Never Worry About Money Again?!

What would it take for you to never worry about money again?

Spoiler alert: It is not a dollar amount. And it probably isn’t even possible.

But read on if you’d like to worry less about your money and focus more on what really matters.

My Mind on My Money and My Money on My Mind

You may think a specific dollar amount in your bank accounts or a particular income level will grant you peace. And in the meantime, you are doomed to endless hours of anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

What if I lose my job? What if the stock market tanks? What if, what if, what if….

I know this was my experience. I have worried about money since I was 7 years old. And I certainly worried when I was a 30 year old broke divorcee. 

But even years later, after diligently working on my finances, amassing a good enough portfolio to leave my corporate job in my 40’s  — I still worry!

The Goal Post Always Moves

Truth is, our human nature is always going to move the goal post on us. 

The bank account balance, or income level that we think will bring us comfort, creep higher the closer we get to them.

For example, if you set a goal of a million dollars to feel “secure”, when you get $999,999.00 — you’re suddenly going to decide you now need $1.2 million! It is just what happens.

It’s All Relative

Let’s say you do eventually get to $1.2 million. How will it feel?

The old you that maybe had 20 bucks in the bank, back in the day, would think the you now is rich! But will you feel rich? 

No. You probably won’t. It will feel pretty normal because you’ve inched your way there. And you will always see someone with more than you to remind you you could be richer.

But becoming extravagantly wealthy must certainly solve all money worries?! Alas, no. 

A sneaky little cognitive bias creeps in, called “loss aversion.” The only thing worse than not having money seems to be losing money once we have it.

Like Scrooge McDuck, we’re by nature, inclined to obsess over our pile of riches. At least he gets to swim in a pool of gold coins! 

So, is some relief from money worry possible? Yes. There are things within our power we can do to help.

Give Me Some Relief, Please!

Here’s a few ways to worry less about money and spend more time living a truly prosperous life:

• Become Financially Literate — without good financial literacy, it doesn’t matter how much money you have. You should be worried about it. Don’t outsource it to a financial advisor or just find a guru to follow — educate yourself!
• Don’t be stupid — have an emergency fund, diversify your portfolio, don’t marry a financially irresponsible person, have enough insurance — the basics. Remember 20% of the work often results in 80% of the intended result. Take care of these fundamentals and you will be in good shape.
• Align Your Money with Your Values — using your money to live your purpose makes spending decisions easier and more peaceful. It takes work — don’t assume you’re already doing it. Get clear on the top 3 things that are truly important to you in your life. Then earn and spend accordingly.
• Invest in Yourself — constantly be learning, growing, and seeking to add value to the world. Skills are assets as much as stocks and bonds. People with lots of know-how seem to end up financially okay!  
• Cultivate Community — people and relationships, in the end, are the only thing that matters. Money isn’t going to hold your hand on your death bed. Develop a network of people who love and care for you regardless of your bank balance. This is the true safety net of life.
• Chill the F*ck Out — things that are out of your control, don’t stress over. I know that’s easier said than done. Journal, meditate, pray, go to therapy, become a stoic philosopher, eat some edibles — whatever it takes. Life is too short to spend it worrying about things we can’t control or futures we cannot predict.

You Got What It Takes?

While a worry-free relationship with money might not be totally achievable, it is important to take steps to get your financial house in order. 

If you aren’t financially literate and living by the fundamental rules of money 101, you have good reason to worry. A bad relationship with money can truly ruin your life. 

But beyond money, it is important to focus on other, equally or even more important assets, like investing in yourself and building a community. 

The final piece of the puzzle is wisdom — learning to let go of things you can’t control. 

Do your best, don’t worry about the rest. 

Live a Life You Love

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