Speak Up

Silence isn’t always golden. This is a phrase I shared in 2011 on my Facebook page.

Silence- complete absence of sound (noun) google definition.

I was never one who always spoke up for myself for failure to get on someone’s bad side. All this changed after I’ve realized Silence isn’t always golden. Speaking up allows the other person to know how you’re feeling, whether you’re in agreement or not. It’s important to share your feelings without fear of the outcome.

I’ve been reading books, listening to podcasts talking to people who are very unapologetic about who they are and what they bring to the table. If you’re at a job and you have all the ideas that would make a process work and you don’t say anything, that is to your detriment. How many times have you missed an opportunity to share ideas and even get ahead in life? What has your silence done for you?

After reading the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F$@k – Mark Manson it has further cemented me to speak up or focus more directly on what makes me happy. Putting yourself first allows you to strive, to grow and achieve things that you’ve always wanted to achieve.

Whatever you do or say always focus on the bottom line YOU. Ensure that all your encounters leaves you satisfied with your response to any situation. It doesn’t happen over night it takes practice and drive. Never miss another opportunity to shine because you remained silent.

Silence isn’t always golden.

Until next post….

Dee

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Happy Birthday 🎉 – I signed up for Spanish and French Lessons-

Hello friends,

2022 is off to a great start. My word for this year is Intentional.

Intentional– according to Google -adjective – done on purpose; deliberate.

This year I want to be Intentional with everything that I want. I am going to be intentional with my job, family, my relationships and overall my goals.

I often see people sharing the amazing things they have achieved while managing their chaotic lives and frankly that’s something I’ve always admired and wanted for myself. They’ve motivated me to be my best self. I am my biggest motivator and competitor if I want it I can achieve it.

The last time I did French, was in the 8th grade, many moons ago and well Spanish was a fave of mine ,I did it up to first year of College. Last year, someone I followed on twitter , shared how they were able to learn a new language on the app Babbel and Duolingo . Both apps are available on the App and Playstore, they’re free with option to get more if you purchase plans. They’re offering crazy discounts if you sign up for a year plan. I’ve done both and so far so good and I am learning a new language.

Yesterday was my birthday 🥳 🎉🎈🎊. Every year as a gift to myself I purchase something or giveaway something special. This year I kind of went ham and got myself a new IPhone. Yep! Kind of crazy I know. I still love Android of course I still have my Samsung 6S Lite. That’s my baby ☺️. I have been ignoring the itch of getting the new IPad 9 even when Apple and all those sites kept on sending me the discount codes. I have decided that I will not be making anymore purchases for now.

They’re other goals that I would love to achieve in 2022 and beyond and managing my finances will help me to realize those dreams.

I’m excited to learn both French and Spanish. Join me on this journey. Let’s be friends and challenge each other on the respective platforms. Both offers beginner to advance levels and you can schedule your lessons depending on your daily routine. I do 10 and 15 minute sessions and I love that the app also offers practice and live sessions so that I can interact with people who are pretty much beginners.

Happy New Year 🎊

Welcome to Deetheory

Until Next Post…

Dee

Getting up Earlier (The Key to well needed ME time)

On weekends I’d rather stay in bed as long as I want to. That’s not realistic especially when you have a toddler. I’ve figured out a way to get things done so that I can have the rest of my day to myself.

I get up before everyone. Getting up earlier (5:00am) allows me the solitide I need to get things done.

I take care of the laundry, clean, and make breakfast just in time when they’re up (8:00AM)

Those 3 hours sometimes more if I’m up before 5 helps me to get through the day.

Im able to get my ME time and who doesn’t like well needed ME Time.

Until Next Post

Dee

Budgeting – 10 Tips to help you in 2021 (Blogmas Day 17)

I’m no finance guru and I won’t say I know everything but I will share with you how I managed to repay most of my debt which allowed me to move into my new apartment and hopefully soon I can say my new home. It’s easy to incur certain costs and even harder to clear up if you’re not as disciplined and intentional . Christmas is next week and I hope that you had a chance to do your Christmas shopping and were able to cop some good deals. Some people had salary cuts and some even lost their jobs. Money is tight and I want us to make the most of what we have. Covid-19 is still around and may be around for awhile so I want you to be prepared going into the new year. I want us all to review our bad money habits and make the best of 2021. I have some personal goals that I want to achieve and so far these tips have worked and I hope they will work for you too.

Let’s put a plan in place:

1. Plan Ahead : I have a pretty good idea of what my income is so it’s easier for me to plan ahead. For the person who may not know exactly what th their income is I would suggest you work with what you have currently. Planning ahead allows you to make better decisions.
2. Budget for the everything : It’s better to account for every area than to be met on with surprises and trust me you won’t like certain surprises especially when it comes to money. Budgeting for everything means you are in control of your money. There are certain things that are fixed and should always be in your budget Mortgage/Rent/Lease, Utilities, Transportation, Groceries, Medical, Savings you get the gist. For things you may not be aware of you can have a category called Miscellaneous.
3. Track your Expenses: Every single dollar counts. Knowing where your money is going helps you to make better decisions. It allows you to put your money where it is supposed to go. If you realize that you’re spending too much money on coffee for example; purchase a bottle of coffee and make your own. Making your own coffee will save you a lot . It’s way cheaper to invest in a coffee maker and get a large bottle of coffee than to hit the coffee shop ten times per day. Think about.
4. Do One Less: Earlier I mentioned coffee and they’re other things that we can do one less of or none at all. I personally had to cut down on the number of subscriptions that I was apart of monthly. Some subscriptions allows you to pause, go on every other month. Whichever you are apart of it is best to cancel or pause. This will allow flexibility with your money.
5. Set Realistic Goals : If you realize that you’re spending way more on groceries than what you actually can afford then you need to revisit your grocery budget. I would also recommend that you buy in bulk and only buy what is needed. Couponing is good, it saves you a lot, I have a friend who is awesome with couponing. She knows where all the sales are and the selected days to visit the various outlets. Doing that allows her flexibility with her money which allows her to do things she likes to do.
6. A budget is not fixed – Make Adjustments: Everything on your budget is not always fixed like the rent/mortgage. Revisit the budget as many times as you want.
7. Budget for Savings: Pay yourself first. There are many formulas out there 50/30/20 rule (applied to your net salary): 50% going to needs 30% wants and 20% savings. This particular formula I am going to try for 2021. As it suggests 50% of your salary should be going towards your needs – needs are things that are necessary for your survival (car payments , rent , mortgage, groceries etc.) 30 % wants – things you spend on that are non essential – subscriptions, date nights, gadgets. 20 % – should be allocated for savings and investments.
8. Budget for Goals – Your goals can be long term or short term. If your plan is to own a home, buy your dream car, take that vacation ; whatever it is this should be apart of your budget. Financial institutions offers clients different ways to reach their goals. It is important to set aside some money monthly, weekly if you can to meet this particular goal. It is advisable to set standing orders for your salary to be transferred into this account. This allows you comfort in knowing that the money is already allocated for and you are not tempted to use it.
9. Reward Yourself : My Grandma has a saying “encouragement sweetens labor” . It’s okay to treat yourself . One coffee at the end of the week is ok, just don’t go overboard.
10. Set Reminders : Reminders helps you to track your progress and figure out if things are going according to plan. The note app on your phone is a good place to set your budget there are also budgeting apps that can assist you along the way. I personally use my notes app as well as I have little stickers around my apartment to help me along the way. I also utilize my calendar app; setting due dates for bills especially helps to prevent late payments which attracts additional fees. Whatever works for you please utilize it, this keeps you grounded ultimately you will realize how much you are saving.

Plan Ahead

I really hope that these tips will help you to manage your money better in 2021 and beyond.

Do you Budget? What are some helpful tips for budgeting beginners? Do you have any particular saving goals?

Let’s Chat.

Until Next Post

Dee…

Six (6) Tips for a Productive Online Meeting

Work From Home started for most persons around March of this year. People have to get accustomed to this new norm of doing things Online. While I like somethings that are done online, I’m still trying to maneuver my way around online meetings. I’m not a very techy person I can help myself and I believe that there’s no problem that a Google search can’t fix.

Today, I had a very important meeting online and while most of my meetings have been via this medium I’m still trying to understand my way around things. It’s no longer sending a calendar invite to meet at a conference room or restaurant but it’s now let’s meet via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. It all boils down to preference and the platform that the organizer chooses.

business2community.com

This is not my first stint with virtual meetings but today I had several glitches I believe going forward can be alleviated.

Here are some lessons that I learnt:

1. Do a test run – Dont take it for granted that things will run smoothly. Several factors can influence how your meeting proceeds. Is your internet steady? Is your device that you’re going to connect with compatible with the platform the organizer chooses? A test run with someone using the link provided can make things a 100% better.
2. Have your material ready: It’s important that you have the information that you’ll be presenting on in one area. Create a folder with the material also have a backup copy of your presentation just in case.
3. Housekeeping: Face to Face they’re certain things that you’re not keen on doing but its sadly being done on a virtual platform. Before the start of your meeting ensure that its communicated across the board how the meeting will proceed – using the raise hand feature, muting their mics when they’re not on speaking to the group, utilizing the chat room instead of interrupting the speaker.
4. Get Help: You’re not a robot. Its ok to ask for help. Make contact with It ahead of your meeting to go through any cliches that you may experience. You can also have someone monitor the chat while the meeting is going on, as well as, admiting persons into the meeting. Trust me, things will be ran more smoothly.
5. Meeting Location: Most people have been home from early March. Working from home does have its perks as well as challenges. For a busy mom with child/ren , this could be a challenge. Your location for your meeting while you figure out your home situation is very important. If you’re not fortunate to have a home office I’d suggest your bedroom or living area. All you’ll need is a desk /iron board to rest your laptop, or tablet on facing a blank wall or curtains for backdrop. Sending your kids , pets outside or their rooms while your meeting is going on can make a world of a difference. Not everyone is as understanding as some when they hear your needy toddler asking for something.
6. Record your meetings – All protocols observed. Do record your meetings just for reviewing and information purposes only. There are always lessons to be learnt from these proceedings.

How do you manage your virtual sessions? Which platform is your favourite? Do you have any other tips for conducting online meetings?

Let’s Chat.

Until Next Post

Dee…

Catch up on my last post Blogmas Day 16