It’s attributed to Einstein, but it doesn’t matter who said it, it holds true: “The first sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result.”

Nothing meaningful changes unless we change our approach and our methodology to solve the problem we wish to address. Everyone can be better at managing their money and this series will give you the tools to help you.

Altering a destructive habit is one of the most difficult things for us to do, which is why just a few days into 2024, most of us have already abandoned our new years’ resolutions.

Most of us fail because we have not adequately thought through what we want to achieve. Finding that “why” makes the difference between success and failure when trying something new.

My mate Bryan woke up one morning five years ago, bloated, lethargic, and feeling sorry for himself. His long-neglected bathroom scale rolled well past 120kg confirming that he needed to take back control of his life.

Even though he knew he was harming himself, it was the realisation that he would probably not live to see his pre-teen boys reach adulthood if he carried on the way he was, was his real motivation.

He took professional advice, roped in his wife and boys, and set about transforming his habits. As the weight came off, he was able to become more active and began to enjoy the process. Gradually the cravings that governed his old life were replaced with the cravings of his new habits. He lost more than 30kg, became fitter than he had been in 20 years and his entire family dynamic shifted into a more positive place. He now better regulates his consumption and maintains a healthy exercise regime.

It took self-discipline and focus as well as the support of those closest to him to achieve his goal. It struck a chord as I read James Clear’s best-seller Atomic Habits during 2023, and I was inspired to create an offering that could help you take back control of your money. By dealing with the money aspects of your life, you will also see the benefits play out in other areas.

So, if you are going to do just one thing this year, join Independent Financial Adviser Warren Ingram and I weekly for The Financial Freedom Pod.

A new easy-to-follow weekly programme to help you shift your financial habits.

Clear talks about 4 things, he calls them the “laws” you can use to establish new habits:

1) make it obvious
2) make it attractive
3) make it easy
4) make it satisfying to do.

Using those laws as a framework, we aim to give you the best chance of success when looking to take control of your money.

We will help you, so that you can see just how rewarding the changes will be. If you feel in better control of your finances, you will feel able to enjoy other aspects of your life.

Help us help you and anyone you care about as we help you transform your money habits.

One step at a time.