Financial wholeness is when all 10 aspects of your financial life—budgeting, savings, debt, credit, earning, investing, insurance, net worth, financial team, and estate planning—work congruently for your greatest good, biggest benefit, and richest life. It’s a holistic approach to managing money, achievable by anyone regardless of income, age, or profession.
Understanding your financial identity helps you recognize the emotions, habits, and environmental influences shaping your money decisions. This awareness is the foundation for building financial wholeness and making intentional, positive changes to your financial habits.
Breaking negative financial habits involves acknowledging the habit, exploring its origin, and practicing new behaviors in a safe environment. For example, if you struggle with advocating for yourself financially, start with small steps like asking for extra cheese at a restaurant before moving to bigger financial negotiations.
Your financial voice is the internal dialogue you have when making money decisions. To find it, pause before each financial choice and assess your thoughts and feelings. Track whether your financial voice is positive, neutral, or negative, and work to shift it toward positivity through mindful reflection and practice.
The four categories are needs (essential for health and safety), loves (things that bring lasting joy), likes (temporary joys), and wants (no lasting joy). Prioritize spending on needs and loves, and minimize spending on likes and wants to align your money with what truly matters to you.
If expenses exceed income, prioritize a 'health and safety budget'—focusing only on essentials like food, shelter, and utilities. Temporarily delay non-essential payments and explore ways to increase income, such as learning new skills or finding side gigs, to address the underlying issue of not earning enough.
A 'squirrel-like' approach means saving aggressively during times of financial abundance, such as raises or bonuses, to prepare for financial 'winters.' Instead of spending extra income, prioritize saving for future needs or emergencies, ensuring you’re prepared when financial challenges arise.
Reframe saying no as saying yes to a bigger goal. For example, instead of declining brunch with friends, say you’re saving for a vacation. This positive language helps you stay committed to your financial goals while maintaining relationships and avoiding guilt.
Start by finding a safe environment, such as a trusted group of friends or online communities, to discuss money openly. Normalize conversations about salaries, budgets, and financial goals, and seek out accountability partners to create a supportive space for financial growth.
Financial empowerment starts with understanding your emotions and habits around money, building a strong financial foundation, and aligning your spending with your values. By practicing mindful spending, saving strategically, and fostering open money conversations, you can achieve financial wholeness and live a richer, more joyful life.
Money isn't just about numbers. It's about emotions, too. Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche's new book unpacks the relationships we all have with finances so you can make the most of your cash.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)