Watching the rainforests in Brazil burn to the ground through human deforestation at a rate never before seen, and then more recently the same devastation happening at home in Australia on the Eastern seaboard, has got me thinking about my impact on the planet and what I can do to help.

I have never considered myself a ‘greeny’, but the older I get and the more perspective I have on life, I grow more concerned with the issues affecting the planet that our children and grandchildren will inherit.  This is such a huge topic to discuss and I feel that my short ‘Slice of Inspiration’ won’t do it the justice it deserves, but I hope it will at least exhibit the desire I have to assist the state of the planet in the little ways that I can. I have been inspired to take some action by committing to planting 15 trees every time I settle a client’s loan.

The truth is that this is a mere drop in the ocean. But it is something that is achievable for me! The average household in Australia has a carbon footprint of 15 tonnes of CO2 per annum, and 1 tree can absorb 1 tonne of CO2 in its lifetime! From this calculation, it’s obvious we need a LOT more trees and a LOT less carbon emissions per household! My small action might not be enough to stop Global Warming in its tracks, but at the very least it can help start the conversation that may inspire others to do their little bit, and many hands will make light work!

We have to work together to tackle climate change. Reducing CO2 emissions should be the first course of action.  My gesture is not a way of waving my responsibility to reduce CO2 production; it is a way for my business to give back, and I am starting by backdating the planting to every loan that has already settled this financial year.

In my last Monthly Musings Blog, I was telling you about taking a couple of slower weeks so that I could work on the business and put in place some new initiatives.  It was time well spent and I think you will start to see the improvements to my business over the coming months if you are in the process of using my services.

Anyone that knows me well would know that I am regularly looking for ways to improve myself through self development, health and fitness.  Those same people would also know that this journey is not consistent; I’ve fallen off the running wagon more regularly than I would like, committed to the 5 am club but fell one hour short for the last six months, and tried to meditate daily as part of my morning routine, but at best only completed this task three times a week.  I aim to be more consistent with everything in life, but I guess it is better to keep failing than to never try. Keeping on keeping on gives you the best opportunity to eventually succeed!

There is one thing that for the last two years has been a constant in  my life: green smoothies!  This week for the first time in those two years I am trying a new recipe to reduce my carbohydrate intake (long story, but doctor’s orders). I have made a couple of adjustments – adding in ginger and flax seeds and removing the protein powder – but this smoothie is a WINNER!  It is rich, filling, and refreshing! Why don’t you try it yourself and let me know what you think?  It’s a great way to get those vital greens and essential fats into your diet.

Have you ever wondered how you are going to fund your retirement?  Or maybe it is not you that you are worried about; maybe it’s your parents.  I had the privilege recently of meeting up with a leading expert in retirement funding, specifically focusing on Reverse Mortgages.

Before we go any further, here is a definition of what a reverse mortgage is from ASIC’s Money Smart website: