Have More Money Than Month: One Simple Shift

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to present at a wellness event on reducing financial stress. We may differ in political or religious views, but when it comes to money stress, we all share that experience, amiright?

Recently, while reviewing my credit card charges, I noticed a ~$60 purchase at Marshalls from two days earlier but couldn’t recall what I bought. I’d wager many of us have done the same. With websites saving our payment info, it’s all too easy to make impulsive purchases - sometimes with just one click. Without some intentionality in spending, even the most money-savvy among us can watch hard-earned cash slip away, leaving us wondering why there’s always more month than money.

At the wellness event, I shared the below exercise I designed around values-based spending. This is a quick and influential method to reduce money stress, simply by altering the way you spend money. When you have a couple minutes, grab a pen/paper and follow along.

Values-Based Spending Exercise

Think about the most recent money worry you experienced. Our worries are a doorway to what we value most. For example, perhaps you're worried you're not saving enough for emergencies. This may reveal that you value safety and security because a savings account would provide you with a safety net. Or perhaps you have debt you know you need to pay off - a constant source of worry - but you also want to enjoy life while you pay it off. You likely value freedom from financial burdens and the joy that money can bring into your life. 

Once you understand what you value, it's a powerful practice to set an intention for your spending. Intentions activate parts of the brain related to motivation and focus; setting them encourages purposeful choices. When you're spending your money on purpose, your stress levels drastically decrease because you've gained a sense of control.

Intention format: "I want money to… [insert what would bring you peace and fulfillment]"

Examples: 

• "I want money to be a tool for generosity"
• "I want money to help me feel secure"
• "I want money to allow more freedom in my choices"
• "I want money to allow me to spend more time with my children"

WRITE DOWN YOUR INTENTION! Put it in a prominent spot. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if what you're buying aligns with your intention. The more you practice this, the better you'll get at pausing and considering whether what you're buying is aligned with your desire to live a fulfilling and peaceful life.

Most clients come to me thinking they need to get a 2nd or 3rd job just to maintain their current standard of living. When they instead opt to align their spending to their values, life and finances become instantly simplified and more often than not, they discover they have more money than month. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how it helps you!