Do you remember how you first learned about money?
Some of us learned to save every penny for a rainy day. Some learned that money was for spending while you have it. Some learned never to talk about it at all. Those first lessons stay with us, long after we’ve forgotten where we learned them.
When I meet someone for the first time, I often start with one question: do you remember how you first learned about money? The answer tells me more than any statement.
Why your story matters
A person who grew up with very little may hold on tightly to cash, even when it could be working harder for them. Someone who watched their parents lose savings in a bad market may avoid investing altogether. Neither is wrong. But knowing your story helps you see when an old lesson is helping you, and when it’s holding you back.
Three questions to ask yourself
- What did your family say, or not say, about money?
- What was your first paycheck, and what did you do with it?
- When money worries keep you up at night, what are they really about?
Talk them over with your spouse or someone close to you. You may be surprised how different your stories are.
If you’d like a gentle start, take the six-question Money Story. It gives you a short, warm read on your money style. And if you’d like to talk it through, my first conversation is always complimentary.
For general education only, not advice for your situation.