The new season is already off on a start with chaos and uncertainty filling the tent. Who will be the star baker? It’s uncertain and difficult to make a calculated guess until we are at least half-way through the season, and even then we get it wrong.
Come to think of it, there is much to learn about managing money and debt problems from the show. If you find yourself struggling with debt and finding new ways to manage money, the Great British Bake Off could have some handy lessons for you.
Here are 6 lessons for help with money problems and debt management we learnt from the show.
1. Your patience will pay off: Those muffins are not done yet. Stop fiddling with the oven. There are things in life where it is worth taking the time, investing your attention, and making it happen with time. Some things can’t be rushed or they fail altogether.
If you are trying to pay off debts on your credit cards, save yourself from making uninformed decisions, especially when you have little experience with them. Be prepared to deal with it without rushing into what is seemingly the quickest way. It might not be the best option for your individual circumstances.
2. Mary Berry’s recipes emphasise attention to detail, every time: what chocolate to use, when to melt it, at what temperature and how long to let it cool. Paying attention to the finer details can sometimes make all the difference in the world and help you make the right choices.
So stop, read, and use your head before getting all the credit cards in the world. Is it really what you need? Will it work for you later on?
3. The right tools/recipes matter: how else do you think a mousse fails to set or the bread fails to rise? When you have an objective it is important to start with getting the recipe/ingredients right, along with the right tools you need to deliver. This is not an amazing secret to life.
Given your personal circumstances, get the right help from someone who is well-placed to help you. Turning to the advice of a friends who know of another friends’ sister’s colleagues’ mother who managed credit card dues may not be the right advice for you. Ask yourself what you need to prepare for your situation, and get them. It’s never too late, and barley deemed unnecessary to get professional advice.
4. Paul Hollywood’s hair: Always walks into the tent looking dapper, doesn’t he? Don’t be surprised if we are to find out that a whole tub of gel goes into Paul Hollywood’s hair before each show.
Whatever may be your situation and no matter how grim the reality of it, don’t lose yourself. It’s important to stay calm, fit and happy (although difficult). But if you think about it, there is no need to worry yourself sick and add to your problems.
Do what you enjoy the most and give yourself time to flush out those (seemingly) chronic worries. You will be much better placed to deal with your debt while you’re yourself.
5. If you start something, make sure you finish it: It is easy to feel fed up or to give in to psychological easing up to credit. If you are well on your way to clearing your dues then stick to the plan. Stay determined and don’t lose focus to temptation. If you are already in debt of £3,000 and a paltry £200 won’t make it worse? Well, yes it will. Stay focused on your goals.
6. Reward yourself for being good: The Star baker gets the reward for being really good. If you have sought professional help, stuck to the plan and completed your goals with debt management, then you deserve a reward.
That’s why at Guarantor My Loan, we give you a cashback reward for timely repayment of your loan as agreed with you. Simply, and only just for being good to yourself.
Have any lessons or inspiration to share with us from your own experiences?
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