People rank money as the single most uncomfortable topic of conversation. According to a survey published by Capital Group in 2018, of the people polled said that money was the most difficult topic to talk about. In fact, they said it is easier to talk about marriage problems, mental illness, drug addiction, race, sex, politics and religion than it is about money! It’s not surprising in a society that values independence and personal success, we know that as soon as a number is spoken, judgments will follow.
If no one is talking about money, then how do we learn about it? We may not discuss money with words, but through unspoken cues we consider it all the time. What we wear, where we shop, where we live, where we send our kids to school, what causes we support, all send messages about what we think about money.
Children pick up on these money messages at a very early age, as early as age four, and unconsciously incorporate them into their own personal money beliefs. We may have heard advice from our parents, or adults in our young years, say:
- Money doesn’t grow on trees.
- Money makes the world go round.
- Money is the root of all evil.
- A penny saved is a penny earned.
These pithy little sayings play a powerful role in shaping our money beliefs. For instance, “Money doesn’t grow on trees” may be said to encourage one to value money and not waste it. But it could also be sending a message of scarcity.
Understanding your money beliefs is critical to deciphering your money story and the current relationship you have with money.
- Your beliefs drive your thoughts,
- which drive your feelings,
- which drive your actions,
- thus creating results.
So your results are not an accident, but actually a result of your beliefs.
For instance, if you believe you are not good with money, then you likely make money decisions based on a lack of confidence, resulting in not-so-great money decisions. You are stuck in a scarcity loop, ever reinforcing itself and leading in a downward spiral.
Once you understand your money beliefs and own your money story, you can rewrite your story, take destiny into your own hands, get on the abundance loop and be mindful about your money relationship. Who doesn’t want to enjoy peace of mind and confidence with money, while making money decisions in alignment with your current beliefs and values.
Take advantage of my free questionnaire to decipher what your money relationship is today.
Let’s get you shifted from the scarcity spiral to the abundance loop today! Schedule your free 20 minute money chat today.
Linda Lingo, Financial Coach
Educating Women to Achieve Financial Freedom