Ways to change a plan

In Chapter 13 of Simple Steps to Success I talk about the things we can control.  Sometimes we have to make changes, we have control of that process, and maybe amend our plans to suit to keep forging ahead. With the rate some real estate has taken a forward leap it is understandable how some folk would feel dejected about having enough savings to buy a home. Trust me, it will be possible later rather than sooner.

For changing how we approach our future plan, let's break down the process of saving into small pieces, as follows:

1. Revise the current budget.

2. Check if there can be savings on current bills, like electricity, water, phone, internet, mobiles, shopping, lunches, take-aways, parking, fuel and so on.

3. Use YouTube for instructions when simple, though necessary repairs, are needed.  Ideas that will help spend less/save more, such as:

• Changing tap washers
• Painting, and staining woodwork on decks/pool fences
• Washing and polishing the car
• Use of the washing machine one less time per week will effect a water and power saving
• Yard maintenance
• Holidays per year, taken when and where and how often.

I know some Tradies who do a few odd jobs on their day off.  If you are a bit handy imagine earning $100 a job or doing overtime would help heaps especially if it is saved for a long term goal.

Another possibility is to change focus on the initial goal by looking at houses/land out of town as a means of "getting into the market" and building up equity.