With a lot of effort over the last 8 weeks, I have finally gotten rid of the COVID-19 lockdown kilos I gained just in time for my long planned year long Wealth, Weight and Wellbeing Plan which I’m starting today, Thursday 4 February 2021.

Wealth

Back in February 2019 I started an aggressive 3 year plan to attempt to discharge my mortgage and never again have to pay bank interest again.  I just completed year 2 and I’ve managed to meet my goals for the first two years.

Now for the very big last year push when I will be attempting to save even more.  In order to discharge the mortgage I’ll be attempting to live on $720 AUD a fortnight plus two expected special payments of roughly $1,000 during 2021 to ease the financial pressure.

For reference these are the current Australian Government support payments:

• Unemployment benefit per fortnight – $565.70
• Maximum age pension benefit per fortnight – $860.30

The $720 covers everything but mortgage payments whereas people living on the above Government provided amounts must also cover rent or loans as well.

Last year I attempted to live on around $800 per fortnight and it highlighted to me how hard it is to live on Government support payments.

I have detailed expenditure records from the last two years so I think it is possible but even getting close will be an achievement. 

So today I begin the first fortnight (payment on 18 February 2021) of 26 pay period with hope that a large degree of financial freedom is near, 26 fortnights to go.

Weight
I’m also decided to get serious about getting to a better weight which I have done in the past but not recently.  I’m also motivated to get both fitter and healthier before a planned 2022 The Five Stans of the Silk Road and Turkey (COVID travel restrictions allowing).

So aligning with the wealth plan I’m aiming to lose 1 kilo per fortnight.  I know that when you are very overweight that losing weight initially can be easily and then becomes very hard. 

The fortnight timeframes allow me to worry less about the daily fluctuations as long as I hit my goals.  I’d prefer to get ahead of the year end target as I know it will be very hard for the last few kilos.

At the end, if successful, I should be getting close to an okay weight range for my height and age.

Check ins
I’ll be reviewing my process at the end of each fortnight but having a bigger review, rethink and adjustment every 5 fortnights (5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25).

Conclusion
Can I be disciplined for one more year on my finances (now in the three year) and one year on my health? 

A test of willpower and being fortunate with health and no unexpected situation is ahead.  

At least I might go close by trying which by itself is worthwhile.