How to Discover the Root Cause of Money Behaviors

Your childhood and your relationship with money are intertwined.

Did you know that your history and early childhood experiences have a huge impact on how you manage your personal finances? Looking back, do you actually know where and how you learned about money?

Self-knowledge is a valuable tool to the success of your personal finances. Through the process of introspection and getting curious about your money paradigm, you have the ability to discover the root cause of money behaviors.

Journaling is a great tool for exploring how you developed your money mindset, and how it influences your behavior today.

Try journaling the answers to the following questions:

What is your biggest fear around money? Both now and in retirement?

What is your earliest memory with money?

What was your father’s view on money?

What was your mother’s view on money?

How do the first four questions influence how you view money today?

In the process of answering these questions, what thoughts or emotions came up for you?

What did you learn about yourself by answering these questions?

Related: 3 Things Women Need to Know to Increase Social Security Benefits

I like to encourage my money coaching clients to not view this exercise as a one-time thing. The real power of journaling is found in practicing it on a regular – even daily – basis. Especially where your money relationship is concerned.

That’s because journaling is an excellent tool for self-care, and financial self-care is the highest form of self-love.

So you see, taking charge of your financial life can begin with something as easy as increasing your self-knowledge.

Here’s to your financial security!