary, or going on maternity leave or working part-time, then you could find yourself putting it off forever.”

     

    What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax: An Introduction to the UK Tax System Book Review

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    What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax- An Introduction to the UK Tax System Book Review

    What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax: An Introduction to the UK Tax System By James Hannam immediately caught my eye. Sure I have an interest in finance and the workings of the society that we live in, but I have always been interested in tax. Now tax is a good thing; it is how society runs. No tax and no NHS, education or public services at all. But are we overtaxed? I thought that most people are overtaxed before, after reading this book, even more so. As the book points out there is income tax, employee national insurance (of various classes), employer national insurance, VAT, stamp duty, council tax, inheritance tax. The list just goes on. We are overtaxed and the government tries to make some of these taxes as invisible as possible. Did you know that someone on a salary of £26,000 pays almost £8000 in tax a year? Or that the top 0.05% of the UK population pay over a quarter of all income tax? The top 10% of earners pay over half the income tax, which is about 100 billion a year. Just 5% of the population pay more in income tax than the rest of the population put together. How much do you have to earn to be in this top 5%? Just over £50,000 a year. Another great section goes on about how taxes cause the poverty trap that people on benefits can get caught in when they try to get off benefits, they can essentially get taxed at 90%. More than the richest in society. Depressing? Yes. Fair? No. The book also has a great section on pensions versus ISAs. I have always been wary of pensions and the book helped clarify my thoughts.The book is full of great facts like that by a man who really knows his stuff. The book is chock full of essential information and interesting fact. I can highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get a grip of the complex UK tax system.Due to be published by Wiley, 23rd March 2017
    £19.99, Paperback and e-bookISBN: 9781119375784“You pay a lot of tax. Of course, you know that. But I bet you don’t know just how much you pay, or all the ways the government has to extract the cash from you.” – James HannamIn his new book, What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax, James Hannam takes look at the UK tax system and provides non-specialist readers with an easy-to-understand explanation of tax and tax policy to show them just how much they pay, how the money is collected and how tax affects ordinary people every day.With no accounting or legal knowledge required, it contains practical case studies to illustrate how tax functions in the real world, for example: how the VAT on a plumber’s bill all adds up; why fraudsters made a movie to throw HMRC off their scent; how a wealthy couple can pay minimal tax on a six-figure income; and the way tracing the money you paid for your iPad sheds light why the EU is demanding Apple pay billions extra in tax.Written in a conversational style, What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax gives readers a real-world look at how tax works. In it they will:

    • Learn about the many ways that the tax system separates us from our money
    • Discover how Brexit could change the way we pay taxes
    • Understand how changing tax policy affects people’s everyday lives
    • See through the rhetoric from politicians and the media surrounding tax controversies

    The system’s underlying logic is illustrated through three ‘golden rules’ that explain many of the UK tax regime’s oddities:

    • Lots of small taxes together add up to make big tax bills – “The point of all these taxes is to spread the pain so we notice it less.”
    • No matter what name is on the bill, all taxes are ultimately suffered by human beings – taxes levied on manufacturers are passed on to the consumer through a higher price for the product
    • Taxes are kept as invisible as possible – “Since we all hate paying taxes, the government has perfected the art of ensuring that we rarely have to hand over the money ourselves. Most taxes are paid by businesses on our behalf.”

    With tax, there are no easy answers. No one enjoys paying them, but without them, the government would shut down.Whether readers are self-employed, have a general interest in the way the UK tax system works, are a finance or tax professional, or students wanting to understand more about taxation in a break from traditionally dry text books, What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax gives them the background and foundational knowledge they need to be a well-informed taxpayer.What Everyone Needs to Know about Tax will be published on 23rd March 2017 and will be available wherever books and ebooks are sold.
    JAMES HANNAM, PHD, has spent twenty years advising clients on every aspect of the UK tax regime while working for firms including EY, Freshfields, and KPMG.

    Understanding Property Jargon Checklist

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    Buying a home is one of the most exciting times of a person’s life. Similarly, selling up to move into a bigger or more practical house, or perhaps dipping into the investment market by snapping up a buy-to-let property, are also moments to savour.

    However, for those unfamiliar with the many terms of the housing market it can also be a linguistic nightmare, from the initial research through to contract exchange.

    The guide below can help clear up some of the jargon associated with property. It’s perfect for either the aspiring homeowner or the seller moving on to their next home, a person aiming to make money as a landlord, or perhaps someone wishing to learn more about property and investment but unsure about some of the key terms and expressions.

    property jargon checklist

    By Patrick Vernon.

    The Wealthy Women: A Man Is Not a Financial Plan. Mary Waring Interview

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    The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan: A Woman's Guide to Achieving Financial SecurityWe interviewed The Wealthy Women: A Man Is Not a Financial Plan author Mary Waring. She had some great advice to give and has also written a great book that every women should read. In the meantime, pick up some tips in our interview with her.

     

    What made you write the book?

    I’ve come across so many very bright women who have an issue with maths and finance. My theory is that the way it is taught in schools is much more suited to a typical male brain rather than a female brain. (I obviously don’t have a typical female brain!)

    So many bright women have a mental block about maths and dealing with their finances. I decided therefore I’m would write a very down to earth, no jargon guide to looking after your finances and improving your wealth.

    Are women worse than men when it comes to finance?

    As above, I think women tend to put it very far down the list of priorities. They look after the house, their partner, the children etc but very far down the list is looking after themselves. In addition only about 10% of advisers are female. The typical adviser is male, middle aged, grey hair, grey suit. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but many women are looking for someone different and may be struggling to find a female adviser.

    Do too many women still rely financially on men?

    I think a lot do. The female often looks after the house and the children and all the general housekeeping issues. The male often looks after the finances. In any relationship it’s sensible for one person to look after the finances, and in my experience that is often the male. The woman does not play an active role in the finances and if worst thing happens and they get divorced the female is totally at a loss as to how to look after herself financially. A number of women also assume their husband’s pension will cover both of them in retirement. But this may not be the case.

    What are women’s financial strengths and weaknesses?

    Strengths- very good at following a set procedure once it’s explained to them. They’re not as competitive as men as a rule so do not need to “beat the market” with their investment return. They’re looking for a steady investment growth. They’re happy to take advice and happy to admit if there’s something they don’t understand.

    Weaknesses- lack of confidence regarding finances and tendency to stick their head in the sand rather than deal with it.

    What can women do to help themselves financially?

    If their partner deals with the finances make sure they sit down on a regular basis and discuss the finances: how much money comes in each month, how much gets spent and what on. Discuss what savings, investments and pensions exist.

    If they deal with the finances themselves, then start to look at what they are spending against what income is coming in. They must start to plan for the future and consider what income they will need/want in retirement.

    What pitfalls should they look about for?

    If something goes wrong (e.g. a large unexpected bill) don’t give up and think the plan isn’t working. Keep at it.

    What is the best way to save?

    The best way to save is to have a regular amount come out of your account each month by standing order or direct debit. Have that money come out of your account before you start spending. Frequently people wait until the end of the month and decide to save what’s left in their account. But all too often there’s nothing left. If the saving happens before spending it often won’t be noticed that there is less to spend.


    Best way to get out of debt?

    The best way to get out of debt is to do a strict budget so that you can pay off as much as possible of the debt as quickly as possible. Interest on debt increases at a huge amount so make an effort to get the debt paid down by always paying more than the minimum.

    Best way to get wealthy?

    The best way to get wealthy is to make that your priority and then each day take some small steps towards achieving that. Too often this looks like too big a challenge but it’s the small steps on a regular basis that can really help your wealth. Choosing to eat out at a much cheaper spot than you would normally use will not make any difference to your wealth if you do it just once. But if you do this on a regular basis so you can save more, then over time it will make a difference.

    Top financial tip?

    For a period of 3 months keep a very detailed record of what you are spending, including everything that you pay for in cash. Carry a notebook around in your handbag so you can note it down straight away. Look at this in detail and ask yourself “How can I reduce this cost?”. You’d be surprised how much we all overspend without being aware of it. Until you know what you’re spending your money on you are not in a position to do anything about it.

    Thank you Mary.

    The Wealthy Woman is available from Amazon and is reviewed here.

     

    The Wealthy Women: A Man Is Not A Financial Plan Book Review

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    The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan: A Woman's Guide to Achieving Financial SecurityThe Wealthy Woman is a book that is sorely needed. I have lost count of the amount of women I have met who are terrible at finance, and that is saying nothing for the ones that really do think that a man is a financial plan. I mean, they’re really not.

    Relying financially on a man causes a lot of problems: he could leave you, he could lose his job, he could treat you badly and you  feel you can’t leave because you would be too poor, he could think he has all of the power because he pays the bills…the list goes on. True freedom and happiness comes when a women is financially independent. Can this book help? Yes.

    Some finance books can be scary but this one isn’t. In fact it is fun, concise, comprehensive and educational all at once. The author also takes two women, one savvy and one not-so-savvy, and follows them through the years and charts the consequences of their financial decisions. I found this particularly useful. I think a lot of women would read it and it will (hopefully) give them a wake-up call.

    The book gives you financial advice for each decade of your life, and where you will end up. It let’s you know that only you can be responsible for your financial future and being an ostrich won’t help at all. It also helps you calculate your net worth, sort out your finances and get out of debt if you have it.

    It also covers pensions, saving and investing. In fact, most things are covered in this excellent book. Buy it for yourself or/and the females in your life. It is packed with good advice and tips that could change your life for the better.

     

    ‘The Wealthy Woman – a man is not a financial plan’ by Mary Waring has worked with 100s of women helping them take control of their finances.

    Far too many women find ‘dealing with the money’ a daunting task and leave it in the hands of their partners. However, this can leave them with little control over their own financial lives and sadly, if they then get divorced or are widowed, they are left floundering with little understanding of how much money they have, or don’t have, and what this means to their lifestyle.

    By understanding your finances and taking control you can make your money work for you. That’s the message in Mary Waring’s new book ‘The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan: A Woman’s Guide to Achieving Financial Security’.

    “Many women tell me that they simply don’t do maths – and this mental block seems to be an epidemic among women everywhere. However, these are often admirable women with high-level jobs. My message is simple – you are more than able to handle all of your finances,” says Mary Waring.

    So, do you want to be more confident about your finances? Do you want to be a wealthy woman?

    “Wealthy” will mean different things to different women. It doesn’t necessarily mean “rolling in it” and having so much money that you’ll enter The Times ‘rich list’. It may simply mean you feel confident you will have enough money to do the things that you plan to do in the future, no matter how lavish or frugal a lifestyle you lead.

    Mary’s book will guide you on your journey to become a wealthy woman by showing you how taking small steps on a regular basis can lead to a significant increase in your wealth.

    If you currently have such a lack of control over your finances that you are too afraid to open your credit card statement at the end of the month, this book will show you how to take control.

    “The Wealthy Woman” will encourage you to think about your attitude towards money and your relationship with it.

    As Mary says; “It’s easy to be wealthy just as it’s easy to be poor. There’s very little difference in the way you can become either. You are in a position where you can improve your wealth. Whatever your dreams and aspirations around money there is nothing to stop you moving towards those dreams.”

    Mary Waring is an independent financial adviser and the founder of Wealth For Women, specialising in financial advice to women going through divorce. She is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Chartered Accountant, being one of only a handful of advisers in the whole of the UK with this high level of qualification.

    Mary is passionate about changing the way women think about finance. Too many women stick their head in the sand and ignore it. Or…rely on a man to sort it for them.

    ‘The Wealthy Woman: A Man is Not a Financial Plan: A Woman’s Guide to Achieving Financial Security’ is available from Amazon and all good bookstores.

    For more information see: www.mary-waring.co.uk

     

    The Compass Of Now By DDnard Book Review

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    the compass of nowDDnard sure is an inspiring women: widowed at 27, the mother of an 11 month old and $3 million in debt. She managed to pay off the debts she inherited from her husband and become a multi-millionaire. Quite a remarkable accomplishment and it is hard to not be impressed.

    Now she has a bestselling book. 1.4 million copies sold to be exact. Reading the book it is easy to see why. You come out the other end inspired and with a better outlook on life. The book is easy to read and well illustrated. The step-by-step guide is easy to follow, far from being condescending; the advice is brilliant and concise, helping you to change the way you think and set your compass to now. There are good quotes and thought-provoking stories along with the advice.

    In a way the book brings you back to yourself. DDnard brings ancient wisdom to her goals and instead of being crushed about losing her husband; becomes stronger and clears $3 million of debt. In a way The Compass of Now is a guide to positivity. It brings you back down to ancient wisdom and away from the negative aspects of thinking and living. Although there is a spiritual aspect to the book, it adds to the book and no religion is shoved down your throat. In fact, even non-religious people can benefit and be spiritual. This is a very good, inspirational book. Even people who don’t like self-help books will love it.

     

    By 27, she owed £2million.


    By 29, she was debt-free.

     

    By 35, she was worth £4million.

     

    The Compass of Now  follows one woman’s incredible journey from destitute widow to one of the world’s most powerful entrepreneurs and inspirational leaders.

     

    It documents, in moving detail, how she fought back from the brink of financial ruin just months after giving birth and then suddenly losing husband to a heart attack, and emerged emotionally stronger – and significantly richer – than she could have ever imagined.

     

    But The Compass of Now is more than just an inspirational success story. It is the definitive guide to taking control of your finances – and your life. It’s step-by-step advice to financial and emotional freedom has already made the book a global phenomenon with more than 1.4million sales worldwide.

     

    Author and self-help guru DDnard is the bestselling writer of all time in her native Thailand and one of the country’s most sought-after celebrities. She is now set to become a household name in Britain with the release of an English-language version of The Compass of Now, which hits the shelves for the first time this month.

     

    This internationally-acclaimed title, released through Life Compass Publishing, merges the best of Eastern and Western world thinking, mindfulness and emotional healing techniques to reveal the practical, tried-and-tested steps that Brits – including the estimated 70 per cent in debt – can take in order to:

    –          Manage and overcome personal debt

    –          Become financially and emotionally free

    –          Unleash their full potential and live life to the fullest

    Speaking about the 216-page, full-colour paperback, DDnard, who lives in Bangpakong, Thailand, said: “This inspiring book is filled with the message of hope and personal strength, and will help you come to understand that your future truly is in your own hands.”

    The Compass of Now is available now