What is a Money Nerve? That is a term for gut-retching emotions we feel when we make impulsive or emotionally reactive money decisions. I believe that each of us wants to be successful, feel worthy about our life, and long to be financially secure. Why is it then, that the majority of us fear making money decisions? Many people feel like they are the only ones who didn’t receive guidance or “best practices” regarding personal finance. Do you feel that way? Are you ashamed of your money situation? Be assured, you are not the only one.
Have you ever gone shopping and one (or several) of your credit cards were declined? Do you remember how that felt? Were you embarrassed as other shoppers witnessed your shame? Did you have to leave your purchase at the checkout stand? Did your heart begin to pound? And did you feel the heat rise up in your face? That visceral physical reaction is your Money Nerve.
Here’s another example: Maybe your company recently downsized, and you meant to start an emergency fund. But, life is busy and you just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Now, your rent and other bills are due… Subsequently, you have little income, so you will be short on cash for the next month or two. Having fears about staying afloat can create a sense of panic. You may feel like you can’t breath or sick to your stomach. In addition to your fear, you may also be angry at yourself and begin to berate yourself for being so stupid. Again, painful emotional reactions revolving around your financial challenges create the resulting anxiety, fear, self hate and nausea. This is your Money Nerve.
What Triggers Your Money Nerve?
Your Money Nerve flares up whenever your money choices create emotional havoc and distress. If paying your bills each month brings consistent stress and shame, it is time to face your financial fears. Where did you learn your money habits? Are your choices making life better? Do you know how much money you really have and what you are actually spending? If you don’t know the answer to those questions, you can build a new financial path by being honest with yourself and developing a healthy relationship with money.
Instead of reacting with an automatic emotional response when faced with a financial challenge, learn how to harness your thoughts and create actions to ease your Money Nerve.
As a CPA, I have listened to hundred of clients share their money stories, ask for advice on best financial practices, and try to keep their financial life as smooth as possible. Does everyone made a mistake here and there? Yes! We are all in the same boat. My intention is to assist you to become aware of your emotional triggers, share tools to for you to visualize new options, as well as help you set thoughtful intentions before spending your hard-earned money.
The benefits of controlling how and when to spend your money include peace of mind, calculated monthly expenditures and the freedom to make conscious choices. You can cultivate a life of proactive abundance.
Being Aware of Your Money Nerve
The #MoneyNerve concept is a stepping-stone to understanding different aspects of your life. It is about reprogramming your brain with a new perspective. Your current decision-making might be from when you were seven years old. Old family habits or mindsets may not be serving you today.
It is time to explore beliefs. Your mind is a powerful tool to initiate life changes. Just as a pebble can change the water with ripples that extend far beyond our vision, mental fortitude combined with baby steps create new pathways for successful outcomes.
By becoming aware of YOUR money nerve, you have now regained the power to make bold and positive life-changing shifts for creating more financially successful outcomes. It’s time for you to enjoy your money — After all, your earned it!
If you liked this post, check out our Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom.
