It has been several years since I have taken a proper holiday.
In the past, we have made frequent trips to Ireland to visit Fiona’s family, but over the last few years, the death of a loved one, COVID and my personal health have stopped us.
This year, we were gifted an opportunity to attend a wedding in Ireland. Spending time with family in a 17th century house was an opportunity too good to refuse.
The trip from Australia is long, but we made the most of it. Lots of time with family and friends. Fishing, watching the kids swim in freezing water, adventure parks, food, Guinness, pit fires, and more food.
It has reminded me what my ideal life is. It isn’t about working 40-plus hour weeks. It isn’t about worrying what our superannuation is doing. It isn’t worrying about whether the grass is mowed on Saturday or Sunday. And it certainly isn’t worrying about whether a Guinness or two will mess with my diet (the cakes have already done that!)
To me, the basics of an ideal life come down to the three F’s…I have left out the fourth F which is food!
Family and friends
Spending quality time with family and friends is everything. It could be going to a fancy wedding; a home cooked dinner; something adventurous like zip lining or going on the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe; time talking and walking on the beach; or playing games while driving.
It is only when you stop and do this that you find out more about each other and what is happening in their lives. Who knew Fiona didn’t really like cauliflower, or that there is such a term as frousins (the kids of friends who are like cousins).
Fitness
I think I am 35 but my body tells me otherwise. I would have liked to run with our 7-year-old when she did her first Parkrun in Ireland, but my body wouldn’t let me. I would have liked to be a little bit nimbler doing the obstacle course.
Leading up to this trip, I was trying to lose weight. Mildly successful, but in the end, it was a meaningless goal that was blown up by the first Guinness I had. Instead, I should have been focussing on just being more active. It didn’t even need to be running. Stretching, weights and movement are the key.
Finances
From mixing with different family and friends while we have been travelling, it has reinforced my belief that money is simple.
Money isn’t about having the biggest house, the newest car or the highest number of investment properties. It isn’t about saving $5 a month on a cheaper phone plan, chasing the latest investment trend, or squeezing every bit of juice out of the tax savings to be had through different investment structures. Instead, it is all about being able to have the available cash so you can do what you want when you want without jeopardising the future.
Sure, to be able to do this you need to watch your expenses, maximises your income, get your investments right, and have enough insurance and Wills in place. However, it is important to focus on why you do it.
In both life and business, I am going to focus on making sure everything is geared towards allowing people to live their ideal life.
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About the Author
Phil Harvey is an independent financial adviser. In 2017 Phil set up his company Construct Wealth to help clients best manage their finances so they focus on what is important to them. He is a founding member of the Profession of Independent Financial Advisers and a tax financial adviser, registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
General Advice Warning
This advice contains general information. It may not be suitable to you because it does not consider your personal circumstances. Phil Harvey and Construct Wealth are authorised representatives of Independent Financial Advisers Australia (AFSL 464629)
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