The Difference Between Banks and Credit Unions
Here are some pointers for where to start to build some resilience into your personal finances:
1. Draw up a written record of your income and all your outgoings.
2. Keep this up to date on a month by month basis.
3. If you have a bank account, reconcile your bank statements with your financial records each month.
4. If your outgoings are greater than your income, don’t just sigh and ignore the situation. You need to act! (
5. If you want to invest or borrow money, consider the ethics and sustainablilty credentials of any bank or other organisation you approach.
6. Remember that the money that flows through your possession is a means to an end – a tool. The energy you give it depends on your attitude towards matters financial. Make sure that energy is in alignment with your values.
If you like the idea of using a credit union rather than a bank, you can find out more and locate a credit union near you (if you live in the UK that is) here:
http://www.abcul.org/page/members.cfm
This site seeks to explore the heart and soul of downshifting to a more sustainable, ethical and holistic way of living and working, in keeping with the needs of the planet, humanity as a whole and ourselves as individuals. 
Good post, Sally. It all sounds very simple, doesn’t it, but I know that when I slip and don’t do the recording and reconciling, I feel much more anxious and out of control.
I love the video you found as well.
And finally, the new haircut is great!!
Thanks, Tess, for your encouraging comments.
Losing control of one’s financial situation is, apparently, the greatest cause of anxiety amongst downshifters. Also, I would say it’s the biggest fear that I’ve had to face too in my downshifting journey, together with the feelings of insecurity that arise in tandem with that.
It can be very liberating to be able to let go of all that “hanging on” that happens when we feel insecure and I’ve found that those simple strategies I’ve mentioned in the post help with that.
Glad you like the haircut. I’m finding it a bit cold round my neck on chillier days like today – great for the summer though!