Is your spending guilt-free?
Is it guilt-free? I’ve had several conversations with clients recently about guilt-free spending. How we wish it were! And yet, most of us don’t experience this day-to-day. Let’s explore why.
3 Reasons Why Your Spending is NOT
Guilt-Free.
Spending without guardrails.
Spending without guardrails (a plan) can cause anxiety. We try to ignore our spending, and just “live life,” but the anxiety will grow. And then it can boil over, even in relationships. Especially when we have financial emergencies that remind us of our money situation.
Hard-to-Control Compulsions.
We’re overspending and we know it, but we have compulsions that are hard to control. Money is emotional. There may be triggers in your life that result in overspending. You may even be super disciplined for a short time, and then go off the rails—and the cycle repeats. It’s so discouraging.
Scarcity Mindset.
Growing up, did your parents talk about how they never had enough money? Or did you go through an especially difficult time financially? You may actually have enough money for guilt-free spending, but you have a scarcity mindset. Spending causes guilt for you, no matter what.
How Could Your Spending Become
Guilt-Free?
It may not be easy, but you must create a plan and have healthy guardrails around spending. Your situation can’t be ignored. I’m not saying you can’t live well! I want you to have some guilt-free spending. But you need to have a plan to get there. Knowing you’re moving in the right direction will ease the anxiety.
If you have compulsive spending behaviors, you need to dig deep and understand why. Find strategies to overcome these—otherwise, sadly, life has a way of forcing it on us.
If you actually have the money to spend, but you feel guilty no matter what, then you may just need to be very clear on your plan. Know where you stand, where you’re going, and how you’ll get there. Automating your finances is the best way to rid yourself of any anxiety and be able to spend guilt-free (appropriately).
The psychology of money is a real thing. If you’d like to tackle these issues, consider participating in my “Mindful Spending” program, June 19-July 31. We’ll explore the perspectives and habits that are getting in the way of guilt-free spending, and accomplishing your goals. And you’ll have a community in which to share ideas. More details next week…