Chello Saturday Savers Club! What a week, what a month! April. “April doet wat hij wil!” Certainly a phrase I can apply to all manner of things... What about you – how’s April been treating you?
It’s been both weird and wonderful on my end, it must be said. A mixed bag of experiences. Work-wise, it’s been a whirlwind – with unexpected opportunities popping up alongside some disappointments. I’m thrilled to note I got called back for a job that had initially turned me away due to visa restrictions, which has me grinning in my sleep I’m so happy - and nervous. Fitness endeavours mimic the season’s capricious nature, haha, with strides forward and stumbling blocks in equal measure. I’ve signed myself up for a half-marathon in May, which is putting me through a ringer as I’m a much better cyclist. And in the realm of personal life and travel, April has been a motley of cancellations over bouts of stormy weather and exciting adventures that include puffins and the like. Do please read my recent post on this endeavour, as it covers all manner of hidden realities – from quiet, lonely Isle’s with basking birds to initiatives against the destructive plastic nurdle.
April is certainly keeping me on my toes, reminding me that life is anything but predictable. But there is some stability in finances. I especially liked the recent Saturday Savers Club post by 
The post's emphasis on building networks and leveraging sponsorship initiatives resonated deeply with my own savings thoughts. (I followed some inspiring accounts from the Savers Chart, for example.) And describing tangible rewards through initiatives like "Savers of the Week" and EDS giveaways - as well as the introduction of 
Remember for success - Start Small, Start Today
So, without further ado, a summary!
On the 5th of April, I had was 42.238 HBD, 13.343 HIVE, 177.720 HP and 3.000 EDS. Currently, I'm sitting at 179.457 HP and 13.363 HIVE. In terms of my SSC objectives...
| Objective | Project | Goal | 04.24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | HBD | 100 | 50.129 |
| Secondary | EDSD | 100 | 3.000 |
Which means we’re halfway there with achieving my primary goal! That’s pretty cool, must be said. So I think it’s time I started focussing on my Secondary Goal and invest in some EDSD - bring that number up to par, too. As noted in my last SSC post, this month is all about focussing on savings.
“Every penny saved is a step towards financial freedom”.
I’ve actually been discussing this in quite some detail with my colleague Wietske, who is joyfully nearing the end of her pregnancy yet is visibly exhausted... Despite not having baked in some time, I’ve offered to bring over some cake this weekend to uplift her spirits. Plus, she’s just such lovely company. In moments like these, supporting each other through gestures like sharing yummy food and being a bit of a shoulder to lean on underscores the power of women helping women…
Wietske's strength and independence are quite inspiring to me - I see parallels in our lives as internationals, she being from the Netherlands. I suppose I’ve come to see the benefits of building financial stability as a foundation for self-reliance. Although Wietske is a strong, independent woman with a doting husband and wee toddler, she’s a foreigner like myself. We both look to our closest supports – we have to. Especially when you’re pregnant without the immediate support of loved ones nearby… a caring network is essential, but so is financial stability. After all, you may need to rely more heavily on paid services for assistance, such as childcare or household help. Moreover, financial stability offers peace of mind during what can be a physically and emotionally demanding time.
Anyway, I’m a while off from having children of my own – but Wietske’s situation has certainly made me reflect... Honestly, anything can put me in a self-reflective mood these days hahaha. I’m really just a grumpy crone who thinks too much. And my peers are catching on - for example, when I mentioned I liked port the other day one colleague had the nerve to tell me I was almost certainly a bespectacled old man masquerading as a young girl. But in all seriousness, like Wietske, I've chosen to live away from home - and that presents some serious challenges... which will only increase as time marches on.
Building trust and faith in oneself begins with taking control of your finances. It’s not the only thing that gives one empowerment, but it certainly helps you pursue goals and aspirations with confidence... Of course, relationships, health, personal growth, and a sense of purpose all contribute to happiness and satisfaction in life. As my dad often remarks, “life is all about finding balance.” Fulfilment in non-material things is also intrinsic.
Cheerfully ending this post with tonight’s meal: easy, affordable, plant-based and so delicious - because, why not? (Excuse the pyjamas.) The recipe is accessible here.
P.S. For those who are interested in joining, let me introduce you to the "Saturday Saver's Club": A delightful weekly gathering of individuals across the Blockchain, with the intention of uplifting each other in our savings endeavours. Intrigued? Simply note your interest in a comment on
