Inspired Living

"Using Your Financial Past
to Build a Successful Future"

 

Many of us are unaware of our underlying beliefs and feelings about money.   They stay with us like mud on our boots from a walk in the rain.  Eventually, the mud on your boots thickens, making it very difficult to walk.  The exercise below is about uncovering the muddy money beliefs that weigh you down.  These hidden beliefs affect the way you handle and attract money and how you interact with your partner around financial issues.

Print this page off and give yourself about 30 to 45 minutes to respond to the questions below.  You might consider printing another copy for your partner to fill out as well, and then discussing your responses with each other.  Don’t spend too much time thinking about your response.  Answer with the first thoughts that come to your mind.  Think of this as a good financial housekeeping.  Once you understand the money beliefs that weigh you down, you can make a conscious decision to change them.

Questions to Consider:

1. What thoughts and beliefs come to mind when you think about money?

 

2. What memories come to mind when you recall your mother’s behavior, spending/earning habits and attitudes with money?

 

3. What memories come to mind when you recall your father's behavior, spending/earning habits and attitudes with money?

 

4. What were the dynamics between your mother and father regarding money?  How did they discuss money issues with each other?  Did they talk to you about money? 

 

5. How did your parents respond when you wanted to buy something or needed something?  How did you get the things you wanted and needed?

 

6. How would you describe your family’s financial situation when you were growing up?

 

7. Describe a few childhood memories that you have around money (that bring up a strong emotional response in you).  Describe the experience and how you felt.

 

8. Identify the messages or beliefs that you developed around money.  “These are the messages I received from my family about money:”

 

9. I reacted to my family’s money messages by: (deciding to be just like them or to never be like them).

 

10. Describe your behavior now with earning and spending money:

11. What are the connections between your parent’s behaviors and your current behavior with money?

 

12. What are the connections between how your parents’ behaved with each other around money and how you now behave with your partner (and/or friends) around money?

 

13. Three things I need to learn about money are:

 

14. I would like to handle money more this way:

15. I would like to change the specific things about my money behaviors and beliefs:

 

16. Three things I do well with my money:

 

17. In order for me to feel like I’ve made great financial progress, I would like to see the following things happen during the next year:

 

About the Author

Leslie Cunningham, CTACC, “The Financial Dating™ Expert,” has over 17 years experience as a service professional, leading groups, presenting, and helping individuals and couples achieve success.  She is dedicated to helping couples build wealthy relationships and turn their money & lifestyle stress into inspired action. 

If you liked today’s issue check out Leslie’s free articles, teleseminars, and workshops, which offer step-by-step guidance on creating wealth & closeness for couples. Learn more now at http://www.springwindcoaching.com

© 2006 Leslie D. Cunningham

Spring Wind Coaching  |  7781 Nez Perce Dr.  |  Bozeman, MT 59715  |  Phone 406-586-5561

www.springwindcoaching.com

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