Changing Our Money Behaviours

Apr 18 / Sloan Wilkins
We all know that changing our behaviours can be hard, let alone when it comes to Money.

Achieving lasting change with our finances is a challenging journey, and the obstacles seem enormous.

We often come up against this reality when Easter rolls around and we realise that the changes we committed to on New Year’s Eve don’t seem to be happening.

It’s not a sign of failure; but it tells us something about our complex relationship with money.

Here's the information we all need to break through these barriers.

Money Psychology

Our money behaviours are deeply intertwined with our psychology. Early experiences and societal influences shape our financial mindset, leading to ingrained habits and beliefs. Our upbringing, education, and cultural surroundings also contribute to how we view and handle money. It’s not about assigning blame, but rather recognising that we can take ownership for proactively reshaping our money beliefs.

Normal is comfortable

One major obstacle to changing money behaviours is the comfort of familiarity. We tend to cling to the financial habits we're used to because they provide a sense of safety and security. Change, on the other hand, often seems scary and uncomfortable. We become creatures of habit, even if those habits aren't serving us well.

Now versus later

Another challenge we face is the conflict between instant gratification and delayed gratification. We're naturally inclined to seek immediate rewards, even when they come at the expense of long-term financial wellbeing. This struggle shows up in impulsive spending, difficulty saving, and our struggle to stick with a budget.

Goal Clarity

To overcome these challenges, it's crucial to set clear and specific financial goals. Instead of focusing solely on the surface-level numbers, like having a certain amount in the bank, delve deeper. Ask yourself what achieving these financial goals means for you and your family. How will it change your life? How will it make you feel? What possibilities will it open up? These questions help you unearth the true, burning desires that drive meaningful change.

Making change a reality

Sustainable change in money behaviours goes beyond short-term motivation. It's about making real progress toward your goals and maintaining that progress over time. To achieve this, focus on goals that truly matter to you.

The difficulty in changing our money behaviours comes down to the psychology behind our habits and acknowledging the appeal of our comfort zone. When you're clear about the significance of your financial goals, you're more likely to stay on track even through the unexpected challenges along the way. 

'Challenge the status quo to redefine your relationship with money.'

As you embark on your journey to transform your money behaviours, remember that change is possible. With clarity and a deeper understanding of your truly meaning goals, you can make real progress towards a brighter financial future. Challenge the status quo, and don't be afraid to redefine your relationship with money. It's your path to lasting financial success.
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