Categories: linguistics, life
Date: 24 July 2009 10:03:30
I feel like a toff saying this, but I had a preliminary meeting with a Financial Planner today. I am guessing it is not as uncommon as I may think, but it has never featured in my universe --thinking they were for the very well off or those at least with some money and a sense of direction in life.
I was at another bank to the one my accounts are with, as I am considering a change, and they asked afterwards if I was interested in a Home Loan [clearly not knowing my current savings level!] I said 'No thanks' and went off to have a coffee while on a phone conference [I had some time in lieu; but this meeting was important] before I went to my bank to pick up a new debit card. After the phone conference I thought: 'Actually, I want to get my finances in some form of order. And perhaps some extra superannuation saving is not too bad an idea. And, I could consider some saving, not just for my beloved holidays, to plan for, perhaps, leaving work to pursue a as-yet-unknown dream in several years. [Not forever: no way do I have that money: and I'd be bored if I did not work. Just to give me time off, if needed, to change.] Perhaps I'll go back, as they seemed personable, and ask.' So ask I did. And got a meeting there and then.
I was very impressed: not as dramatic as I thought in the sense of overwhelming options and finance talk and other things. A very friendly lady [important to me: I wanted someone I 'clicked' with] who simply asked about where I was at and where I wanted to be, and gave me some general advice about this and that. She made it all seem rather easy - even for someone like me who may only have some vague ideas about next week let alone next decade! I have my first proper [i.e. paying] meeting next Friday. We shall see how it goes.
'Strike while the iron's hot' I say. It has been on my mind since I came back -- tax time here: financial year runs from July to June; and I have been reviewing some contracts I am in, where direct debits come out, and wondering, 'Why do I still have this? Or why is, for example, my phone plan at this level when I barely use half?' Strange how regular, and automated, payments just become natural: well, at least for me.
I also enquired about a 16 week Arabic course starting in 2 weeks at a nearby TAFE [vocational tertiary education college]. I would like to get back into it. It may be strange that after stopping one study I pick up another: but languages are a love of mine and a joy -- and I want to do something I want to do for the next few months. Also enquiring about the possibility of volunteering at a Migrant Education Centre, as well as helping out at our parish a bit more: I should start thinking about my Librarian role I accepted before I went away [and which will start when the current librarian returns from a break].
The near future seems that bit more exciting for me. And I feel, inside, so much better. I still get stressed, still have too short a temper at times, still let my anxieties take hold now and again. But there is also a sense of peace, however small, and a sense that I am setting down a path which will be exciting. Thanks and praise be to God.
I'll return you to Georgia soon, fear not; my inner self-indulgence is at an end for a while [I think :) ].