I've decided to dive into the first two workshops because I've just come back home after doing my grocery shopping and I'm stunned at the elevated prices at Woolworths. I'm guessing they're the same at Coles, Aldi and IGA. Prices aren't as high at Aldi but I think they're still higher than they were this time last year. Another player in the higher prices game are interest rates. Last week, the Reserve bank in Australia increased interest rates due to higher than expected inflation.
There are quite a few things you can do to reduce costs, most of them are small things, but when you look at those reductions over the course of 6 - 12 months, the effect can be significant.
The first workshop is on reducing costs and paying off debt because this effects most of us, from kids just leaving school to those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who have families, mortgages and credit card debt. People in their 50s, 60s and 70s are hoping to pay off all their debt before they retire. I hope you're able to do that because life with a mortgage when you've retired would be difficult and stressful. Everyone will have a chance to talk briefly about their own circumstances to open up the possibility of feedback from people who are in the same situation and have made already made successful changes.
The second workshop will be on ageing and living alone. This is not just for older folk, we'll be discussing what you can do from your 20s, and in each decade, to prepare for older age. We'll talk about safety, food, staying active, community connections and family involvement, as well as activities such as gardening, crafts and daily routines. Everyone will have a chance to talk briefly about their own circumstances to open up the possibility of feedback from people who are in the same situation and have made already made successful changes.
I'm accepting 10 people in each workshop and they'll all be on Zoom. You don't need to download Zoom, I have the necessary applications and you join the workshop simply by clicking on the link I'll send you just before the workshop starts. Each workshop will be $50 which you'll pay when you book your place. I know that's cheap for an online workshop but I want everyone who wants to participate to be able to, and I'm happy with that amount. This is the only way I can make money at my age and I know that if I do a series of workshops over the coming months, I'll have enough money to build up my nest egg again and have the money I need to maintain my home and lifestyle.

5 Comments
Hi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI read that it's been very hot in Australia these past few months. It's good to hear that you weathered the extreme heat well.
In northern Germany, we're still experiencing an unusually large amount of ice and snow this year, while in the south, we've had rain and storms. We're eagerly awaiting spring. It's so wet outside that we can't prepare the garden yet. We'll do that later.
Food prices have also risen sharply here, in some cases by up to 30 percent. So far, I've always had enough strategies to avoid the high prices.
Unfortunately, I can't participate in your workshops because my English isn't good enough (I think). For now, it's enough that I can read about 60% of your posts without a translator, but I'm learning.
Best regards, Sibylle
We have a mortgage still at 73 YO's old, and it's just the way it is. We were never in a position to pay it off. So living on a fixed income and having a mortgage at this age is totally doable. Not the best, but doable.
ReplyDeleteHi! I am in the USA and interested in your Ageing workshop. However, your 2 pm is our 11 pm. Too late for me. Will you be making a tape for a replay? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes, I’ll be recording it.
DeleteHappy to hear that you and your garden survived the hot period!
ReplyDeleteOur garden hates the very hot days we seem to be getting more frequently, but it's loving the cool grey days we've just had. Me too.
Colette in Sydney.
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