ARE YOU TOO EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO YOUR MONEY? IT MIGHT BE HOLDING YOU BACK
excerpt:
YOU MAY NEED TO CONSIDER THE SOURCE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
Though anxiety around finances may not feel as debilitating as, say, a single traumatic event in our lives, carrying around constant worry over money can have a seriously negative impact on our sense of self. Psychologist Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D, says some of these attachments can be hard to shake — particularly for women. Since women still earn significantly less than their male counterparts on average, we may want to cling to what they earn more tightly. Other people may have emotional attachments to their money due to growing up in poverty, a previous job loss, or myriad other issues.
Dr. Thomas says the best way to combat emotional attachments is to address them head on. We can do it with a professional … but a friend willing to listen will also suffice in most cases. Remember too, that these issues can arise at any point in your life. “Be conscious of separating out what society or your loved ones think and feel about making and managing money, from your true beliefs. Only then can you accurately determine the place money should have in your life,” she says. “For example, if you want to be a stay-at-home mom, it is emotionally healthy and necessary to be at peace with your decision and with the concept that your partner will be the breadwinner, so that you don’t feel guilt, shame or confusion.”
Yvonne Thomas is a Therapist in Los Angeles. To read the full article “Are You Too Emotionally Attached To Your Money? It Might Be Holding You Back“, visit hermoney.com