By Hileni Amadhila
Money is more than just the number in a bank account; it is deeply personal and influenced by experiences, beliefs, and emotions.
Whether it’s the celebration of reaching a milestone in our finances or anxiety about debt, or even the excitement in planning for the future, this emotional relationship with money impacts more life choices than one could imagine.
To many of us, this relationship started during our childhood. Maybe grew up in a place where money was scarce and learned to connect it with security and survival.
Or maybe you have seen a very carefree approach to money spent, and this perhaps has formed an idea that money is there to enjoy, without much thought for the future. Understanding these deepest perceptions is the first step towards mastering your financial mindset.
Our feelings about money can help and hurt us. Positive feelings, pride from saving successfully or attaining a financial goal for example, can reinforce good habits. Negative feelings such as fear, guilt and overconfidence can lead to problem behaviours.
For example, not taking risks may prevent you from investing in opportunities for growth while impulsive spending linked to excitement or stress can derail even the best-laid financial plans.
One such emotional pitfall is avoidance. Given a choice between financial uncertainty or debt, some people would rather wait, hoping the problem will cure itself. The thing with avoiding financial issues is that it often compounds them, leading to more stress later on.
Overcoming this requires a change in mindset from one of avoidance to one of action – even with small steps at first.
It all starts with setting clear, achievable goals about money. Also, defining what financial success means to you – be it saving for a child’s education, investing in a home, or planning for retirement, settle the course. These become less daunting if broken down into smaller steps that ensure progress consistently.
Another way to overcome emotional biases is by working with a trusted financial adviser. The adviser acts as an impartial guide who helps you make decisions based on data and strategy, not on impulse or fear. They are able to bring clarity in helping to understand the risks, seize opportunities, and make financial decisions that better align with your long-term vision.
It’s also important to regularly review your financial plan. Life circumstances, markets, and personal goals change, and your mindset needs to adapt accordingly. By setting aside time to reflect on both your finances and your emotional relationship with money, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that serve your future.
Remember, financial success is more than just a number; it’s about how you feel about your money and that sense of control and confidence you get from it. As your feelings and financial goals start to align, you’re not just managing money, you are empowering yourself to build the life you have envisioned.
Take responsibility for your financial psyche now. The emotional understanding of money is not a step to better decisions but a starting point towards a future full of stability and opportunities.
*Hileni Amadhila is the Senior Public Relations, Stakeholder and Communications Consultant at Old Mutual Namibia
