Chapter 32-1

"So, has everybody brought their budget along today? Don't worry if you haven't, I've got some spares and we can work out your expenses together - no judgement, just the facts." Around the board room, the young women began to pull out their notebooks, many of them looking shamefaced at the numbers on the pages. Ali's heart softened; this was the hardest part for them, but the most necessary. "I know this feels really uncomfortable, having to face your finances head on, but it all starts here. No matter how bad the numbers are written down - they'd be that bad anyway! It's just now you know about them, and we can start to do something about it. Chat with the person next to you about your budget, and I'll come around and talk with each of you." Smiling in encouragement, Ali moved to the first table and spoke with the girls seated there. Nicole was a uni student, working at MacDonald's part time; she'd signed up to Ali's free financial workshops to help her manage on a tiny income. "I wrote it all down, and I knew it would be bad, but I just don't know how I can make my money go any further!" Nicole looked close to tears, staring at the paltry figures on her page. Ali soothed her quickly. "Look, you're a student. To be honest, you're meant to be kind of broke right now! But if you can sort your budget out now, later on when you start earning a real wage, you'll be smart with your money and make it work for you. So, talk to me about these figures over here - did you realise how much you were spending on alcohol every weekend?" When Nicole was sorted, Ali looked at the other girl who reminded Ali powerfully of herself when she was Lex. Chloe was a corporate career-climber who was running the HR department of her company. She was over-stressed and under-aware of her cash flow. Ali knew that the budgeting activity was bound to hit her harder than most of the women in the group. "Hey, Chloe, do you want to show me what you've got?" Chloe slid the page over to Ali, her mouth tight. "It's stupid. The whole thing is stupid. It says I'm going backwards, but that can't be right. I'm earning more now than I was last year, so there must be a mistake." Ali scanned the sheet and shook her head gently. "This looks right, Chloe. It's just really hard to accept that we can still be broke, even when we're earning good money. It's not about how much you make - it's about how much you keep. Let's see what we can do to help you start keeping more." Ali brainstormed with Chloe, and together they worked out if Chloe paid off her credit card to save on interest, and stopped buying lunches every day, she'd actually be able to save a little. If she stopped going over her data limit on her phone every month, she'd save even more. Ali knew she was pushing it when she suggested Chloe cut back her makeup and clothing budget. One step at a time... For the next two hours, she worked with the young women to find solutions to their financial issues. There wasn't an easy fix for everyone - some people were genuine stones that she couldn't squeeze blood from - but Ali knew the life lessons the girls were learning would be impactful regardless. "It's all about accountability," she said as they were finishing up. "You can choose to hide your finances in the bottom drawer, or a cardboard box, but that won't make them go away." "That's easy for you to say," someone towards the back grumbled. "Your boyfriend is loaded." Ali smiled and tried to clarify. "It's true - there will be times in your life when it comes to money that are easier than others. But when I was in my twenties, I was earning a butt-load, and I was still broke! I had no idea how to budget or live within my means. It took a very brave man to point out the road to ruin I was merrily skipping along, and I still ignored all the warning signs until it was too late. I was bankrupt, homeless - I couldn't even afford to eat sometimes, all because I stuck my head in the sand." Staring at each of the young women in turn, she said, "Yes, Thomas and I are comfortable, but we've both been poor in the past, and we've learned from the experience. All of you are actually way ahead of me at the same age - you wouldn't be here in this room if you weren't looking for change. I can give you all the tools for a better financial life, but it's up to you what you do with them." Ali quickly recapped the lesson's highlights, then issued homework for next week - recording everything they spent. "Go on your app stores, and find a budget tracker for your phone. Most of them are free! Track every cent, ladies. When you see every little expense add up, no matter how small they may seem, it will change the way you spend money. Next week, we'll be looking at additional ways of creating income in your life - see you then!" She released the group, who filed out from the boardroom in Thomas' offices they used every week. Chloe was the first to sweep through the doors, haughty and indignant. Ali waved at her, understanding her angst. She'll still come back though. "Hey, Ali? Thanks for today." Nicole shyly smiled at her teacher. "You're welcome, lovely." Ali hugged the younger girl, trying to infuse her with warmth and hope. "It's going to get better, I promise. And remember, you are always welcome to join us at Time Break any time you need a feed, okay?" Ali and Thomas had ended up buying the café after the clientele began to mostly consist of their rag-tag band of street performers and homeless teenagers. Rather than charging a set price for the menu, now they only asked that people contribute in some way for their meals. People could help in the kitchen, prep food, clear tables, unpack deliveries or leave a donation. Some of the people they helped were now working in the kitchen side by side with the chefs, learning a trade to help them start their careers in hospitality. Ashlyn, the homeless girl Ali had met in Newcastle was now running the books for the business, and taking care of all the online marketing for Time Break. The community had rallied behind the café, and the inner-city crowds flocked to support the business every day. "Okay, thanks. That sounds great." Nicole smiled sweetly as she headed off. Ali stood and grinned after her, only turning her head slightly as warm arms slid around her waist and a smooth voice whispered in her ear, "What are you so happy about, my little bird?" She spun within the circle of Thomas' embrace, lifting her hands to rub along his square jawline. "Just that I think Riley would be perfect for Nicole, and I'm hoping she'll come for breakfast with us so she can meet him." "Riley? The street magician?" Thomas laughed and rubbed her back lovingly. "You are such a matchmaker!"