We all have our own ideas of what money happiness looks like (as we should) and the amount of money that we seek certainly differs from one another too. We often times mistakenly believe how much money we have matters more than what we do with it. But once you pay your bills and put food on your table, the amount of joy you derive from your money, regardless of the amount, is determined by how you use it.
This is the best news possible in my mind. So many of us have been stuck in the mindset where we have to obtain unimaginable and impossible sums of money to be happy. But that is simply not true. You hold the key to unlocking your money happiness.
Today I have three questions that will help you not only find your money happiness, but better understand what holds you back from grabbing it. Take your time answering the questions and be honest with yourself. There is no right or wrong answer. I find that most people have some very significant money hang-ups that prevent from finding the joy in their money. Money happiness is not for the rich but for everyone. I hope you’re ready to claim it.
Some people believe money is evil or that it corrupts. But that’s not true. Money is an inanimate object. It has no mind of its own. You choose how to use it. Some people do choose to use their money in a way that harms people, but that is their choice. Whereas others use their money to uplift and do good.
The only person you have power over is yourself. How you do money is how you do life. What does how you use your money say about how you do life?
Your To Do: Take a look at how you’re currently spending your money. What does it show? Does it accurately reflect your values and the life you want to live?
This is question every single one of us needs to ask ourselves. And it’s a question you should not take lightly. How you choose to use your money has a significant impact on your life and well-being. Use your money in a manner that goes against your values will make you feel guilty. Mindless spending makes you feel empty inside. But using your money on what you want and what brings you joy is the sweet spot. Figure out what you want, then make sure your money is always working towards creating your best life.
Your To Do: Is your money working for you or are you working for your money? Lots of people have unconsciously given money their power. Take it back and determine how you want to use money. Set goals and review them regularly.
The automatic answer is yes. The reality may be much different. Inside, you may not feel worthy of your money or being happy. You may be stuck in old habits and beliefs. You may need to forgive yourself for past mistakes. You may be blocking or sabotaging your own chance at finding your money happiness.
Your To Do: These feelings are not always easy to confront, but you must. Otherwise, you will never be able to unlock your money happiness. What does money mean to you? And why? Were there specific lessons/memories/observations that led you to feel this way? What can do you to shift any limiting beliefs? Because you are worthy of happiness and have to give yourself permission to find it.
Money is just paper. We do all kinds of crazy things to obtain it. We obsess over it. We covet it. We spend, spend and spend, believing that happiness can be bought. But it can’t. There is no bottle of happiness on sale at Amazon or Target. You create your own money happiness through setting goals that align with your values. Give your money purpose and you’ll find the true pleasure and power of money.
How did you unlock your money happiness? Or what still holds you back?
The Heavy Purse Store is now open! My new downloadable Money Club Workbooks are now on sale. Each workbook provides five targeted lessons to help you raise Financially Confident Kids. Please check them out in The Heavy Purse Store.
SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
I love this post. It reinforces my believe that money is nothing more than what you make of it.
Thanks for the inspiring words!! I'm pretty certain if we all took a look around us, we would realize how blessed and fortunate we all are :)