Transform Your Derailing Money Behaviors

And Get Back on Track!

I’ve noticed from my own and my clients’ experiences that money has a way of showing us where and when we’re on or off track in our lives. To understand where you’re off track ask yourself questions like these: Is my credit card balance growing bigger with each passing month? Am I so frugal that I'm practically starving myself (of important necessities and healthy pleasures) just to watch my savings account grow as much as possible? Do I argue with my partner about money? Am I earning too little to take care of myself in the ways that I should? Or, am I spending money by indulging myself in the moment while neglecting to plan for the future?

Don't Opt for Quick Fixes

When we discover that we’re off track we have a tendency to opt for the quick-fix approach; in a moment of self-discipline we’ll force ourselves to sit down, pull out our checkbook, create a unrealistic budget and promise ourselves we’ll be better from now on. Or we’ll make a stern resignation not to yell at our partner when talking about money. The problem with these quick-fix approaches is they often lead us right back to where we started because they don’t address the deeper issues causing our behavior.

It’s easy to address money problems superficially, especially when there are many practical and widely-used financial tools available to us (like budgeting, tracking monthly income and expenses, calculating debt totals, etc.) Unfortunately, these tools don’t address the underlying reasons why we don’t make healthier financial choices for ourselves; what will lead us to the root of the problem is to begin to look at our money behaviors with curiosity, and see them as opportunities to learn more about ourselves.

Get To the Root of Your Money Challenges

Before you read any further, take a quick minute to think of one area around money where you’ve gotten off track. Try not to be critical of yourself when you do this; all of us, regardless of where we are in life, have room for improvement. When you have this one area in mind, ask yourself, “What is the gift in this challenge that I’m currently experiencing around money?” or, “What can I learn about myself from this challenge?” Take some time to reflect on this “gift.” Often we beat the messenger into submission before we’ve had the chance to receive the message.

If we’re spending money impulsively, perhaps our gift is learning how to nurture ourselves in ways that don’t create future financial stress. If we feel strapped for cash, and we feel bitter that we’re not making our ideal income, perhaps the gift is to learn how to become better at providing for ourselves. After you’ve explored your gift, identify one baby step you can take (something that feels both manageable and motivating) to get you back on track. Perhaps you’ve always paid late fees on your credit cards, so your baby step is to pay all your credit card bills on time next month. Maybe you spend more than you make each month, so your baby step is to spend only what you make next month. These small baby steps are small successes that will build our self-esteem and inspire us to take on bigger financial challenges.

The great thing about money is that it gives us constant opportunity for improvement, and our money successes (and failures!) can easily be measured. We know when we’re accruing debt, when we’re arguing with our partners, and when we’re spending more than we earn. Money reflects to us externally what may be going on internally. If we take the time to hear our money messages and use them as an opportunity for deeper understanding, we’ll discover our own unique path that will motivate us to stay the course.

Get Back On Track Action Step

1. If money is affecting your relationship (or if money isn’t an issue in your marriage, learn powerful strategies for making sure it never is) join me on Wednesday, June 27th for my free call “Money Harmony for Couples,” and discover how you can get back on track and build wealth while creating a rock-solid marriage. Click Here to Sign Up

2. Identify one area where you’ve gotten off-track with money.

3. Ask yourself, “What can I learn about myself from this challenge?” Then identify one baby step you can take that is both manageable and motivating to get yourself back on track.

About the Author

Leslie Cunningham, CTACC, “The Financial Dating ® Expert,” has over 17 years experience as a service professional, leading groups, presenting, and helping individuals and couples achieve success. She is dedicated to helping couples build wealthy relationships and turn their money & lifestyle stress into inspired action.

If you liked today’s issue check out Leslie’s free articles, teleseminars, and workshops, which offer step-by-step guidance on creating wealth & closeness for couples. Learn more now at http://springwindcoaching.com

Spring Wind Coaching | 7781 Nez Perce Dr. | Bozeman, MT 59715 | Phone 406-586-5561

www.springwindcoaching.com

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