Media

We all know that money can’t buy happiness, but having a healthy relationship with it can certainly reduce stress and pave the way towards financial freedom. That’s why learning to fall in love with your money is a journey worth embarking on.

Imagine being able to look at your bank account without fear or shame, and instead feeling a sense of joy and accomplishment. That’s the power of learning how to fall in love with your money.

Don’t get me wrong—this isn’t about greed or materialism. Rather, it’s about cultivating respect for the resources you have and understanding their potential impact on your life. Here are 10 ways to do that during this change of the seasons.

 

1. Embrace the Relationship with Your Money

Simply put, your relationship with money matters. It’s not just about the amounts in your bank and financial statements, but it also has a major impact on your total well-being.

The concept might seem odd at first—associating tasks like budgeting or investing with nurturing a relationship. But when you start viewing your finances from this perspective, things begin to shift dramatically. That’s because the way we interact and think about our “money stuff” can either foster growth or lead to stagnation.

A healthy relationship requires attention and care, whether that’s with a romantic partner or between an individual and their financial responsibilities. Being present for your financial decisions is essential for establishing a fulfilling connection. Research suggests that using terms of endearment such as “money love” instead of more serious terms like “financial management” creates positivity around these often daunting tasks.

 

2. Make Your Money Matters a Priority

We all have busy lives juggling work responsibilities, family commitments, romantic relationships, and personal goals. Amidst all this chaos, how many times do we pause to reflect on where we stand financially? 

This reflection doesn’t mean simply checking your account balance. Instead, it means taking the time to understand whether or not the choices you’re making align well with your long term vision.

Treating money matters seriously means looking at them in a different way— much like prioritizing them just like you would a date night or grocery shopping, which are usually scheduled into your calendar because they hold that much importance. Studies show that when individuals prioritize their financial health along with their physical wellness, they’re much happier and less stressed.

 

3. Learn to Navigate Through Financial Ups and Downs

Let’s face it—your financial journey can feel a lot like roller coaster rides. There will be thrilling highs when you have a lot of money, but there’ll also be daunting lows at times, when money matters seem overwhelming.

The key to riding these waves is resilience. Bouncing back from setbacks rather than being defined by them is crucial in the world of finance. After all, we all stumble, but what sets us apart is how quickly we pick ourselves back up again.

 

Overcoming Money Anxiety and Shame

Certain emotions often tag along with finances. Unfortunately, anxiety and shame tend to top that list for a lot of people. These feelings aren’t uncommon, yet they’re rarely spoken about due to societal stigmas around monetary struggles.

To tackle these negative associations head-on, start by taking an honest look into your feelings without judgment or guilt. This act of self-compassion paves the way for healing while fostering healthier attitudes towards money. 

Working with a Certified Financial Therapist CFT-I™ like myself can also help you reframe your thoughts around money. Together, we’ll explore your current relationship with money so that we can develop strategies to shift away from fear-based narratives into more empowering ones that will put you on the right path towards reaching your financial goals. 

Besides mental shifts, professional guidance can offer invaluable support during challenging times, too. But remember, seeking help from a Financial Therapist shouldn’t be seen as an admission of financial failure or distress. On the contrary, it’s a forward-thinking move to take charge of your financial situation and pave the way towards financial health and stability.

Kickstart your path to enhanced financial wellness today by scheduling a free consultation with me, Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist. 

I’m committed to guiding you every step of the way on this journey.

Related: How to Give Yourself a Mid-Year Financial Review

 

 

4. Rekindle Your Romance with Money

Fostering a positive relationship with your finances can be likened to tending a garden. When you consistently nurture and care for it, the result is fruitful growth. This principle applies when dealing with money matters, too. 

The idea of associating money tasks such as reviewing bank statements or planning financial goals with positivity might seem unconventional. However, by setting aside dedicated time each week for these activities, or planning “weekly money dates,” we start reshaping our perception towards finance management.

 

Weekly Money Dates: The New Date Nights

A weekly money date isn’t about crunching numbers in an anxiety-filled environment. Instead, it’s about creating an atmosphere that encourages open conversations around monetary issues either with yourself or with your significant other. 

To make it less stressful, these dates could involve analyzing your spending habits over coffee at home or discussing long-term investment plans during dinner at your favorite restaurant.

No matter where you choose to host these meetings, the key is to foster a relaxed and open environment where financial discussions can be held without pressure, turning what could be a stressful topic into an empowering and productive conversation.

This routine not only helps you keep track of where every dollar goes, but it also makes handling your finances much more enjoyable. 

 

5. Send Love Notes to Your Bank Account

You’re probably wondering what exactly does sending love notes to one’s bank account entail? Well, no need for pen and paper here. 

This concept revolves around expressing gratitude regularly towards our existing financial status, whether it’s sufficient funds in the bank after grocery shopping or substantial savings accumulated over time due to wise decisions made on previous weekly money dates.

Expressing appreciation towards our current economic standing aids us in building fulfilling connections between ourselves and how we handle fiscal affairs, all while steering clear from any looming clouds of financial fog.

Remember that every loving gesture counts when nurturing a committed relationship, and your relationship with money is no exception.

 

6. Build Your Financial House

You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? The same logic applies to your journey towards financial independence. 

Just like constructing an architectural masterpiece requires careful planning and execution, so does building your “financial house.” This starts with understanding where you stand today.

Your current income, expenses, savings, or debt—all of these are the bricks that form the foundation of your financial structure. Of course, a strong base is essential before adding other elements such as investments or retirement plans into this equation.

 

Organizing Your Love Shack Paperwork

The first step to building a strong foundation for your financial house is getting all of your paperwork sorted out. This means organizing every document related to your money matters, from grocery shopping receipts and bank statements to utility bills and service invoices. This can be quite daunting, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.

Having everything organized will not only give you a clear picture of your financial situation, but also make it easier to track spending, spot trends, and identify areas for improvement. This helps to prevent potential “financial fog” situations by keeping things transparent and accessible at all times. Plus, when tax time rolls around, you’ll be thankful you have all your documents in order. 

 

Laying Out The Blueprint For Success

When it comes to building anything of significance, having a thorough and well-detailed blueprint is critical. This principle also applies to managing your finances. The process of crafting a comprehensive budget can act as your financial compass, guiding every decision you make about how best to utilize your resources.

This blueprint should encompass everything from short-term objectives, like saving up for those occasional flower purchases that bring joy to your day, to long-term ambitions such as investing for a secure retirement. 

The real challenge, however, lies not in setting these financial expectations and goals, but in adhering to them amidst life’s inevitable hurdles. This steadfast commitment to your financial blueprint is the true measure of success.

Related: Fostering Financial Teamwork: Discussing Back-to-School Budgeting with Your Co-Parent

 

 

7. Recognize The Role of Professionals in Your Financial Journey

When it comes to the financial houses we build, they can sometimes feel like a maze. That’s because our money matters are more than just numbers—there’s also tax laws, investment strategies, and retirement planning involved. 

If you feel confused or overwhelmed, it’s time to let financial professionals such as a certified public accountant (CPA), investment advisor, or a financial therapist step in to help. In essence, these experts play an instrumental role not only in providing technical expertise, but also in helping you stay tied to your financial goals amidst life’s chaos.

 

Navigating the Complexities of Finances: How Your Financial Therapist Can Help

Of course, financial matters can be complex, and sometimes emotionally charged. That’s where a financial therapist like me can help. With my expertise, I can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to take control of your financial life and make informed decisions.

Working together, we’ll draft a financial blueprint tailored to your unique needs and goals. This blueprint will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through short-term objectives and long-term ambitions. But this is more than just numbers and budgeting. It’s about understanding your relationship with money, identifying any financial fears or anxieties, and addressing them head-on.

The journey towards financial wellness isn’t always straightforward. Life throws curveballs, and your financial situation can change unexpectedly. As Your Financial Therapist, I’m here to provide ongoing support and guidance, helping you adjust your plans as needed and stay on track towards your goals.

Remember, you don’t have to go on this financial journey alone. Professional guidance can make a significant difference, providing clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. 

Are you ready to embark on your financial wellness journey? 

I invite you to book a free consultation with me. Together, we can lay the groundwork for a financially secure future. 

 

8. Celebrate Your Successes Along the Way

As you journey through the world of finance, celebrating the little things along the way is not just a feel-good move. Instead, it’s an essential part of reinforcing positive behavior and making money matters more enjoyable.

But what does it mean to celebrate financial success? 

Let’s break down how we can make this process rewarding without breaking our bank account or diverting from our goals.

 

Acknowledge Your Progress

The first step in celebrating successes is recognizing them. This could be anything from paying off credit card debt to increasing contributions to retirement funds to sticking to a monthly budget for consecutive months. Every achievement counts!

This acknowledgment isn’t about spending extravagantly to celebrate, but rather appreciating your hard work and dedication towards managing your money matters. 

So go ahead: treat yourself after reaching that savings goal or take an evening off when you’ve successfully cleared some debts. Your wins deserve to be celebrated!

 

9. Create Joyful Milestones in Your Financial Journey

Creating joyful milestones in your financial journey means setting and celebrating smaller, achievable goals within your larger financial plan. Each milestone acts as a stepping stone towards your ultimate financial objective, whether that’s buying a home, starting a business, or achieving a comfortable retirement.

For instance, if your goal is to save $10,000 for a down payment on a house, you could create milestones at every $2,000 saved. Each time you reach one of these milestones, take a moment to celebrate. This could be as simple as a happy dance in your living room or treating yourself to a favorite meal.

These celebrations help make the financial journey enjoyable and motivate you to keep pushing forward. They remind you that you’re making progress, even when the end goal seems far off.

Remember, the path to financial wellness isn’t about deprivation—it’s about balance. 

As you work towards your financial goals, don’t forget to celebrate your victories along the way. It makes the journey more gratifying and helps you stay motivated and focused on your objectives, especially during challenging times. 

 

 

FAQs About Falling in Love With Your Money

How to be in love with money?

To fall in love with your money, foster a healthy relationship by being present and attentive. Celebrate financial successes, learn from mistakes, and seek professional financial help to navigate complex situations.

 

What is the psychological relationship with money?

The psychological relationship with money involves our emotions, beliefs, and behaviors towards finances. It can significantly influence our spending habits and overall financial health in the long run.

 

Why do I love money so much?

If you have an intense loving relationship with money, it might reflect a desire for security or status. However, excessive focus on financial concerns and wealth may indicate unhealthy attachment patterns that could benefit from exploration.

 

Can you love someone because of money?

Loving someone solely for their wealth is superficial. It’s one of the red flags you need to avoid. True affection should stem from personal qualities rather than material possessions.

Related: 9 Ways to Save the Earth and Your Wallet

 

Conclusion

Achieving financial wellness is a journey that requires understanding, discipline, guidance, and celebration. By acknowledging your progress, setting joyful milestones, and nurturing a healthy psychological relationship with money, you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial success. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed and to take time to celebrate your successes along the way. This holistic approach to finances fosters a positive, rewarding relationship with money that not only supports your present needs but also secures your future.

You’ve taken the first steps towards financial wellness simply by reading about how to fall in love with your money. 

Why not keep the momentum going? 

Click here to book a free consultation with me, Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist. 

Together, we can dive deeper into your relationship with money, craft personalized financial strategies, and celebrate your progress along the way. 

Click here to take the next step on your path to financial wellness.

 

Related:

• How to Give Yourself a Mid-Year Financial Review
• Fostering Financial Teamwork: Discussing Back-to-School Budgeting with Your Co-Parent
• 9 Ways to Save the Earth and Your Wallet