When I was first approached late last year to be a blog ambassador for Febusave I was a little apprehensive. I tend to stay away from money on Polka Dot Bride (as mentioned previously) because I believe inspiration is not dependent on budget. It was like a big white elephant in the room though I know it’s an issue for so many of you and one that is swept under the carpet, or discussed heatedly.
My belief has always been that inspiration is not about the money spent, but the ideas presented and that somehow if you want a little piece of that look, translating it into your own day in a way that is comfortable for you.
Febusave is an initiative by the ANZ Bank to encourage saving. After doing research, the bank found that less than 51% of Australian women have enough savings to last three months out of work, 1 in 3 women believe they wouldn’t last longer than a month if they lost their job tomorrow and 1 in 4 women are not at all confident about their future financial security.
I know this topic isn’t going to be relevant to some of you. I know it’s a little uncomfortable (to the point I feel tense while writing this). However I am a part of Febusave because I believe in empowering not just women, but everyone in saving. In having financial plans, in talking about financials before you get married, in planning for the unexpected and expected financial hiccups, in staying in control of our own finances. I struggle with money- I am fearful of it and I am determined to change my thinking and get empowered. (My pledge is to give up snacks and treats for the month!)
I know this month of Febusave is supported by a big bank. I know it’s a corporate and they can afford to advertise instead of promoting through word of mouth. I however, am choosing to address what I believe is the bigger issue. That people (and women to be specific for this blog and this month) owe it to themselves to be empowered and knowledgeable about their hard earned money. Simply put, how much peace of mind will you have when you take control of your finances, instead of checking your account and wondering, yet again, where and on what, your money has gone? To us, it is not a question of where you spend your money (that is always an individual decision), or of not having fun with your money. It’s about not letting your money control you and planning for a robust financial future together.
We have a week of posts lined up – an interview with Antonia Kidman (the ambassador for Febusave and ANZ’s Being Money Confident program designed to empower women to be confident in issues surrounding money), posts from fun bloggers, some addressing an issue that completely frustrates me and some just purely focused on really thinking about our attitudes to money.
I hope you take some time in your busy day to read these posts (they’ll be a bit more wordy than usual!). You might find an idea that really inspires you to save, invest or free you from debt.
I liked this initiative and I actually think it is a great thing that you have been approached to be an official ambassador. That is how I actually met you and now I love your page.