Don't drive miles for cheap petrol.

This photo was taken on a visit to Liverpool last year....ooh, makes you want to rush in there for some health advice doesn't it?

On the rare occasions that I visit the gym (I know, I know) I always get really miffed if I can't find a parking space close to the entrance. As if walking a few hundred yards isn't exactly what I need to do.
Are you a living bundle of contradictions? Now there's talk of reducing the price of petrol, are you tempted to drive around looking for the cheapest deal?
Do you eat ready meals while watching cookery programmes? Lie on the sofa watching a fitness video?  Slouch around wearing jogging pants and running shoes?

Well, can we suggest you sprint over to the money made clear website  for a workout that most of us could do with at this time of year. Financial fitness here we come.

We particularly like their 'Give your money a workout' article.
You can gorge on all their solid, sensible, straightforward advice  - and it won't cost you a penny.

What's stopping you?

I have written a report on the psychological barriers to financial management for AXA, based on a yougov survey.

The three main 'blockers' that people have come under the headings:

• inertia (doing nothing because of fear, indecision or the status quo bias
• ignorance (thinking things are better than they are or being baffled by jargon)
• immediate gratification (wanting rewards now instead of being able to postpone them)

If you want to read the report, with some fascinating stats too (one in ten men would rather have a minor operation than see a financial advisor) it's downloadable from our Sheconomics site.

The buzz at Birmingham

What an amazing time I had today at the Women on their Way to Wealth conference. I had such a positive response to my keynote talk from so many women and the sheer energy in the room today was palpable. I'm sure anyone looking down from outer space would have seen Birmingham glowing!

The combined wisdom, humour, creativity and vision of 150 go-getting women is a powerful force indeed. Thanks so much to Jo and Lisa at Women on their Way for putting on a really inspiring and uplifting event.

Wise words from Johanna Waagfjord, one of Iceland's top businesswomen, were "Just say Yes", reinforcing Jo's message that women are prone to overthinking and need to just take the plunge now and again.

Talking of 'plunge' I am still smiling at Jo's slip when she mentioned that she was 'hugely breast'. She meant blessed but hey, we all know about post-natal hormones and she's a wonder.

At book-signing a few different inscriptions were requested but the best one was from one woman to her friend - "JFDI" (Just f*cking do it)!

And thanks to Deb Davies for telling all mothers to say "You're on MY bus". The perfect mantra for all mums whose kids give them the run-around.

Your financial fitness regime from Simonne

I’ve just started getting into a habit of jogging most days (well – it’s only a tad faster than walking, but it’s a start!).

I’m noticing how it’s getting easier by the day and that, just by maintaining it, I’m able to stick to a level of fitness which is pretty much what I hoped I’d achieve.

It got me thinking about the similarities with getting into good money habits.

It’s just as hard getting started (all too easy to find excuses), and then keeping things up can be challenging.

But once you’ve found the right financial fitness regime I’m sure you’ll share the experience of finding it easier to maintain by the day and never having to experience the pain of getting started.

And it doesn’t have to be perfect to make it worthwhile.

So if money management is something you’re putting off, what can you do today to get started?