Here’s how I feel about money: triggered. Money is a thing I dread and desire in equal measures. Most of my life decisions are centered around my finances: Is it okay to splurge on an expensive meal? How long do I need to save to afford a vacation? Will I end up broke if I quit my job without another offer in hand? I’m aware of how angsty money makes me feel. But that doesn’t make those feelings any easier to work through. Our emotions about money usually have deep roots in our past — and provide clues about our hopes, fears, and aspirations. Paying attention to these feelings may not sound easy (or fun) but I can tell you from experience, it’s worth it. Over the years, replacing my fear with curiosity has helped me separate my emotions from my actual financial situation. If I’m having a hard time spending money on myself, for instance, I ask myself why. It’s likely a sign that I’m stressed about something in a different area of my life. Instead of beating myself up about my financial situation, I try to focus on what’s triggering the stress — and work through that. Building a healthy relationship with money takes time, effort, and patience, but you can get there. Here are a few articles that have helped me dig deeper into my relationship with money and make clear-headed (and smarter) financial decisions. Recommended Reads Want to Start Saving? Follow this Game Plan. by Tori Dunlap In this video, entrepreneur and finance educator Tori Dunlap lays out which financial goals to prioritize first to best leverage your investment of time and money. Making Smart Investments: A Beginner’s Guide by Matthew Blume What’s better than saving? Investing! Here are a few simple strategies to help you get started. Why Are We So Emotional about Money? by Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar In this interview, financial expert Ramit Sethi says that anything important in our lives can feel emotional — including money. The key is to learn how to manage your feelings in a productive way. 5 Easy Ways to Be in Control of Your Finances by Kiara Taylor Are you constantly stressed about your finances? Same. There are, however, ways to cope. Does More Money Really Make Us More Happy? by Elizabeth Dunn and Chris Courtney Turns out, earning lots of money will not inevitably increase your happiness. Instead, how you spend, save, and think about money shapes how much joy you get from it. Like what you see? This article is adapted from our weekly newsletter.
