Attention in Your Money Relationship

by | Nov 9, 2011

Paying attention to your money relationship, let’s explore the potential areas in your life that are calling for your attention.  Consider these statements and answer true or false:

  • I spend and save in ways and amounts that support my life and well-being.
  • My estate (wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, etc.) is current.
  • My income taxes are current and my files are organized to assist with next year’s tax return.
  • I have maximized my pre-tax deductions to retirement plans.
  • My health insurance coverage satisfies my health care needs.
  • I eat healthily to support my physical, mental and emotional well-being.
  • My investment strategy and plan are aligned with my goals and values.
  • The Property & Casualty insurance protection on my home, automobile and other tangible property is sufficient.
  • In the event of my abrupt demise, I’ve communicated (verbally, written, audio, video) to my loved ones all that I want to say.
  • My estate plan is clear and accurate; it lovingly distributes my assets to individuals and organizations that I desire.
  • I am satisfied with my income and my career choice is reflective of my intentions and my education (both academically and from work experience.)
  • I have credit card debt that is manageable and a plan to consistently pay it down each month.
  • I have an opportunity to refinance my home mortgage to a lower interest rate.
  • [Insert your own statement that might arise after reflecting on the above.]

Where you answered false, consider how you may want to pay attention to that area in your personal and financial life.  Paying attention to the issue does not mean you have to fix your finances, you have a problem with numbers, or you are bad with money.  This action is inviting you into relationship with money and finances.  If you have more than one “false” answer, prioritize the area that is most important to you – at this time.

With any issue you pay attention to, there are practical actions to complete, in addition to exploring the thoughts, beliefs and patterns that ignited the issue.  For example, if your taxes are not filed, there are practical steps to follow in order to finish the task. Organize your tax papers, locate a tax preparer to assist, utilize a tax preparation software program, and so on. The reflective aspect of this issue is to look at the beliefs, patterns, habits that caused you to delay filing your tax return. For example, after discovering that you carry a limiting belief from your family of origin about government waste and taxes, you realize that you unconsciously disregard your tax paperwork so that it is excruciating to organize the documents. Your rebel surfaces in response to the disorganization, “just let them find me.”  After your discovery and insight, you are better able to create your desired outcome by naming the result you want to consistently manifest. For example, with your income taxes, it may be:  I commit to organizing my paperwork so that I easefully and joyfully complete my taxes by April 15th or earlier.  Additional milestones and actions can follow this intention.

Can you appreciate how attention positions you to be directly in relationship with life?  We can choose to relate attentively, with acceptance and gratitude, even to the financial side of life.