We’ve established that I’m a little bit woo-woo. So, when I tell you that it was a good thing that my computer experienced the “white screen of death,” was out of commission, and resulted in me finding THE money book that feels like it was written for me-understand that I believe the Universe wanted me to discover this book.
I have read more personal finance books than I care to admit. These books ranged in topics from:
- Debt elimination
- Spend less, make more
- Latte factors
- Investing
- Real Estate
- Historical Money
- And the list goes on.
The thing is that I blog about money from an emotional and holistic standpoint and I didn’t realize that what has been missing from my list of books is one that connects to that mindset. I found that book last week.
Money a Love Story
By Kate Northrup. A book that connects money, emotion, and a holistic approach to budgeting. It’s a book after my heart. I love, love, love it. Did I mention that I love it? As I spend through the book I realized that I found the missing component to my money journey.
The book is basically a non-judgement guide to working through your money mindsets, shame, guilt, confusion, happiness, whatever emotion that you attach to money. I’ve long known that I have a lot emotion connected to my money and as I began working through the different exercises in the book I realized that I finally, finally was having the breakthrough needed to create a substantive change in my money landscape. As a result of this book I’ve decided to do a month long “Money Retreat” where I get in touch with my money (no, I don’t plan on rolling around in dollar bills) but I do plan on:
- Creating new money habits-Beginning with a daily money check in. I was in the habit of checking my finances a couple of times a week. I am changing this with a quick check in every morning so that I know where I stand.
- Being thankful for every debt that I have-Perhaps one of my favorite things about this book is that she considers debt/bills “Invoices for Blessings Already Received” (IBAR’s) That’s a totally different way of thinking about things. The reality is that without the debt that I’ve had has enabled me to: go to college, travel the world, help others, and more. Every time I pay an IBAR I will say “Thank you” and let go of the guilt and shame that I’ve felt about making so many money mistakes. As a result of making these mistakes I have discovered one of my life’s callings (and I plan on having more than one). I’ve discovered a passion for helping others. I want to help people take control of their financial lives and craft their best lives. And, no, I never want to be in debt again after I pay it off!
- Seek Money Making Opportunities DAILY-There are numerous, numerous ways to make money. There are also tons of businesses that are needing help…know it, and aren’t sure how to ask for it. I will be working hard to attract more money into my life.
My Month Long Money Retreat
I don’t plan on not spending money even though I will keep spending low. I just would like to spend time working on: my money mindset, meditating, exercising, hiking, biking, and yoga. Basically, I will be focusing on mindset and money related boundaries.
I don’t feel like hanging out with people, being social, or spending money. I’m just feeling very tired and wanting to get this part of my money journey done.
I will also be reading “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” As I tidy up and work on my finances I will also spend time working on Spring Cleaning and creating space in my life for good things to come in.
The Personal Finance Space
In the internet sometimes deals with absolutes. In our achievement and pursuit of debt freedom, increased earnings, and asset growth we sometimes forget that there are humans behind the numbers and decisions that have gotten us where we are today.
And perhaps that’s why I try to keep my corner in the personal finance blogosphere a place that is fairly judgment free (I’m human-I do judge sometimes!)
I am so happy that I had a chance to read this book and believe in the transformative power of literature and personal will. Have you had a chance to read Money a Love Story?
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I haven’t read the book, but it sounds interesting. I like the notion of doing things daily, rather than a couple of times a month or week. Checking in with my finances daily and especially seeking out money making opportunities daily will be a life-changer. Thanks for sharing!
I love this book! Woo-woo doesn’t work for everyone, but in this instance it has just connected with me in a profound way. I will keep you posted on how the daily money updates go.
ooooh, I will have to pick this up after I’m finished with the magic of tidying up! This book sounds amazing Michelle!!!!
I LOVE this book.