Good news! Confidence is improving, according to New Zealand's largest financial institutions, The National Bank. Focusing on the positive their August 2008 business outlook commentary noted a net 21 percent, expect worse times over the year ahead, "a welcome bounce from the net 43 percent expecting tougher times last month." I'm sure Barak's win will do wonders for the financial markets.....here's hoping New Zealand benefits from a fresh change too post the election tomorrow

While times are still very tough the key to resilience both financial and personal is to maintain the hope of a better day, their economists say.

"We cannot stress the important of confidence enough. It's not the key driver of wealth, but critical for maintaining momentum. Economics and business cycles are as much about human behaviour, the feel-good factor and risk appetites - as well as the laws of supply and demand."

So if it's all a game of confidence what can you do to increase your optimism when under pressure?
Grow more financial optimism
$ Get a clear picture of what your income and expenses are
$ Prepare a financial plan
$ Work actively to regain financial control - negotiate better deals, look for ways to earn more...do what it takes to increase money coming in and reduce money going out
$ Turn to the experts and get help with your financial wellbeing
$ Prepare a budget - if you want to take control of your finances a disciplined approach is essential:
Here are a few of the many resources available:
National Bank Budget Planner- Visit www.nationalbank.co.nz to download their free financial planner

Family Budgeting services: a community collective that offers FREE advice to families and individuals throughout New Zealand/ Find one nearest you at www.familybudgeting.org.nz or call them on 0508 283438

www.sorted.co.nz: you'll find lots of great information on all aspects of money management on this financial planning website - owned and operated by the retirement commission

Speaking of retirement - yesterday I had the good fortune of meeting Mike McBeth-Thomson. Mike got so bored of retirement he jumped at the chance to meet more people and earn more money. He's now working on contract going door to door offering people like me a way to save money on their gas and power bills. Now here's a chap who's happy@work at 70! Good on Nova Gas for being an enlightened (no pun intended! employer! Mike enthusiastically posed in front of one of my paintings




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