Howdy, abandoned blog. It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. As you may or may not have realised, I have been blogging less and less over the recent months. This has been a natural progression for me. Trips in the past would have been laden with travel deals, frequent blogging and all sorts of things. But this time, I’ve felt that I wanted to be out there, and not in here, and there is nothing worse or more fake than a writer who sounds fake. I just can’t write like that.

Over the past four years, blogging has taken me on a wild personal journey and I am so grateful for that.

I’ve worked through my decision to be childfree, mental health, discovered travel writing, freediving and all sorts.

I’ve connected with some beautiful people online and in person.

I’ve found my voice, authenticity and confidence through this blog.

I’ve written over 300 posts which have been read by 70,000 readers.

I hope I’ve made a difference, inspired you to think a little more deeply, travel somewhere new, or just made you laugh at my stupid cats.

For now, my energy and time is called to grow Hotels With Cats, my new business for cat people and work on a book proposal.

So I’ll be back, writing and around in some form or time, but I don’t know how or when, but at this stage I’ll be taking a break from three to six months.

In the meantime, enjoy the archives.

Childfree

Travel Tips 

Health 

You can follow what I’m doing next on my Facebook Page – Ashleigh B Mills Writer, Hotels With Cats, or my Instagram.

Much Love, Ashleigh

I’m a terrible budgeter (although I do manage to save for the things I make a priority). I’m not so good week to week. I thought it was time to get sensible about money. After hearing some recommendations online, I’ve recently devoured “The Barefoot Investor” by Scott Pape and I am super keen to start. If you’re not all over your money and it freaks you out, then I highly recommend you read it. This post isn’t sponsored by the way, just a public service announcement. Pape knows about money. He’s an independent financial advisor and knows first hand what it is like to lose everything. He watched his farm and everything he owned burn down in the Victorian bushfires. But was able to turn to his wife at the time and say “I got this”, and he had.  This is the essence of the Barefoot Investor Budget. Pape wants you to be prepared for all possible events, but wants you to have fun too. He asks that you schedule dates to see how you are tracking, and five consecutive ones to get things going. Here are the principles of a Barefoot Budget and how you should allocate your money. Let’s do it.

via GIPHY

Expenses = 60% of your income

No more than 60% of your income should be allocated to living expenses (food, accommodation bills). If you’re pushing further than this quota then its going to be hard to do anything. Pape recommends to see a financial advisor if you’re in this situation.

Splurge = 10% of your income

This is fun money. For things like pedicures, drinks at the pub or meals out. I’m pretty good at allocating this. (Too good in fact.)  Continue Reading…