Big Money Changes I Made That Transformed My Finances

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Sign up for a free shortform trial and 20% discount here www.shortform.com/jessica

[@SJLacey937]

This is one of my favourite topics to discuss with other women as it’s so often just ignored. Being financially independent, understanding how to manage your own budget - these are all key to being happy and content and if your finances are out of control, it’s unbearably stressful. My main thoughts - for me, debt is only for a house, a car or an education. Anything else I will wait for and save up for. Work out your “treats” - we all need some! I never feel guilty about a lovely coffee out, although they would not be a priority for someone else. Clothes - unless it’s 10/10, don’t buy it. You will save money in the long term! Just because everyone else is doing something, it’s ok to live differently. I loved your point about being ok renting and investing money instead - we don’t have to invest in bricks and mortar! Products - use things up fully before you buy new - all shampoo or hair masks for example before you buy a new ones. If you are lucky enough to have your salary going up, try and do something with that extra money rather than it getting sucked into a more expensive lifestyle - what do you specifically want? Do you want to take an extra trip a year, do you want to start investing etc And for anyone who is really financially struggling - I have been there and it gets easier, hang in there and just do the best you can, try not to compare yourself to anyone else ❤

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

isn't it just ignored! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. The not comparing is ESSENTIAL. I love that xx

[@Dontletthemdullyoursparkle]

I love the clothes tip. Don't buy if not 10/10. I need to try and do this x

[@pippawhite5375]

I found this really interesting. I have struggled with debt my whole adult life and a lot if this was to do with being persuaded by my partner at the time to buy property in my early 20's. This was just before the recession and the relationship didn't last so I was left in a financial mess. Fast forward a couple of years and I was again persuaded to buy despite really craving the freedom of renting. Me and my husband rent now and I feel a huge relief especially with the current hike in mortgage rates. However renting has also come with huge drawbacks as we have 2 children and 2 years ago were subject to a no fault eviction because our landlord wanted to sell. The rental market is terrible and I was very concerned we would end up homeless. Now my son is in school I worry even more about the disruption it could cause if this happened again. We need a better rental market in the UK, more social housing and more protection for tenants. Not everyone wants to buy a house....it's a huge financial commitment and is not the only way to be financially responsible.

[@AlysVanS]

Sooo useful. I heard of the needs, wants, save percentages before… just set up a spreadsheet - that’s a result! Thanks for the reminder/ inspiration!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patriciateague8677]

At one point in my life I was not as responsible with credit. It wasn't terrible but just enough to be uncomfortable. I think alot of younger folks think that they will always have their jobs and as long as they make enough to pay the bills they are doing okay. I worked very hard to clear that credit card debt (even in the midst of my husband being laid off) and swore I'd never let it happen again. Now, I never charge something unless I have the money to pay the bill in full when I get it and I live within my means. I retired last year and worked hard in the years prior to save as much money as possible so I had sufficient savings to travel in retirement. So glad I prepared for every possible circumstance.

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

omg me neither! If I could afford the monthly payment I thought I could afford the thing and I ended up sooooooo deep in stress with it all. Sounds like you've made some great choices and feel much better for it which is great!

[@louiselewis7162]

Great video and love this topic! My issue is that I’m GREAT at making a budget and doing spreadsheets, but I’m terrible at sticking to them. Any ideas?!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Yep! I know that feeling soooooooo well! I think making a budget that feels exciting rather than restrictive is the key, keeping things simple and also regular check ins. Thinking about why you’re doing it and what the long term vision is - also focusing on how you want to feel. I don’t know about you but the more avoidant I am with money the more stressed I get 🙈 it’s awful. Feeling calm and in control is always worth it. Finally I’d say understanding money really helps, learning about how to budget properly etc. Knowledge is power for sure. Helpful??

[@loveconnection1118]

I really enjoyed this. I would love to see more on this topic. Hope you are well. Much love x😊

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Glad you enjoyed it! x

[@mariannadigka5609]

This was brilliant Jessica, thanks for bringing transparency on the money topic that can be a sensitive one. I’d be very much interested to have a workshop on money planning for the new year with you. Just an idea…

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

You're so welcome! I love this idea

[@oliviabermingham1419]

Love the video & all you’re videos! I know this sounds lame but would love to see a food shop/what meals you eat in france ….they french are very different shoppers to us Brits, they enjoy food markets daily! X

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

thank you Olivia! It doesn't sound lame at all. Food reallllllly isn't my strong point lol which is why I tend to skirt around it as a topic but I can definitely show you some of the gorgeous food markets they have here

[@emm9002]

Jessica can you please make a videos on how you managed to pay off your debts and how long it took you? I am in a similar situation and it is truly overwhelming

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

I can and I will. I'll talk you through the whole thing. I think it took me a couple of years max. I know that overwhelming feeling and I promise it doesn't last. It's so worth doing for the freedom on the other side. Honestly the book is AMAZING, so motivating and tells you exactly what to do step by step. Feels like he's holding your hand

[@emm9002]

Thank you so much. I've added the book to my Amazon basket. I started to work towards being debt free but I've just learned that I might have to pay back twice the amount I thought I owed and I've not slept much since so your video really gave me hope@@JessicaRoseWilliams

[@lynnoorman2144]

However, food can be split into essential and wants! Chocolate is the perfect example - none or cheap versions or top supermarket brand or luxury brand or really beautifully wrapped boutique chocolate. Bread is the same!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

So true! Meals out for me are wants. I think just having that question on your sleeve...is this a need or a want is so helpful and a great habit to get into asking yourself so you can start seeing things more clearly, but also without being too restrictive because I don't think this works. It's ok to want things too x

[@ceciliepaulsrud]

Love this video! Love that you dare to make choices from your hart and not what is expected. I find that really inspiring🙏

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Oh absolutely! I shop at Lidl and wear Celine sunglasses 😂😂 you do you…ALWAYS 💕

[@paulaschreuder1462]

Thank you for sharing your tips Jessica, it much appreciated. Do you have any apps you recommend for creating a budget? (I don’t have a computer, apart from my mobile)

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

I've tried the apps but I can't make them work for me so I've always used spreadsheets. I hear good things about You Need A Budget but I'm not sure if it's free. Maybe something in your notes app would work just as well?

[@paulaschreuder1462]

Thank you so much! I’ll take a look. 😊

[@DogMomStephanie]

Loved this. I haven’t read the book, but I do listen to his podcast. I’m newly single after 2 decades with a mortgage on my own for the first time. I love getting inspiration from videos like this. Thank you!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

You can do it!

[@aniazurek7258]

I adore everything you share! 🤍✨ including the phrase "freedom is real wealth" Congratulations on living life on your own terms! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 You inspire me

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Yes! Thank you! xx

[@larissaguy9083]

Love this topic, more of this would be great!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

thanks for letting me know. More than happy to share more on this stuff

[@caromurray6152]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m pretty money savvy, but as I’m going to be working part time from January ( my choice), feel a financial overhaul is due to prepare for a smaller income.

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

you're welcome! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it and got something out of it. Good for you for going part time by choice. I'm cheering you on 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Dontletthemdullyoursparkle]

Hi Jess. This video came at a good time. I've just upgraded my phone which i wasnt going to do but this new phone is a bit smaller and more ergonomic which swayed me. I bought it on buy now pay later and have got a cheap sim only deal but now ive got the niggle of having it to pay off in the back of my mind. Otherwise, ive just got my mortgage. I usually am good at living debt free but from time to time will use credit card or bnpl xx

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

glad it came at a good time for you. I do the same thing as you with SIM only xx

[@Dontletthemdullyoursparkle]

Yeah my mum is really good at the phone deals and she said if u buy the phone outright and get a cheap sim only it is cheaper. She's right- it is so much cheaper x

[@colleenwestbrook8848]

Is your savings and emergency fund separate? I’ve only had a savings account and if an emergency bill comes in I take it from there.

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

It is yes. Otherwise I mentally merge the two and I’m tempted to spend it. So I have an emergency fund that’s for just that - EMERGENCIES. Then I have a savings account for short term things like holidays. Long term savings are separate again. Does that make sense and help?

[@colleenwestbrook8848]

@@JessicaRoseWilliams yes it does make perfect sense. I’m a lot older and have limited funds so trying hard to be prepared for things. But not enough income to stretch due to age. But I’m still trying. 😃

[@rajinirao923]

Very helpful information:)Just curious about how easy is it to save with being self-employed or being employed in France when one gets taxed at 46%. I learned that France is one of countries that is on the list of top 10 countries in the world. Has it impacted you at all? My husband and I are relocating to France and we will eventually be self employed and we are very concerned about the tax issue. Hope it's okay to ask you that, any information will be helpful. Thanks so much!

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

glad you found it helpful. I work all my finances on %s because this is the only way I can as my income is so different month to month. This means I always save (even though the amount changes) because a certain % is always allocated to this. Does that make sense? Tax wise I'm not acclimatised to that just yet but I'll let you know. Excited for your move to France!!!

[@cece3381]

Thanks so much for this vlog. Like yourself I had a very large personal debt, which took me years to pay off and am proud I did. However, I've never taken the step of looking at the next stage. I need to write down my outgoings as I fritter money away, on honestly I don't know what and am sure could be better used elsewhere like my savings. Any tips for budget planners/expense apps etc?

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

Amazing you paid it off! Honestly I’d just recommend the book for you. It’s sooooo good and step by step in the most intrinsic detail. Like, they should teach it in schools. Planner wise i hear good things about you need a budget but I’m not sure it’s free. Check out @nischa too as she has some great videos and resources!

[@catevangelho9058]

Jessica, does it make you feel very strained to be on a strict budget? Does it take a lot of discipline for you? What is the hardest category for you to hold back spending on? Just curious as I am on a very strict budget since student loan repayments are resuming in the U.S. and it's pretty difficult for me.

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

My heart goes out to you with the US system. It’s soooo tough for you guys. So if I’m tooooooo restrictive with my budget it doesn’t work, does that make sense? Like it has to be realistic and allow for pleasure. The hardest category for me is beauty, interiors, clothes (not so much now) and travel. This is where I can go CRAZY money wise 😂 Discipline wise I’m at my best when I’m in touch with my why, like what’s important to me, what’s the big picture, why I’m doing this…then I feel much more in line with my actions. Does that help??? LOVE that we can have these conversations btw xx

[@carolineramage7480]

Have you checked out food co-ops and food banks? I swallow my pride and also eat at "soup kitchens" sometimes. You do get used to it, it takes a lot of heat off the cost of living. I also turn saving into a game, how can this cost less, or do I REALLY need this? It's amazing what I have discovered what I actually don't need. So freeing and grounding. A real reality check. Also we can't compare ourselves to others spending. They could be racking up an unholy debt for all we know. I actually think people are secretly living in debt just to "look" like they've got it together. I've found places to get free hair cuts and massages. See what Google turns up in your area. Soup kitchens are a good place to find out about free stuff. There might be budget meet up groups as well to share knowledge and friendship. All the best Caroline

[@michellebrownedigital]

This was a brilliant watch. I would love to watch a video on what and how you’ve started your investment journey if you’re willing to share? I think it’s so shrouded in mystery, especially for women😢

[@mrspinballpotter2299]

30k debt? Is this things like a car?

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

At the time I had a personal loan, student debt and credit cards

[@mrspinballpotter2299]

@@JessicaRoseWilliamsah I see. When you say 30k is sounds a lot but then the breakdown seems to make sense.

[@JessicaRoseWilliams]

@@mrspinballpotter2299 yeah it was a lot to me too lol when I wrote it all out at first