Freeing Yourself From Your Financial Shackles

Julie Starr • September 10, 2020



Everyone has a financial history. A lot of us are tied down by financial relationships and parts of our history that can make it hard for us to be as conscientious with our money as possible. Here, we’re going to look at the financial shackles that bind most people today, as well as steps that you can take to get free of them. These steps are directed towards supporting financial health. We all know that so move forward sustainably, whether in business and/or our individual lives, having integrity in our finances is essential. In fact, financial independence isn’t easy to achieve and it often does involve taking on some risk, but it can be important in order to make sure you’re not beholden to financial institutions outside yourself.

Investing in yourself
 The biggest shackle that keeps most people chained down in long financial relationships that don’t work in their interest is everyone’s need to work. There is an argument to be made that the current job market is coercive by nature. This is one of the main reasons that so many people want to get away from the standard nine to five. Consider looking at your own potential to start a business and take control of both how and when you work and how you spend or invest the money that you make from your own business. This is where much of the risk of becoming financially independent truly comes from.

Making your money work for you
 One of the most important steps towards being financially free and not having to rely on any employer or other money institution is to become as self-sufficient as possible. When it comes to your finances, one of the best ways to do that is to have your money put into investments that can grow your wealth over time. If you’re solely working for the money that you own, there is a cap on how much wealth you’re able to create and earn by yourself. By learning to invest , you can instead make sure that your money is doing the work for you. Investing in the right assets can see you making returns that can even provide a living through dividends, though it can a lot of time and luck to get to that point.

Optimizing your savings rate
 Putting your money into investments is often considered the surest way to wealth, but that doesn’t mean that is where all of your earnings that aren’t spent on necessary expenses should go. Savings do not offer the same kind of potential gains as investments in most markets, but they do offer the chance to have your money slowly grow while providing some protection and liquid assets for you when you need them. Having liquid assets available means you can be more flexible to a financial crisis in your life. As such, you should start saving as soon as possible to ensure you have those protections in place and to help you take advantage of compound interest , letting your savings grow significantly larger with enough time.

Don’t let credit errors go unchecked
 Debt and credit relationships are another prime example of a long-standing financial relationship that most people do not want to be in and, sometimes, may have had no say of getting into. There are clerical errors all the time that can lead to debts and outstanding balances being assigned to the wrong person. Simple mistakes these may be, but they can have a profound impact on your financial health is not addressed. As such, it’s worth taking the time to look up your credit report and to inspect every record that appears on it. You may find that a debt has been assigned to you, or an account with a financial institution has been opened up, but you’re not really responsible for it. You can get these black marks erased from your record if you’re truly not responsible.

Can your debt be discharged?
 If you have a debt assigned to you, there are other ways to get rid of it as well. If you’re in the situation that the debt has been fraudulently assigned to you, then you should take a look at what can a secured party creditor do to help you discharge that debt. Otherwise, you may be able to have your debt reduced and discharged by negotiating the lender. For instance, you may be able to argue to pay off a lump sum reduced payment to have them take the rest of the debt off the table. In other situations, you may be able to negotiate to have the debt payments reduced and paid over a longer period of time to make it easier to keep up with payments.

Cutting up your credit cards
 Once you have your debts paid off, then it may be time to consider closing the loop on those open lines of credit entirely. A lot of people can find the temptation of an open overdraft or a credit card too hard to resist in the long-term. However, if you are going to cancel your credit cards and close open lines of credit, you have to do it with care. For instance, you should follow the point below to have financial protections in place. If you don’t have any other options, credit can be a useful tool to help you pay off sudden emergency costs, so you should ensure you have those protections so that you don’t have to rely on it. Furthermore, anticipate that closing your credit accounts could lower your credit score to some degree.

Avoiding debt in future
 Aside from the protections that we’re going to cover, there are plenty of ways to ensure your financial independence by preventing yourself from getting into debt, otherwise. For instance, one of the most valuable tools in any financially responsible individual’s arsenal is an app that can track your expenses and compare them to your planned budget. This can help ensure you don’t step over any lines that could get you into financial trouble and otherwise help you get to learn your spending habits so that you can better correct them in the future.

Consider relocating
 Geographic realities can sometimes feel as limited as financial ones. However, though they may not be easy to access, you have just as many choices revolving around your geographic situation as you do your financial one. Relocating could help you achieve financial independence all the sooner. For instance, you could move into a market where your business is better able to take off, or to a place where the costs of living are low enough that you can more easily get rid of debt and start contributing towards your savings.

Protect your finances
 As mentioned, to prevent yourself from falling into debt when an emergency cost comes your way, it’s important to have protection for your finances. Some would consider that an insurance policy is the kind of long-standing financial agreement that makes it difficult to attain financial independence, but when it comes to choosing between crippling debt and recurring insurance payments, it’s worth choosing the latter every time. Aside from figuring out which insurance policies you should be paying for , you can also put in place an emergency fund. The emergency fund has fallen out of favor lately, as a lot of people have trouble saving enough money to make one. However, if you get a windfall of cash, it’s a good way to make use of it.

While you can’t escape the financial realities of the past and how they influence you today, you can take steps to shake of the shackles that might otherwise keep you from making the proper use of your money for years to come.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.