“Getting Real With Your Money” often requires a daily integrity practice. It’s so easy ~ and not uncommon ~ to reward yourself “just a little” for being such a good girl with your money! I call this “The Fudge Factor”. You “fudge” just a little thinking it won’t make a big difference and, really, who’s gonna know?

A Little Liquid Fudge Anyone?

Sometimes, after days of conscious spending and taking care of my financial affairs with attention and conviction, I deem myself worthy of a gift. This morning it was a latte. My rationale: I’ve been SO responsible lately that spending a little money on myself is deserved and won’t break the bank.

Early in the “Get Real” program, these so-called rewards (or pieces of fudge) can easily lead us back into familiar patterns of unconscious spending, feeling ashamed, and avoiding the issue ~ sending us right back into the territory of “hoping it will all work out”.

Integrity is about keeping your word. And in matters of our money, it’s all about keeping your word with yourself. Money has only everything to do with YOU and it’s YOU you have to answer to.

For me, it’s a slippery slope. This morning’s latte isn’t that big of a deal but I notice that I’ve been thinking about it. A lot. Why? Because I have an agreement with myself to limit “fudge” from my spending in order to pay off just a little more of my credit card bill. Spending $2.75 on a delicious drink leaves me with $2.75 less to pay down my balance. One piece of fudge won’t likely break the bank but, if it sets me off on a pattern of spending, it just might break my spirit.

This is not about being worthy or deserving of something. By “Getting Real With Money” I am no longer internally codependent. I am a grown woman who makes choices based on what I want in my financial life ~ no more, no less. No emotional baggage or undercurrent, just another choice to restore my self integrity.

To fudge or not to fudge?

What’s your fudge factor?

Woke up this morning with high anxiety. The kind that floods in with the first conscious moment after sleep. Often brought on by overactive adrenals and other hormonal imbalances that can accompany this ever-changing 49-year-old body. The usual suspects? Caffeine, stress, no exercise. The real culprit? Money.

Without my hypersensitivity to “all things money” these days, I may have overlooked the single most important red flag being waved at me this morning. See if you can relate.

I’ve been making purchases without an eye on my bank balance. I have several big-ticket payment dates approaching and just depleted my savings to take care of my obligation to the IRS. I have avoided any substantive money conversations with my husband because I don’t want to feel inadequate, irresponsible, or ashamed.

Red Flag. Waving.

Whenever I find myself relating to my money situation with my eyes closed or crossed fingers, I am no longer standing on solid ground. And, for me, floating on hope creates anxiety. Only every time.

The prescription? Move my body, take a break from the morning coffee and “get real” with my finances. That translates to looking at my bank statement, listing the upcoming expenditures, and sitting down with my husband to face who I’m being with money. If I don’t have what I need, then I/we come up with a plan.

The anxiety dissipates with the admission. It will disappear entirely with action. Emotions come and go.

Menopause or Money? You might want to look into it!

Here’s a thought…

EVERYTHING in the world starts from nothing so being in NOTHING is the perfect place from which to build and create exactly what you want.

If you’re feeling financially stressed and on the edge, allow yourself to be in your discomfort zone (others refer to it as your comfort zone but we disagree). Hang out there for awhile… in your discomfort, on the edge. Why not? It’s where you are.

As soon as you stop fighting the edge, you’ll see it for what it is. And from here, you can move to a place you’d rather be. 

Take a moment if you will and write down exactly what you DO want in life. Create something. Imagine something. Desire something. 

Write us and let us know! 

We’ll help you take it from there!

You only have NOTHING to lose!

Jan & Elisabeth