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Your money story isn’t a fairytale, at least not for most of us.
It’s that story made up from the past beliefs, words and actions that you observed in others as a child.
It’s the things – albeit right or wrong – that you learned from your parents or caregivers when you were quite young.
How many of us heard the following statements from our parents growing up: “Money doesn’t grow on trees”, “Do you think I’m made of money?”, “We can’t afford it”, or, “Is there a money tree growing in the backyard?”
There are countless phrases that caregivers said to us as kids. We know them all, and those statements are part of what has created our money story and mindset around the almighty dollar.
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Understand Your Money Story
Unfortunately, most of us have negative feelings about money.
We have gathered all of the information that our family, peers, television and the media have told us about money, and it has come together into what is now more than likely a negative money mindset.
Some of our feelings may be conscious and others subconscious. But it almost doesn’t matter which they are, they need to be tackled head on if you are going to get out of debt and become financially free!
How To Change Your Money Story
If you realize that you have past beliefs that have hindered you on the road to becoming debt free, then you’re going to want to work at changing these habits and beliefs.
Failing to do so will hinder your progress or worse have you going back to old patterns of thinking and behaving. Here are my best tips to help you change your story.
1. Stop Ignoring Money and Start Paying Attention To It
Money needs to flow, and it needs to be paid attention to. If you don’t pay attention to money it will find a way to get your attention. This will show up in ways you don’t want it to because you are not giving it the respect it deserves. So stop putting your head in the sand and take a good look at your current money situation and develop a strategy to deal with it head on.
2. Develop a Budget and Stick To It
We all understand the importance of developing a budget, but many don’t follow through by sticking to the plan. Let me ask you: How do you expect to pay down your debt if you don’t have a plan? Your budget is part of that plan and a crucial part of your overall success strategy. So take pencil to paper and develop your budget now!
3. Pay Your Bills On Time, Every Time
Paying your bills on time is a major step in your money recovery plan. When you fail to pay your bills on time, you are creating the energy of lack and scarcity and that leaves you feeling powerless over money. Many of my bills are paid automatically, some manually, but I pay them at the same time each month. Find a system that works for you and your money flow and stop ignoring your bills.
4. Track Your Money Daily
You don’t need a fancy system, just paper, and pen. Put down the date and any money that was received each day. You may start out with some zeros on some days, but eventually, you will see money coming in every day! This simple system works…try it and see for yourself.
5. Find The Money Leaks In Your Life
Everybody has money leaks. It might be that you are paying for a membership that you don’t use. Maybe you’re paying someone by the hour, and they take far too long to complete a task costing you hundreds of dollars in lost cash. There are countless ways that money leaks right out of our hands and back account. Find your money leaks and plug them so that you can have more money in your life.
6. Stop Using Negative Money Language
Spending money is always a choice about what you are prioritizing and what you value. But when you say things like, “I can’t afford it” or “I don’t have the money” it tells the universe that you are not open to receive the money that it is trying to give you. These statements are constricting, limiting and are based on scarcity and lack.
Instead say things like: “I’ll save for this purchase.” Not only is the language critical but what’s behind the language; the mindset is crucial too. Start focusing on what you say and stop using language that sends the wrong message.
If you’re truly invested in changing your money story these simple but effective tips will have you rewriting your story and have you winning the debt battle and living financially free!
