Money Lessons of 2020

December 8, 2020 By Matt Hern

Reflecting on your experiences in 2020 what new insights or lessons do you have about the role of money in your life?

And how will you apply them in 2021 and beyond?

I’m quite fond of this story “The Great Realisation” by poet Tomfoolery, from April. Rewatching it now still chokes me up.

My experiences over the past year reinforced some philosophies I have been working hard to embrace in spite of the elements that are counter-cultural.

They all relate to my ‘money for life’ philosophy of affording a life that lights me up by getting more life out of my money. I’ve been working on it for over 20 years, and it’s a journey rather than a destination.

2020 Reflections

Quality time and connection with loved ones is precious and can suddenly disappear. I will continue to seek a harmony of trading money for time flexibility and freedom.
Mental wellbeing and financial wellbeing are intrinsically linked. Adequate contingency savings provide priceless peace of mind, even when interest rates are zero.
Mindful spending on what sparks sustainable joy rather than fleeting pleasure boosts the quality of one’s life.
I want to continue learning about voting with my wallet in alignment with my desire for sustainable and ethical consumption. It’s so complex and I have much to learn.

I’d love to hear your reflections – e-mail me and let me know.

More confident and in control

Working with Matt has changed the way I think about and behave with my money in a new and positive way.

He was thoughtful and knowledgeable in guiding me towards more healthy money habits. I now feel more confident and in control of my money, which I never thought was possible!

Highly recommended!

Melanie Robson

Navigating separation

Matt helped me chart a way through the financial implications of a difficult separation and divorce, providing insights and advice that left me better informed and feeling safer on taking confident steps through a very confusing and challenging process.

Matt’s manner is warm and supportive, able to give the straight talk and key facts but also understand the human side of struggle and insecurity.

Rocco Jarman

Working with Matt has really changed my life!

Matt made budgeting very easy to understand and offered great support as I implemented his system, providing valuable insight and advice.

The system Matt taught me has given me a new sense of clarity, freedom and confidence. I finally feel that financial management is no longer a burden.

Matt’s expert help has been money well spent!

Leah Dowsett

Made so much sense

I recently had the pleasure of listening to Matt’s presentation on budgeting. Everything Matt said made so much sense and is an excellent strategy to get anyone on the road to financial success, whatever that looks like for you.

Matt is extremely passionate about his role to help others. The ideas Matt brings to the table start from where you are and grow to wherever you want to be, at the pace that suits you and your needs.

Leanne Clark

Insightful and Engaging

Thanks Matt for your practical tips on how to manage our money in the current crisis, in fact at any time. I found it very insightful and engaging. Thoroughly enjoyed your step by step guide on how to budget, whilst still enjoying a treat occasionally!

Jennifer Noye

Insights I’d not heard before

Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and highly recommended. Your budgeting guide was put in ways that I have not seen or heard of before…[it] was great to hear. Insightful, valuable and engaging at the same time.

Tony De Abreu

Accountability without judgement was a blessing

Before we meet Matt we were living pay to pay and struggled to pay those big bills when they come in. Since taking Matt’s Budgeting Bootcamp we are finally making progress on paying those bills and other debts without the stress of living pay to pay. Matt’s Bootcamp has really made a difference. The process was smooth and his accountability without the judgement of what you spent your money on was a blessing. Thanks, Matt you have helped us get our spending life back on track.

James Bailey

We’ve turned our finances around

“Two months on from signing up with Matt, we’ve turned our finances around – not only our bank balances but also our approach to money.

We needed help to face up to how much money we were wasting on short term fun at the expense of long term goals (both fun ones like holidays and ‘un-fun’ ones like mortgage and extra super).

Matt is non-judgemental, empathic, has a great sense of humour and is like a financial therapist!

He will help you work out your financial weak spots, including the way you think about money and spending.

With Matt’s help, we feel much less stressed and more informed about money and our future decision making.”

Kylie Mathieson and Karen Jones

Secure my future and maintain an enjoyable lifestyle

“Matt has coached me towards making educated decisions that will secure my future and most importantly maintain a lifestyle that is sustainable and enjoyable!

I would highly recommend Matt, particularly for younger FIFO workers who may be just starting out!”

Tim Coogan

From uncertainty to clarity

Matt helped me go from uncertainty to clarity.

I could cover my crazy finances in the most insane economic downturn I could ever imagine.

I hold finances to be one of my highest values but was just looking forwards to make more money instead of doing the smart thing and making better plans. I was exhausted and without love for my dire situation but we managed to get me into a positive position and mindset.

Invest in your future, do the work and prosper.

Peter Schupp

Incredible

Matt’s training style is incredible and what he teaches isn’t just common sense, it’s a positive shift in thinking.

Stress and money are best of mates especially when things are tougher. Having been a part of his audience along with some colleagues I was impressed at how much I personally retained from his presentation.

I recommend Matt to my clients regularly.

Catalina Johnson

Saved my sanity

“My relationship with money has changed significantly for the better. Matt’s coaching style is personal, easy to understand, and he adapts to your needs (and very patient). I would definitely recommend Matt for coaching and speaking events – to get to the heart of the finance matter.
Thanks, Matt you saved my sanity!”

Jay Shaw

Made my life simpler, more easeful and much more abundant

Prior to working with Matt, I had always thought of myself as someone who is “not very good with money”. Though I had no debt, I felt as if I was always just scraping by and every budget I tried to create and follow eventually failed.

Choosing to work with Matt was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My financial literacy and understanding of affordability has sky-rocketed since receiving coaching from Matt and I now feel confident when I’m making financial decisions, regardless how big or small.

Matt’s unique style of providing practical budgeting and financial planning tools while also teaching and integrating behavioural science during the sessions is incredible and has meant that the plan Matt helped me create and implement one year ago is still as effective, if not more so, today.

Matt’s kind, patient and non-judgmental coaching style set’s him apart and is just one of the many reasons I recommend him to everyone I meet!

Thanks for making my life simpler, more easeful and much more abundant Matt.

Louise Macnish

More confidence

Shaina Bostin plus dog

I have always been chasing my tail continuously with my finances. Having my own business, I really needed to gain more confidence and understanding how I can be on top.
Matt was able to understand my situation and individually tailor his coaching to my needs, finishing his boot camp I feel I have the confidence to get cracking and saving. We had some good laughs too! Definitely recommend!

Shaina Bostin