Living without money; The final frontier in personal finance; Work/life balance; 20 ways to get what you want; Time is money

By Amanda Morrall

1) Cash free and happy as

Last year on a business trip to Wellington I stupidly forgot my wallet at home. I didn't realise it until I arrived at the airport and it was too late to go back home to retrieve it. Somehow I managed to get through the day without money. Actually, that's not entirely true. Had it not been for a friend who kindly helped me out, I'd have been hitch-hiking and dumpster diving for food. 

With preparation, I expect I could go a week without money, but 16 years? German psychologist Heide Marie Schwermer, who has done just that, puts me to shame. This Business Insider interview reveals how she's been getting by and her reasons for kissing cash goodbye.  We could all learn a few lessons from her.

2)  The final frontier

If you're a personal finance junkie like me, you'll notice there's an inordinate focus on the basics; budgeting, saving, controlling spending, changing habits and understanding your money habits. Investing is the next big leap and yet a lot of people hesitate to go there even when they're financially equipped to do so. Moneycrush.com looks at the final frontier in personal finance and offers some suggestions on how to conquer the fears.

3) Work life balance

I like the idea of work life balance but sometimes it strikes me as a bit of a myth. In an interview once with investment writer Martin Hawes he also suggested it was a bit of an overblown concept. He described work and play as seasons and said it was the rare individual would could enjoy two seasons at a time. I tend to view the work/life balance thing as an ideal or in metaphorical terms a see-saw. If you can avoid the wild bumps that throw you off and achieve a rhythmic tottering back and forth that doesn't make you ill, you'll be sweet I reckon. Just giving up on the thought that there's a perfect balance brings me peace of mind.

Mymultipleincomes.com offers some practical suggestions to balance the scales.

4) Getting your way 

Here's one to stick on the fridge: 20 ways to get what you want before you want it. Love it. The list (also from BusinessInsider.com) won't contain too many surprises but all good reminders about leading a healthy lifestyle, being grateful for what you have and also extending your thanks and appreciation to people in your life. Tick even just a few boxes a day and see what difference, if any, it makes in a week. 

5) Time is money

Yes, I know I harp on about this one but it can't be said enough: time is money and it's the one thing in life you can't get back. So in your quest for financial freedom, never lose sight of how and with whom you choose to spend your time. More on the subject from getrichslowly.org. 

Fittingly, leadership and business coach Brian Martin sent me this quote yesterday.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour.  Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time.  For the clock may soon be still."

To read other Take Fives by Amanda Morrall click here. You can also follow Amanda on Twitter @amandamorrall