So What Is The Bottom Line On My Money?

   So after reading the first two parts of this article, we know that:

•  The way we relate to money today has much to do with the way our parents and mentors related to money.
•  In my life there was a lot of guilt surrounding money due to the struggles in my parent’s lives.

   What I will cover in this 3rd and final segment to this article is how my past influenced my relationship with money.

 Where’s My Money? – Show Me The Money!

  Looking back on my younger years, I realize that I never was able to save much money. It seemed, I would spend it just as fast as I made it. That really didn’t concern me too much because I was happy I didn’t have to ask my dad for money any longer, for the things I needed. It was very freeing for me to be able to have my own money – guilt free.

  Years would pass and I got married and a couple years later my wife and I had a son, and a few years after that a beautiful daughter. The funny thing is, as I grew older my money issues stayed the same. I worked hard, made a decent living and yet never managed to save or invest much. I always made sure my children got whatever they wanted because I was not going to subject them to the guilt that I had to go through. No Way!

 What is My Money Mindset Now?

  Even though my wife and I managed to save and invest as we matured in life, I never felt we were doing as well as we should and that always puzzled me, until I took the assessment on money at the seminar I was at. I realized it wasn’t how I valued money, and more to do with how I valued myself. The feelings of guilt I had at that young age, asking my dad for money, transpired to me feeling unworthy to having money and that is why as I grew older, I would spend money as fast as I made it.

 How Do You Change Your Money Mindset?

  The first step to any change is awareness, followed by conscious and persistent action. It is not easy to change years of bad habits and it takes much discipline. I suggest investing in yourself with reading, financial coaching and always be aware where you are financially by having a set routine and system for your finances.

 So take a close look at where you are financially and ask yourself; “am I making as much as I could?’ “Am I saving and investing as much as I could?” Am I charging my clients and customers what I am really worth?” You might find the answers to be more about you than the economy, job market, stock market and other external circumstances.

Slawek Polinski

Men of Action

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