Why We Create our Own Financial Prisons & How to Break Free

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.