What pictures form in your mind when I mention the word money? What song? What feeling? What phrase?
I always think of the song in Cabaret ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’ from my Performing Art student days when we used it in an exam piece. I personally also feel fear. But why Fear? I’ve actually spent the last ear really focusing on money and clearing any blocks I have, limiting beliefs, stories. Do you know yours?
Hopefully by now you will have seen the Wellness Wheel from my previous article but if not, let me just quickly summarise. The wheel contains 8 different dimensions that contribute to your overall feeling of wellness. They include, Emotional, Occupational, Physical, Intellectual, Social, Environment, Spiritual and last but not least, Financial.
This month I’d like to focus on Financial with you because let’s face it, it’s probably not something you expect to see mentioned in a Wellness Wheel. So how financially well are you?
What does that even mean you might ask?
The reality is, if you are not comfortable with your finances it can affect your stress levels, relationships if you have differing opinions on money, where you live, how you socialise…. I could go on and on.
Here are some common phrases you may have been heard through your life:
Money doesn’t grow on trees
Pennies make pounds
Money can’t buy happiness
Money is the root of all evil
You have to spend money to make money
Rich people get richer and poor people get poorer
What about beliefs?
Artists are poor and you don’t make money when you are creative
You have to work really hard to make money
Rich people are ruthless
People will resent me if I make money
I am bad with money
If I make money, I will have to work really hard and won’t have balance in my life
This is a very small glimpse into what might be playing on your mind when it comes to money and with a new year upon us, wouldn’t it be good to clear that away and find out what may be blocking you from earning your true potential?
Maybe you are wealthy but have hit an ‘upper limit’ problem – meaning that you have reached a ceiling in your earnings. There still could be some blocks that need clearing, unfortunately they keep rearing their ugly heads over the years but do get smaller and become more infrequent.
So, what have I done this year to help with mine?
I took part in a money bootcamp with Denise DT.
I have had Kinesiology to clear the energy blocks in my body.
I read the Barefoot investor (good for starting out with finances). Another book I recommend is The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks if you feel you have hit your ‘upper limit’ or need to find out what that even is. In fact, I’ve read a lot of books, not necessarily focused on money but certainly on learning about yourself.
I started listening to my husband and not getting defensive when we talked about money. He is very good at saving and investing and I should listen to his advice and understand how he manages it rather than getting flustered when he brings up the subject.
What are my recommendations to get you back on track?
Declutter and Organise
Do you have unused bank accounts? Close them.
Do you keep on top of your accounts? I use xero for business and make sure I regularly balance the books.
File paperwork around finances and make you shred anything un-necessary.
Pay any unpaid bills and feel grateful that you have the money to pay for them and also grateful for what you are paying for, whether its electricity to turn on your lights or maybe it’s a service that’s been provided to you.
Do you have vouchers unused or cheques not cashed?
Do you know your monthly outgoings? Make sure you know what you spend your money on monthly and check if there is anything you can delete. For example, payments for unused apps, memberships etc
Celebrate
Do you celebrate the money you make when it comes into your account? Start noticing it, maybe record it somewhere visual and feel grateful.
Respect
When you buy something, or someone buys something for you do you really respect and value the purchase? Are you taking it for granted?
Are you respecting yourself and your value? Or are you giving away time for free or undervaluing yourself.
Seek help or talk about it
I find that money is often a topic that we ‘shouldn’t talk about’. The fact is that money buys our food, clothes on our back, brings shelter, communication with others across the globe. We need it. Money alone does not buy happiness, but it helps when you feel financially secure, are not worried about bills, buying food or worrying if your credit card is going to be declined.
So, let’s talk about it!
If you need more help getting organised you can seek out a financial expert or accountant, maybe you just need to have a calm, open conversation with your partner, friends or family members who may have grown up with very different beliefs around money. Maybe you just need to read a book about it and refocus a little, or maybe you feel like there might be some big blocks that need clearing.
Wherever you are at in your money relationship remember, it’s not dirty, it’s real. It can help people and provide you with exciting experiences, daily security and warmth and finally the ability to grow.
