Working from Home Essentials for the Financial Modeller

Over the past 7 months, I have taken my home office from being quite comfortable to being a productivity power zone.  While I will never profess that technology enables concentration (unfortunately even the best tech won't compete with my easily distractable mind sometimes!), having some great tech certainly does help to block out distractions and make my life easier. 

Below are some items that I personally own and can highly vouch for (and one I do not own but really want)!  Working from home means that we should not worry about equipment and tech issues.  While some of what I present below is best in class, there are numerous budget versions available to make your work life even easier!

Ultrawide Monitor

I don't own one of these, but anyone that follows me on Instagram knows that I really want one!  I have heard amazing reviews, specifically from financial modellers when it comes to working with large Excel workbooks. Shop Now

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I have the Sony WH-1000XM3s - although the latest version the XM4s are shown in the pic and the link.  I have the XM3s and they are incredible for blocking outside noise and distractions.  I've even recorded podcasts with them.  The sound quality is incredible, and the noise cancellation is definitely productivity enhancing. Shop Now

Precision Mouse

Logitech MX Master Mouse - I have the 2 and the 3 is out as well.  Not only is this mouse incredibly comfortable (with the much-needed horizontal scroll for financial models), but you can also customise mouse buttons.  I've customised the buttons on the side of the mouse to move up and down worksheets. Shop Now

Comfortable Keyboard

 Logitech K380 keyboard.  I have 3 computers at home and this keyboard can be linked to three devices and switches between the 3 (like the MX Master Mouse).  Compact and comfort in one easy to use device.  This paired with the MX Master mouse is a game changer! Shop Now

Customisable Lamp

A well-lit workplace has actually been found to improve the quality of your output, and your emotional wellbeing!  Do not neglect this particularly important aspect of your home office.  The lamp below has a great range of lighting options, and even a charging port for your phone.  I’ve heard some fantastic reviews for this lamp – although I have a normal switch model (albeit with a Wi-Fi enabled globe that I can change the hue of). Shop Now

HD Webcam

I've had my HD webcam for quite some time, and the feedback I’ve gotten since WFH became the norm on the quality of my video has re-enforced the message of how important a good webcam is.  When it comes to team meetings, it's not just the webcam that makes a difference.  Remember to have a neat, non-distracting background, and to look into the camera when talking to make the meeting more engaging.  I was encouraged to neaten up my background by a senior executive! Shop Now

Cell phone holder

My Instagram followers will certainly remember my Mickey Mouse phone holder – and while I bought this initially as something to make me smile. I cannot even express how useful I’ve found this.  Every single day in my office my phone is cradled in Mickey’s arms, within perfect reach and screen up showing me important notifications.  The arms even have a gap for a charging cord (which came in the box for me).  Shop Now

Wifi Mesh

Before lockdown WiFi connectivity in my house was never an issue.  Working from home, however, has made me realise that there were indeed weak spots throughout my house.  This Mesh WiFi system from TP-Link uses a system of units to achieve seamless whole-home Wi-Fi coverage — eliminate weak signal areas once and for all! Shop Now

In-Ear Wireless Buds

I often wear in ear buds when I'm on video calls and recording podcasts, especially for my YouTube channel.  I recently purchased the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live with much trepidation - would the 'beans' feel comfortable in my ears?  Well not only are they most comfortable earbuds I've ever owned, but the sounds is incredible.  I was starting to find the incessant use of in-ear buds quite irritating, while these buds have opened up a whole new world for me.  I'm not sure I can ever go back! Shop Now

Coffee Machine

Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a massive coffee fan (my wife uses the term 'coffee snob' which I find quite rude).  Nevertheless, I actually have a few coffee machines at home.  If you're serious about coffee, you will want to use beans for your coffee.  Whether you are using a hand grinder with a Delter press or a plunger (my goto for many months of this year), an automatic filter machine, or a bean to cup machine - these are my recommendations (all of which I use regularly). Shop Now - Hand Grinder Shop Now - Grinder Shop Now - Plunger Shop Now - Filter Coffee Shop Now - Bean to Cup

Ergonomic Desk Chair

I'm quite fortunate enough to have invested in an ergonomic desk chair from my entrepreneur days.  It's been incredibly comfortable and aided my long hours in front of my computer building financial models.  The chairs below are very highly rated and are worth looking at. Shop Now - Hbada Office Task Desk Chair Shop Now - NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair

Spacious Office Desk

I upgraded my desk last year, and it was one of the best decisions in terms of office management.  My new desk allows enough space for my three monitors (or soon to be ultrawide main monitor?), laptops, iPad, lamps, phone stand, speakers and a coffee cup! I have an L-shaped desk, but smaller offices can just as easily use a smaller desk. Shop Now -Mr IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk Shop Now - SHW L-Shape Corner Desk Shop Now -TOPSKY 55" Computer Desk