Financial Wellness Beyond the Bank Balance
It’s really important to me, as a financial coach, that this isn’t all about the money.
I’ve got big feelings about what is going on in the world, I care about where we’re headed, I would never advocate getting rich at all costs because everything is connected. What is the point of wealth if our earth is on fire?
I also want to emphasise that you do deserve wealth. Just because there are people less well off than you, does not mean you need to be scrabbling around. Whole and healthy people, with stability and hope for the future are the building blocks of a good society and community. So when I’m talking about wealth, I’m not simply talking about money as in pounds in your bank (that too!), I am also always talking about you feeling well and whole and the goodness that that creates in the world.
With that in mind, here are some:
Lifestyle and Mindset Resolutions:
1). Forgive Yourself
Seriously. Forgive yourself.
It sounds easier than it feels but carrying around shame and blame over financial stuff especially (but also life stuff) is stopping you from moving forward. Maybe you made a shit decision, spent an inheritance, got into debt, made a wrong investment, have never saved - find a way to let it go.
I’ll be following this up with some specific suggestions in this weeks newsletter, sign up here.
2). Set Up Regular Charitable Giving
Even £5 a month, given to the causes that you care about is worth it. For them and for you.
Make it automatic and Gift Aid it so it goes further.
Teach your nervous system that you are generous and that there is plenty.
3). Help Somebody Else With Their Money
Lend a book that has helped you. Share this site. Have an honest conversation. Leave a review on a financial product. You’re a part of a community and it’s right to pass on what knowledges and resources you can.
4). Support Businesses That Align With Your Values
Be it local, ethical, sustainable, small - vote with your wallet.
This may cost you more, is there a way you could pull back some spending from businesses which are less aligned? Perhaps cancel Amazon Prime, enjoy having less access to immediate satisfaction and take yourself out to a local cafe once a month instead.
It may not cost you more. Often there is very little price difference, or you get a lot more or better quality for your money but there are plenty of ways to support small businesses and ventures without money;
Sharing on social media.
Leaving good reviews.
Respect their time.
Offer a skills swap.
Sign up to the newsletter.
Refer a friend.
5). Find Ways To Enjoy Your Body
These money conversations inevitably centre around safety - what we’re talking about when we’re talking about money is really safety.
But earning more, saving more, investing more is not the only way to feel safe in this world - physically grounding yourself, letting your body know that it is safe, it can relax and it isn’t in danger can be a huge part of making your finances right.
You might find fun ways to exercise, take time to cook and bake lovely things, self care with skin care or make up, enjoy sensual time with yourself or others, volunteer, meditate - or a million other things. It’s worth doing, I promise!
You Deserve To Feel Good
We’re not here just to hoard wealth. We’re here to build a great life. Money is a part of that, of course, but it’s just a tool to help you with the more important stuff - making the most of your time here.
On Thursday we sum all of this up and think about how to make a plan to get stuff done.
Love Eleanor xxx.
