Hey Sarah! Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello!! I am Sarah and I host a podcast called ‘The OneUp Project’ which is a resource of all the things we should've been taught but never were (financial literacy and self development focus). I am 21 years old and work full time in an accounting firm but spend every other moment workin' on the pod! Aside from this, you'll be most likely to catch me with friends, partying, or in bed with a full block of Whittaker's creamy caramel binging on Youtube vids, there truly is no in between lol.
Talk us through your schooling journey, uni, and what you are doing now...
So at every stage of education I stayed in Auckland where I was born, super exciting isn't it? I went to high school in West Auckland and then on to study a Bachelor of Business at AUT majoring in accounting which i enjoyed but was definitely ready to move on from. Make the most of the uni lifestyle while you have it - as hectic as it can be, i felt like I had the most freedom back then! Now I work fulltime in accounting which I slipped straight into out of university thanks to a scholarship I received in high school. Always go for scholarships, even if you don't think you'll get them (that was me). Believe in the power of selling yourself!
So, what's The OneUp Project?
The OneUp Project started as a podcast but now I feel like it is really transforming into a bit of a community. Overall, I would say it is a resource for anyone who needs a simple breakdown of vital wealth creation and self development topics e.g KiwiSaver or finding your strengths etc. It's my passion project for all the people who felt like they missed out on this information but actually were just the same as everyone else and never received it.
What was your desire to start this epic project?
Ironically, I started The OneUp Project because I was looking for something exactly like it but it was nowhere to be found. I went to a lower decile high school which, in my opinion, didn't prioritise the upskilling of its students. I did an internship halfway through uni where one of the other interns taught me about how KiwiSaver worked - I was 20 and still had no idea why I had KiwiSaver? It's just ridiculous really and I knew I wouldn't be the only one. I really do believe that becoming ‘your version of successful’ starts with the basics that so many of us weren't raised to know or taught through education.
Why is financial education important to you?
Understanding basic fundamentals of money, combined with understanding who you are, could create belief in a single person that makes them feel unstoppable. Financial education, in my opinion, is vital - not to be rich or consumed by money, but to be stress-free. I also believe there is a strong correlation between mental and financial health. Money problems are a huge contributor to stress in people's lives and most of the time it is because people feel overwhelmed with how to prioritise their income. It shouldn't be this hard! If everyone had a basic tool kit of financial literacy in their back pocket, generational change could be created where not only each individual and their families benefit, but the economy as a whole.
Juggling fulltime work and a side hustle can be a tricky one, how do you manage to do this and any tips for someone in the same boat?
Maaannn it can be! Props go out to anyone doing this. I don't earn any income from the podcast but, one day, I would like to somehow turn it into a job. The thing that keeps me going is passion. I genuinely used to hate the word passion because I didn't have one, it honestly triggered me. But what I have realised is that passion doesn't need to be in the form of a side hustle, it needs to be in the form of authenticity. Keep focusing on what is authentic to you and that is passion. Honestly don't even know if that made sense but I am rolling with it haha. Practically, find what you value the most and prioritise accordingly. No matter how busy I am, I always make time for fresh air/exercise in whatever form suits me. I value my friendships highly and always make time for them. I also value myself highly and make sure I do at least one thing a day which is for my benefit only. Sticking to what I value leaves me feeling refreshed each day and, therefore, motivated and hardly feeling overwhelmed as I have always filled the necessary cups.
Lastly, do you have a quote or saying that you live by?
I am such a quotes girl haha so this is hard but I think this one sums up a lot about who I am;
"The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort" - Billy Cox
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theoneupproject/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheOneUpProject
Listen to The OneUp Podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-oneup-project/id1489884116
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38m2cpo182bhviBCSSHYIx?si=Vdqz1CZkQmqV2uEO1o0baw
Edited by Kate Broadley:
kjmb-259@hotmail.com