How To Strengthen Your Relationship With Money

For many people improving their relationship with money is the single biggest thing that they can do to improve their financial situation. Taking the time to do this might just change your life.

Have you ever sat down and thought about your relationship with money - is it healthy or does it need some work? A bad relationship with money differs from person to person, but in general, it's when you experience a sense of powerlessness over your financial situation. Most people who have bad relationships with money feel like their money controls them, instead of them being in control. This can manifest as financial anxiety, financial shame, or other avoidant experiences. 

But it’s never too late to get your relationship back on the right track. Here are some strategies that might be useful to you in improving your relationship with money:

• Evaluate your current money relationship

The first step involves identifying what your relationship with money is like in the first place. How would you describe money? Is money your best friend or your sworn enemy? Does money make you feel safe and secure? 

If you woke up tomorrow morning and your financial situation was 10/10 how would you feel - excited, secure, happy? What difference would it make to you and your family?

Take some time to think about these questions for yourself.

• Be intentional

Being intentional with your money means you’re spending in a way that makes sense and feels good to you. 

Take a look at what you’ve spent money on the past month. Look through your credit card or bank statements. Is the way you’re spending money feel good to you? Are you spending too much on entertainment and alcohol? Are you not spending enough on self-care and personal development? 

• Track your spending

Document what you buy, where and sort them into categories to gauge your spending habits. Tracking your spending will allow you to get a clear mind on where you need to make changes. Schedule a time and a day each week to compare your actual spending against your budget to avoid overspending.

• Adjust your shopping habits

Always shop with a list, even if you are going clothes shopping. Think about what you need/want to buy before you leave the house and add it to the list. If you see anything that is not on your list and are tempted to purchase, then apply a waiting rule.

• Thing abundantly

Many of us feel lack and scarcity with money, which can lead to actions of not being able to hold onto money or being afraid to make a lot of it. Instead, spend your time thinking about abundant money thoughts. 

Here are some abundant thoughts about money:

• Money comes easily to me.
• There’s plenty of money for everyone.
• Money is available to me.

Try implementing these abundant thoughts daily. Manifesting can be so powerful.

• Set goals

It’s the same for everything, when you have a plan in place, it’s easier to get to where you’re trying to go. Instead of moving through life without a plan or strategy, you can create money goals to help you get to where you want to be in life. 

You can create money goals like:

• Save $1,000 in a savings account
• Start a side hustle for extra income
• Pay off debt by a certain date

When you set goals, keep in mind that you want them to be measurable and achievable.

Once you’ve got your goals set out in stone, you need a plan to achieve them. A good place to start is to determine how much each goal will cost and then how much time you will need to reach that goal. Not to mention, arrange your goals in terms of priority.

• Seek professional guidance

Sometimes you need a little outside help. And when you seek help from financial experts, they can guide you to make better decisions with your money.

In my Flourish & Fulfilled podcast, I share some of the tips and tricks I use when doing my budgeting. I have realised recently that it's time to get serious about where I spend my money and how I can take back control. Listen below: