Is money a cold, hard, and purely logical aspect of your life – do you think of numbers, budgets, and financial decisions as objective and rational?
The reality is that beneath the surface, money is intertwined with your emotions.
Recognising this, and addressing the emotional side of money, is essential for your financial wellbeing and overall happiness.
Where it starts
As a kid, we started receiving pocket money – it symbolised a small step towards responsibility with household chores in exchange for pocket money, and independence with the ability to use your two bucks for a lolly. Ah, the joys of a simple life!
But over time, the paycheck increased – and money started to symbolise security, success, and maybe freedom.
It became tied to self-worth and the way we perceive ourselves in relation to others – using money to buy clothes (designer or not?), a car (new or second-hand?).
As you look back on life experiences that involved money, what emotions do you remember feeling – happiness, joy, shame, envy, anxiety, fear… maybe it’s a mix of all of them?
When emotions work against you
Fear and shame are powerful emotions associated with money.
The fear of not having enough, of being in debt, or of losing what you have. It can lead to irrational choices or, the inability to make a decision (paralysis). It can prevent us from taking necessary risks or, pursuing our dreams.
Working through financial fears is crucial to break free from their grip and achieve financial empowerment.
Shame can kick in when we compare ourselves to others and feel embarrassed about not being able to afford certain things or, live up to social expectations.
It can be isolating and prevent us from seeking help or talking openly about our financial struggles.
Creating a safe space for open conversations about money, and fostering a sense of empathy and support, can help to break the cycle and promote financial wellbeing.
Money and relationships
Have you ever had an argument with a friend or family member over money?
Sadly, money is a common point of tension and conflict in relationships. Disagreements over spending habits, differing financial goals, or unequal contributions can strain even the strongest bonds.
That’s why open and honest communication is so important.
Buy, buy, buy!
We live in a material world.
We are surrounded by constant advertisements and messages encouraging us to buy more – it’s no wonder that it's easy to fall into the trap of consumerism, and risk accumulating debt in an attempt to satisfy our never-ending ‘needs’.
A healthy relationship with money is about mindful spending, making conscious and informed decisions that align with our values and goals.
Improving financial wellbeing
Improving your financial wellbeing requires a holistic approach – we need to work on the numbers and the emotions.
Nutshell Money’s Paycheck to Purpose program does exactly that – a financial wellbeing program delivered in the workplace that supports you to:
Set meaningful goals.
Use self-reflection activities to explore your beliefs, attitudes, and emotions surrounding money.
Enhance your financial literacy, empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.
Embrace a mindful approach when making financial decisions.
Nutshell is here to help
Through group workshops, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with money – learning to use it as a tool to live a fulfilling and balanced life.
In a Nutshell, improving financial wellbeing.
If you’d like to discuss the a financial wellbeing program for your team, or community, contact Victoria Wallis-Smith, or get in touch using the link below.