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How to Redefine Our Relationship with Money
Julie Murphy • August 1, 2023
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Have you ever looked around and seen people trudging through their daily lives, looking utterly miserable? I'm talking about those folks stepping off the train with expressions of pure drudgery, like they've been punched in the face. It's a common sight during my morning drive to work in downtown Chicago. And you know what? It makes me incredibly grateful for the financial healing and harmony I've experienced in my own life.
Let me take you back to 1995 when I was a new insurance and investment broker. Back then, I felt like money ruled my world. Every aspect of my life revolved around financial commitments, and it was exhausting. I was stuck in the rat race, constantly striving to make ends meet. From groceries to rent and even treating my friends, money seemed to dictate my every move. On top of that, I felt the responsibility of supporting my eleven siblings. It was overwhelming, and I had unknowingly given away all my personal power to money.
But you know what? I was lucky to have a mentor, who played a significant role in my journey to financial healing. Whenever he saw me wearing a look of despair, he would call me into his office and ask, "Okay, Murph, what's up?" I couldn't hide my inner turmoil, and tears of frustration would often flow. But he had a unique way of putting things into perspective. He once remarked, jokingly, that my student loans were like a pimple on an elephant's ass. I thought he was nuts at first, but his comment eventually became a source of inspiration for me. It made me realize that maybe things weren't as bad as I thought and that there was more to life than just work and money.
Growing up in a large family of eleven siblings in a working-class suburb of Chicago also shaped my relationship with money. We didn't have much, and I had to work from a young age to help support my family. But it also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of choices. I realized that money provided opportunities and choices in life, and I wanted to break free from the cycle of scarcity.
One thing that became clear to me early on was that I had a talent for sales. I excelled at connecting with people and selling products effortlessly. It was through these experiences that I understood the power of my own abilities and how they could help me achieve my goals. But despite making money, I struggled with managing it. It seemed to slip through my fingers, and I never had any savings. There was an underlying emotional component to my relationship with money that needed healing.
As part of my journey to financial healing, I began exploring my patterns and behaviors around money. I realized that some of them were healthy and helped me achieve my goals, while others were less constructive and caused havoc in my relationships. It was essential for me to recognize these patterns without judgment and understand how they influenced my financial decisions.
I encourage you to do the same. Take a moment to reflect on a recent success or acquisition in your life. How did you attain it? What emotions and behaviors accompanied the process? Did you approach it with a sense of confidence and planning, or did you resort to manipulative tactics? By examining your patterns and behaviors, you can gain valuable insights into your relationship with money and make conscious choices that align with your true desires.
There's no right or wrong here. It's about self-reflection and understanding. By becoming aware of your habitual patterns, you can start making positive changes and reclaim your personal power from money.
Financial healing is a journey, and it takes time and effort. But trust me, it's worth it. Together, we can redefine our relationship with money and create lives that are balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with our true selves.
Remember, you have the power to take control of your financial well-being and live a life that's in harmony with your inner desires.
I hope this glimpse into the intertwined world of emotions and money has sparked your curiosity and provided you with valuable insights. However, remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg. In my book,
"The Emotions Behind Money: Nurturing Financial Well-Being," I delve even deeper into these topics, offering a comprehensive exploration of the emotions that influence our relationship with money and practical strategies to transform our financial lives. By reading the book, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, uncover hidden patterns, and acquire the tools to cultivate a healthier and wealthier future. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey. Get your copy of
"The Emotions Behind Money" today and start nurturing your financial well-being like never before. Your future self will thank you.
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In my book, " The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money , " I explain that wealth isn’t just about managing money—it's about aligning with the deeper, spiritual principles that guide our financial lives. These four laws offer a powerful framework to create lasting abundance, but they aren’t a one-time fix. Instead, they are tools to be revisited and reapplied throughout your journey. Reapplying the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money for Continuous Growth We all know the feeling—just when you think you've got your finances in order, something shifts, and it feels like you're back at square one. Maybe an unexpected expense pops up, or perhaps your goals change as your life evolves. Whatever the reason, financial growth is not a “set it and forget it” journey. It requires ongoing effort, reflection, and adjustment. This is where the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money come in. These laws aren’t just one-time lessons; they are a powerful framework that you can revisit and reapply whenever life (or your bank account) needs a tune-up. Let’s dive into how each law can be reworked into your daily life, helping you to stay on the path of financial abundance. 1. Manifestation Begins with Desire You’ve likely heard it before— knowing what you truly want is the first step to creating it. But here’s the thing: what you want today might be different from what you desired a few years ago. Life changes, and so do your dreams. Take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you really desire now? Is it financial freedom, a vacation home, or maybe the ability to give back to your community in a bigger way? Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to dream big. Let your desires guide you as they evolve. Reaffirming your desires regularly ensures that you're always manifesting what aligns with the current version of you. 2. The Heart Is Stronger Than the Brain When it comes to money, we’re often told to “be logical” or “stick to the numbers.” But one of the most beautiful spiritual laws of money reminds us that the heart is stronger than the brain . In other words, decisions made from a place of love, passion, and authenticity are far more powerful than those made from fear or strict logic. Ask yourself: Are your current financial choices aligned with your heart? Does how you’re making and spending money feel good on a soul level? When you revisit this law, you might realize it's time to adjust your financial strategy to better match your heart’s desires. This could mean choosing a career path that fulfills you or focusing on spending in ways that bring you joy, not just security. 3. Intention Redirects Energy The power of intention is real. When you set a focused intention, you shift the energy of your life in that direction. But the key word here is focused. 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As someone who has guided countless clients toward true wealth, I know how crucial it is to build financial stability, especially in times like these. And that’s where my approach, outlined in my first book, "The Emotion Behind Money" , comes into play. In my work, I emphasize that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it's about what's happening inside you as much as what's happening around you. The Emotion Behind Money is all about building wealth from the inside out, which means bringing your authentic self to the forefront of your financial decisions. When your money is aligned with who you truly are, you create a foundation that can withstand even the most uncertain times. Feeling anxious about the future—whether it’s due to financial, economic, or inflation-related concerns—is a common experience. But often, that anxiety signals that your money isn’t set up in alignment with your authentic self. When this alignment is off, it’s easy to feel ungrounded and uncertain. I’ve seen this time and again in my work as a financial planner, and I’m here to help you shift from anxiety to assurance by realigning your financial life with who you really are. Let’s face it: the economic landscape is challenging right now. Inflation is driving up costs on essentials like gas, food, and education. Interest rates are climbing, and while wage growth might seem positive, it can have long-term consequences for the economy. It’s easy to get caught up in these concerns, but I believe there’s a better way to approach them. The Outside vs. The Inside When we think about wealth, we often focus on external factors: the stock market, interest rates, inflation, job security, and so on. These things are important, but they’re only part of the picture. What’s going on inside you—your beliefs, values, and emotions —plays an equally crucial role in your financial stability. If you’re feeling anxious about the future, it might be a sign that your finances aren’t fully aligned with your true self . When you’re not grounded in your financial decisions, it’s easy to feel out of control and overwhelmed by external events. But when your money is set up in a way that reflects who you are and what you value, you’ll find that you can navigate uncertainty with much more confidence and peace of mind. Creating Financial Space One of the most important steps you can take to create financial stability is to build financial space. This means having enough room in your budget to handle unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or other financial challenges without feeling panicked. Start by taking a close look at your current financial situation. Are there areas where you could reduce your debt? Are there expenses you could eliminate or cut back on? By making these adjustments, you can free up cash flow that can be redirected into savings or investments, creating a buffer that will protect you in times of uncertainty. I’ve created a Cashflow Worksheet to help you get started on this journey. You can download it here . Another crucial aspect of creating financial space is to avoid taking on unnecessary debt. For example, many people take out loans from their 401K accounts, thinking it’s a quick fix. But in the long run, this can lead to more financial stress. Instead, focus on building up your savings so that you have the cash on hand to cover unexpected expenses without resorting to credit cards or loans. Empower Your Choices A big part of building financial stability is recognizing that you have a choice in how you manage your money. It’s easy to feel like a victim of the system, especially when you’re facing financial pressure. But when you realize that you have the power to make decisions that align with your values and goals, you take control of your financial future. For example, instead of feeling like you "have to" use credit cards to cover expenses, reframe it as a choice. If you truly need to use credit, do so with intention and a plan to pay it off quickly. But if it’s possible to avoid it, choose to do so. This simple shift in mindset can make a huge difference in how you feel about your financial situation. Insulate Yourself from Economic Uncertainty We can’t control what’s happening in the global economy, but we can take steps to insulate ourselves from its effects. This starts with being proactive about your finances. By setting up your money in a way that aligns with your true self, you create a foundation that can weather any storm. Whether it’s building up your savings, reducing your debt, or making thoughtful financial choices, every step you take toward financial stability helps to create a sense of security. And that security isn’t just about having more money in the bank—it’s about knowing that you’re in control of your financial future, no matter what happens in the world around you.
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In my book, " The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money , " I explain that wealth isn’t just about managing money—it's about aligning with the deeper, spiritual principles that guide our financial lives. These four laws offer a powerful framework to create lasting abundance, but they aren’t a one-time fix. Instead, they are tools to be revisited and reapplied throughout your journey. Reapplying the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money for Continuous Growth We all know the feeling—just when you think you've got your finances in order, something shifts, and it feels like you're back at square one. Maybe an unexpected expense pops up, or perhaps your goals change as your life evolves. Whatever the reason, financial growth is not a “set it and forget it” journey. It requires ongoing effort, reflection, and adjustment. This is where the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money come in. These laws aren’t just one-time lessons; they are a powerful framework that you can revisit and reapply whenever life (or your bank account) needs a tune-up. Let’s dive into how each law can be reworked into your daily life, helping you to stay on the path of financial abundance. 1. Manifestation Begins with Desire You’ve likely heard it before— knowing what you truly want is the first step to creating it. But here’s the thing: what you want today might be different from what you desired a few years ago. Life changes, and so do your dreams. Take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you really desire now? Is it financial freedom, a vacation home, or maybe the ability to give back to your community in a bigger way? Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to dream big. Let your desires guide you as they evolve. Reaffirming your desires regularly ensures that you're always manifesting what aligns with the current version of you. 2. The Heart Is Stronger Than the Brain When it comes to money, we’re often told to “be logical” or “stick to the numbers.” But one of the most beautiful spiritual laws of money reminds us that the heart is stronger than the brain . In other words, decisions made from a place of love, passion, and authenticity are far more powerful than those made from fear or strict logic. Ask yourself: Are your current financial choices aligned with your heart? Does how you’re making and spending money feel good on a soul level? When you revisit this law, you might realize it's time to adjust your financial strategy to better match your heart’s desires. This could mean choosing a career path that fulfills you or focusing on spending in ways that bring you joy, not just security. 3. Intention Redirects Energy The power of intention is real. When you set a focused intention, you shift the energy of your life in that direction. But the key word here is focused. As life moves forward, it’s easy to let distractions pull your energy in too many directions. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly revisit your intentions. Are they still aligned with where you want to go? Take time to refocus. This might mean creating new financial goals or reaffirming old ones. By re-centering your intentions, you’re not only redirecting your energy—you’re also inviting the universe to step in and help you make those goals a reality. 4. The Universe Responds to Action We’ve all been there: thinking, dreaming, planning—but not doing. This is where the fourth spiritual law comes in as a loving nudge. The universe can only respond when you take action. What steps have you taken lately toward your financial goals? Even small actions—like setting up an automatic savings plan or looking into a new investment—send powerful signals to the universe that you’re serious about manifesting abundance. And the universe will respond! The more action you take, the more opportunities seem to “magically” appear. Remember, action doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, but be consistent. Every step you take builds momentum toward your goals. Why Reapplying the Laws Matters Life is full of changes. Your financial situation, goals, and even your mindset will evolve over time. That’s why it’s essential to revisit and reapply the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money regularly. They’re not static rules but a dynamic, flexible framework that grows with you. Think of these laws like a compass for your financial journey. Whenever you feel off track, return to them. When you’re uncertain about your next move, let them guide you. The more you use them, the more they’ll become a natural part of how you think and act around money. Embrace the Journey Remember, financial growth is a journey, not a destination. There will be twists, turns, and perhaps a few bumps along the way, but with the 4 Spiritual Laws of Money, you’re never lost. These principles are here to help you continuously grow, adapt, and realign with your true financial path—one that leads not just to wealth, but to joy, freedom, and fulfillment. So, the next time you feel a shift in your financial landscape, don’t panic. Instead, revisit these laws, reapply them, and watch how they continue to guide you toward your next level of abundance. Now, what’s your next step? If you found these insights helpful, you’ll love " The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money , " where these principles are explored in depth. It’s now available as an audiobook, making it easier than ever to absorb these powerful lessons on the go. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or relaxing, you can take the wisdom of these spiritual laws with you wherever you are. Start your journey to financial and spiritual abundance today!
As someone who has guided countless clients toward true wealth, I know how crucial it is to build financial stability, especially in times like these. And that’s where my approach, outlined in my first book, "The Emotion Behind Money" , comes into play. In my work, I emphasize that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it's about what's happening inside you as much as what's happening around you. The Emotion Behind Money is all about building wealth from the inside out, which means bringing your authentic self to the forefront of your financial decisions. When your money is aligned with who you truly are, you create a foundation that can withstand even the most uncertain times. Feeling anxious about the future—whether it’s due to financial, economic, or inflation-related concerns—is a common experience. But often, that anxiety signals that your money isn’t set up in alignment with your authentic self. When this alignment is off, it’s easy to feel ungrounded and uncertain. I’ve seen this time and again in my work as a financial planner, and I’m here to help you shift from anxiety to assurance by realigning your financial life with who you really are. Let’s face it: the economic landscape is challenging right now. Inflation is driving up costs on essentials like gas, food, and education. Interest rates are climbing, and while wage growth might seem positive, it can have long-term consequences for the economy. It’s easy to get caught up in these concerns, but I believe there’s a better way to approach them. The Outside vs. The Inside When we think about wealth, we often focus on external factors: the stock market, interest rates, inflation, job security, and so on. These things are important, but they’re only part of the picture. What’s going on inside you—your beliefs, values, and emotions —plays an equally crucial role in your financial stability. If you’re feeling anxious about the future, it might be a sign that your finances aren’t fully aligned with your true self . When you’re not grounded in your financial decisions, it’s easy to feel out of control and overwhelmed by external events. But when your money is set up in a way that reflects who you are and what you value, you’ll find that you can navigate uncertainty with much more confidence and peace of mind. Creating Financial Space One of the most important steps you can take to create financial stability is to build financial space. This means having enough room in your budget to handle unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or other financial challenges without feeling panicked. Start by taking a close look at your current financial situation. Are there areas where you could reduce your debt? Are there expenses you could eliminate or cut back on? By making these adjustments, you can free up cash flow that can be redirected into savings or investments, creating a buffer that will protect you in times of uncertainty. I’ve created a Cashflow Worksheet to help you get started on this journey. You can download it here . Another crucial aspect of creating financial space is to avoid taking on unnecessary debt. For example, many people take out loans from their 401K accounts, thinking it’s a quick fix. But in the long run, this can lead to more financial stress. Instead, focus on building up your savings so that you have the cash on hand to cover unexpected expenses without resorting to credit cards or loans. Empower Your Choices A big part of building financial stability is recognizing that you have a choice in how you manage your money. It’s easy to feel like a victim of the system, especially when you’re facing financial pressure. But when you realize that you have the power to make decisions that align with your values and goals, you take control of your financial future. For example, instead of feeling like you "have to" use credit cards to cover expenses, reframe it as a choice. If you truly need to use credit, do so with intention and a plan to pay it off quickly. But if it’s possible to avoid it, choose to do so. This simple shift in mindset can make a huge difference in how you feel about your financial situation. Insulate Yourself from Economic Uncertainty We can’t control what’s happening in the global economy, but we can take steps to insulate ourselves from its effects. This starts with being proactive about your finances. By setting up your money in a way that aligns with your true self, you create a foundation that can weather any storm. Whether it’s building up your savings, reducing your debt, or making thoughtful financial choices, every step you take toward financial stability helps to create a sense of security. And that security isn’t just about having more money in the bank—it’s about knowing that you’re in control of your financial future, no matter what happens in the world around you.
Clear the path to prosperity by focusing on what truly serves your highest good in terms of wealth and well-being.