Living Beneath Your Means
A six week course about gaining financial clarity, control and confidence – and then focusing on what really matters.
Living Beneath Your Means
Week 1: Understanding Your Financial Landscape
Key Concepts:
Assessing your current financial situation.
Understanding income and expenses.
Identifying financial goals.
Activities:
Financial Assessment Worksheet: Track all sources of income and categorize expenses.
Goal Setting Exercise: Define short-term and long-term financial goals.
Discussion: Share insights on current spending habits and financial challenges.
Goals:
Gain a clear picture of personal finances.
Set realistic and achievable financial goals.
Week 2: Budgeting Basics
Key Concepts:
Importance of budgeting.
Different budgeting methods (e.g., zero-based, envelope system).
Creating a realistic budget.
Activities:
Budget Creation: Develop a personalized budget using a chosen method.
Expense Tracking: Use an app or spreadsheet to monitor daily expenses.
Case Studies: Review successful budgeting stories and lessons learned.
Goals:
Understand the fundamentals of budgeting.
Create and start using a personal budget.
Week 3: Cutting Costs
Key Concepts:
Identifying non-essential expenses.
Strategies for reducing everyday expenses.
Benefits of minimalism and intentional spending.
Activities:
Expense Audit: Analyze and identify non-essential expenses.
Cost-Cutting Challenge: Implement at least three cost-cutting strategies (e.g., meal planning, DIY projects).
Group Discussion: Share cost-cutting successes and challenges.
Goals:
Reduce unnecessary spending.
Develop a more intentional approach to spending.
Week 4: Saving and Investing
Key Concepts:
Importance of saving and different types of savings accounts.
Introduction to investing and common investment options.
Building an emergency fund.
Activities:
Savings Plan: Create a plan to build an emergency fund and regular savings.
Investment Introduction: Learn about basic investment options and principles.
Guest Speaker: Invite a financial expert to discuss beginner-friendly investment strategies.
Goals:
Establish a solid savings habit.
Gain basic knowledge of investing.
Week 5: Sustainable Living
Key Concepts:
Benefits of living sustainably and reducing waste.
Making eco-friendly choices that save money.
Simple changes for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Activities:
Sustainable Living Audit: Identify areas to reduce waste at home.
Eco-Friendly Swaps: Make at least three eco-friendly swaps (e.g., reusable bags, energy-efficient appliances).
Sustainability Challenge: Encourage participants to share their sustainable living tips and progress.
Goals:
Develop habits that promote sustainable living.
Understand the financial benefits of eco-friendly choices.
Week 6: Long-Term Financial Health
Key Concepts:
Importance of financial planning for the future.
Strategies for debt management and avoidance.
Creating a long-term financial plan.
Activities:
Debt Management Plan: Develop a plan to pay off or manage existing debts.
Future Planning: Outline a long-term financial plan that includes retirement and major life goals.
Final Reflection: Reflect on progress made and set future financial goals.
Goals:
Create a sustainable plan for long-term financial health.
Empower participants to continue financial growth and responsibility.
A six week course about gaining financial clarity, control and confidence – and then focusing on what really matters.