October Money News

Buyer’s Remorse

Have you ever spent time researching the best product and service, only to find it did not live up to your expectations?

Did you spend a significant amount of money purchasing the product and service only to find it did not work for you?

Were you disappointed to such an extent; you told everyone how poor value for money it was?

You have buyer’s remorse.

From a neuroscience perspective, buyer's remorse is rooted in the brain's decision-making processes, particularly in how it manages reward, risk, and uncertainty, so your level of remorse might be linked to your tolerance for risk and a need for control over uncertainty.

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To be able to move on quickly from feelings of regret following a purchase there are a number of strategies that can be used.

1.????? Reframe the purchase. Focus on the positives of the experience and the learning from it, this lowers activity in the amygdala which then reduces the feelings of anxiety and regret.

2.????? Focus on the long-term value. If there were no immediate rewards that you can see, it may be that there is a problem that will be solved by the purchase at some time in the future.

3.????? Stop comparing, thinking how else you could have spent the money or returning to the thoughts and feelings surrounding the purchase.

4.????? Give feedback to the practitioner or shop so that they may have the opportunity to change how they sell their services or products.

5.????? Practice gratitude for having had the opportunity and then the brain can shift from regret and anxiousness to contentment.

6.????? Accept and move on. This means not talking about it. “Never complain. Not even to yourself” Marcus Aurelius

7. Self-Compassion and Forgiveness. Remind yourself, “It’s not a massive deal that I made this purchase” Forgiving yourself can help resolve the emotional turmoil.

These are some ideas which may help you minimise the intensity of your buyer’s remorse and might help you recover quicker.

Combined, these approaches can?help regulate your brain’s emotional responses, enabling you to process regret in a healthier way.

From a money coaching point of view, if you are able to let go of the negative emotions surrounding a regretful purchase, it leaves you with the energy to welcome other more positive events or purchases in.

Wintering Well

The clocks have gone back, and the earth is tilted away from the sun, rising further south and later until the shortest day winter equinox in December.

Early agrarian societies were able to slow down as the earth rested. They used their dark evenings in winter for healing, for storytelling and for indoor crafts. As humans we have not evolved so much to be any different to these men and women and it while today’s society runs on a 24 hour clock 365 days a year, it would be beneficial for us to remember this.

So, tempting as it is to stay under the duvet with the bed heater on 3, it is better for our mental and physical health to try to embrace these darker days. Here are a few ideas, based on what works for me.

Go outside and notice. See the shapes and colours of winter. The willow trees with their bright winter branches, the ivy flowers shaped like a mandala, the smell of the mud and the feel of the cold fresh air. Even on the rubbish days, to dress up and adventure out makes the return to base all the sweeter, resilience built. The clear winter nights provide an opportunity for constellation identification. Full moon rising walks along the seafront or in the hills, I find I am out and alone. Where is everyone? Watching Strictly?

You might want to honour our pagan ancestors and take part in some rituals.

I celebrate the winter solstice with my children. Hiking into the woods in the late afternoon to light a very small fire on a very small baking tray to watch the tiny flames while we drink our hot chocolate and then feel sick playing running games.

It might be a time for reflection, for a change of diet. A diet rich in warming hearty foods and an opportunity to take up crafting, set intentions for the new year, giving thanks for the old one.

Or it might be the time to slow down. To rest, to move out of survival and into contentment, to heal. It’s up to you in the end. Maybe though I will catch you out on the next full moon. A mini adventure.

Netwalking

I have two more Netwalking sessions in Kingley Vale if you would like to join me, I will not be continuing these in the New Year. I will have undertaken 12 walks mostly in the beautiful and atmospheric ancient yew forest of Kingley Vale and it has been glorious, but my focus next year will be on my online courses and events and my membership. Join me, you would be most welcome.

To book, here is the link.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1026783486047?aff=oddtdtcreator

Festive Finance and a Happy New You

Would you like to financially Thrive in 2025?

Come and join me on 4 December for a free money workshop. I will be considering ways to make the most of your money in the festive season and beyond.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1040686690907?aff=oddtdtcreator

I am a Financial Adviser Qualified Coach and Educator, available for Financial Wellbeing Corporate workshops and one to one or couples’ money coaching.

Leading people to financial wellness through education and awareness, plugging the financial advice gap.

My expertise is personal finance, money mindset and wealth creation.

Contact me directly if you think I can help you find funds to live a generous and adventurous life.