I am a great believer that as we make changes in our lives the last thing we need is financial stress. Part of your original plan will have included the finances of making this caeeershift. And, if you are reading this whilst in the planning stage, be generous with your budgeting. Often when looking at making a change or setting up a new business the saying is to do your budget, then double it. In other words give yourself some leeway.

However we sometimes find that the timing isn't quite what we thought or it takes more money to complete. To address financial hurdles the following can help:

• Be realistic. Keep a regular check and as soon as you see things going awry stop and address them.
• Consider new options. If you feel you need a boost then consider your different options, e.g. part-time job, a loan - could be business or personal, partnership, double income strands, anything that relieves the stress.
• Restructure your timetable. Are you trying to push the change through in detriment to your finances?
• Look at your budget. How tight is it? How much are you prepared to give up to make the dream come true? Often we have a lot of extras in our budgets that may have to be put to one side for a while.
• Ask for help. Never be too proud to ask an expert for help. Often there are people with solutions that we wouldn't think of.
  

EXERCISE to help address your finances - Getting Real

1. Start by keeping a finance book. In it write down all your monthly expenses.
2. Keep a daily diary of every penny you spend, do this for two weeks.
3. Take a look at the diary - what surprises are there? Nice ones, nasty ones? What expenses could you live without?
4. With this information see if you can see now make adjustments to make your budget less stressful and more in line with your earnings.
5. Don't forget to allow a little slack, if we tie the reins too tight we will rebel, make it your new budget realistic.