Often, when one thinks about working with a psychologist, the idea of addressing one’s relationship with money might not immediately come to mind.
However, it’s a topic that affects everyone, every day. How we feel and engage with money speaks volumes about our past experiences, what our parents and grandparents went through in terms of financial abundance or lack.
It’s not just the actual money that needs to be explored, but the money as experienced. Indeed, you can have a lot of money in your account and still feel like you never have enough. Conversely, you might have little but feel it’s sufficient. You could feel that having more money is dangerous or that only “others” can have it due to family trauma.
Our relationship with money is FASCINATING to explore and understand, enabling us to free ourselves from preconceived notions and live a more peaceful and relaxed financial life.
The relationship we have with money can be intricate and profoundly influenced by our past, our family experiences, and our personal beliefs. Exploring these feelings and beliefs can be a crucial process to understand our financial behavior and work towards a healthier relationship with money:
- How do I feel when I pay my rent, buy groceries, or shop?
- It’s crucial to observe the emotions that arise when you spend money. Do you feel anxious, guilty, satisfied, or indifferent? These emotions can reveal a lot about your relationship with money.
- What do I feel when I manage my finances?
- When you handle your finances, do you experience fear related to debts, anger towards your expenses, or sadness about your financial situation? Exploring these emotions can help understand your reactions to the practical aspects of financial management.
- What have I learned about money from my paternal and maternal sides of the family?
- Attitudes towards money can be passed down through generations. Some families might have positive and encouraging beliefs about money, while others might have negative or restrictive attitudes. Reflect on what you observed in your family and how it influences your current perception of money.
- Five beliefs about money:
- Identify five beliefs you have about money. This could include ideas like “money is the root of all problems,” “you have to work hard to earn money,” or “money brings happiness.” Then, examine these beliefs closely. Are they based on real experiences or perceptions? How do these beliefs influence your financial and emotional behavior?
Exploring these questions can help you become aware of your deep emotions and beliefs about money. Once you understand these elements, you can start working on the aspects of your relationship with money that you want to improve. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of a psychologist if you feel the need to delve deeper into these questions and get professional support.
Additionally, here’s my reading recommendation to delve further into the topic:
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgane House
Happy exploring!
