July is a great time to talk about money since it’s traditionally a vacation month. When you talk about a vacation, do you go wherever you want without worrying about money, or do you choose a trip that you don’t really want, out of fear about spending money. Did you know that studies show that your relationship with money reflects your beliefs about money? Too often, money is a source of fear, stress, anger, and discord in relationships. But money can also bring peace, joy, and contentment. Not just because of what it can buy – but how it can make you feel.
Experts say that there are two kinds of money: “Happy Money” and “Unhappy Money.” “Happy money” circulates with affection, warmth, and care. If flows into the lives of those who give and share it freely.
“Unhappy money” circulates in fear, anxiety and even despair. To determine your relationship with money, which best describes you?
- “Compulsive saver or worrier”. These folks do not enjoy spending money. They often fear being poor. They always think they need more money.
- “Compulsive spender or gambler”. These people love to spend money and are fun to be around but are careless with their cash. Often, they don’t even need what they buy. They resist boredom and money is a tool to keep life exciting.
- “Compulsive moneymaker”. Those in this category spend all their time making money, but they tell themselves they are doing it for others, not themselves. They crave attention and recognition and it’s never enough.
- “Indifferent to money”. Members of this group are usually professionals, musicians, teachers or artists. They care more about what they do more than the money it pays. They don’t think much about the money but are reasonably well-off. When they are happy, money is flowing into their life. They are also happy to give it away for a good cause.
To align yourself with the energy that makes Happy Money, practice the art of allowing money to flow in and out of your life. It’s the flow of money in and out of your life which creates long-term security.
When investing, be in for the long game so you don’t get stressed about fluctuations in the market. Invest in what aligns with your values. Be open to receiving money with joy. Fear can prevent you from enjoying your money. People aren’t confident because they are rich – they are rich because they are confident. Again, money flows in and it flows out.
Something to Think About
“Looking back on their past decisions about whether to purchase experiences, 83% of people sided with Mark Twain, reporting that their biggest single regret was one of inaction, of passing up the chance to buy an experience when the opportunity came along.” – Elizabeth Dunn, Author of Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending.
Weekly Activity
Show your gratitude when receiving money or passing it on to others. You can donate money or give money and gifts to your friends and those in need. You can tip well or pay more for something than it is worth. Rejoice and say “thank you” when you receive money and say “thank you” when you give money. Buy from the people you like and invest in your relationships; they are where your true wealth lies.
Words of Wisdom
Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give. – William A. Ward
It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. – Seneca
Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver. – Ayn Rand
Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shuts down for ten years. – Warren Buffett
Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much. – Erich Fromm
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