Money is a relationship

What is money?

If a child were to ask you the question, "What is money?" how would you respond? Is it simply small pieces of paper adorned with pictures of ex-presidents, or is it something more profound, a pursuit that defines our lives?

The term "money" holds different meanings for each individual. Economists define money as a) a store of value, b) a unit of account, and c) a medium of exchange. But for everyday people, money represents a paycheck, credit card debt, or rent payments.

However, money is never just about "money" itself. It's easy to become fixated on numbers, such as bank balances, the cost of a new dress, or the price of a plane ticket to Bali. Yet, in the end, it's not the amount we possess or lack that truly matters, but rather our emotional connection to what we do or don't have.

Money is, in fact, a relationship—a connection that cannot be quantified by the price of something or how it is paid for. If it were as simple as dollars and cents, budgeting and saving would be effortless. Yet, for all of us, money is intertwined with our upbringing, values, beliefs, and fears.

When reflecting on your own relationship with money, ask yourself: How do I treat it? Is it like a friend or an enemy? Does fear, control, or love dominate this relationship?

If fear, shame, or guilt arise as your answers, it's something we can work on together, to bring about a positive transformation.

My money coaching begins by helping you identify and understand your relationship with money, inspiring you to adopt a new mindset, and providing practical guidance to embark on your journey towards financial empowerment.