Today, for the first time in over 20 years … I’m breaking with tradition.
I’ve decided I’m not going to next Tuesday’s Budget lockup in Canberra.
(My editor is not amused.)
Tuesday is Daddy-day with my three-year-old, and we have a very busy day planned on the tractor, digging random holes around the farm that I will invariably forget about and end up driving my ute into.
Besides, the Budget has always been poor man’s prime-time political theatre.
The Government’s spin doctors spend months in focus groups conjuring up a catchy name for their signature splurge – which they hope will get them re-elected.
(This year it’s ‘Made in Australia’, apparently.)
Then they get turfed out, and the next mob dismantles it.
Plus, all the rosy economic forecasts they make in the Budget can’t hide the fact that many people feel like they’re living in a recession right now.
Bottom line?
Don’t look to Canberra for help – they’ve got enough problems of their own.
Instead, focus on what you can directly control, and I guarantee you’ll move mountains. That’s why this year I want to start a brand new Budget tradition. On Tuesday night I want you to dust off an old copy of my book and have a Barefoot Budget Date Night.
Yes, I know it’s probably been a while since you’ve looked at Betty the sheepdog and me, but there’s a special type of compound interest that comes from getting together to plot, plan and dream … as a team (and if you’re single, bring along a friend).
Specifically, on Tuesday night I want you to write down which Barefoot Step you’re currently on, and then pick just one thing you can do in 30 minutes or less that will help you move to the next step.
It could be sacking your scheissenhausen super fund, dominoing your debts, getting a cheaper deal on your insurance (they can do better, trust me) or, most importantly, rebalancing your bucket percentages after all the rate rises and rental increases.
Best of all, you can do it with a nice bottle of wine or a fancy meal (or both), with no Elbow or Mr Potato Head in sight. Now I haven’t passed this by a focus group, but I’m calling it … the Barefoot anti-Budget.
Tread Your Own Path!
P.S. Send a Barefoot Budget Date Night selfie to [email protected]!