The YNAB Podcast

Wielding Money Against Yourself

Oct 14, 2024

Explore how we often use money as an excuse to dismiss our dreams. The discussion urges a deeper reflection on motivations behind financial constraints. It's time to uncover the real reasons for our feelings of inadequacy. Are we seeking escape from discomfort? Discover how to shift your mindset and allow money to support rather than hinder your goals. Dive into rethinking priorities and embark on a journey toward fulfilling your true aspirations.

05:53

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Quick takeaways

Changing your relationship with money requires recognizing it as a tool for achieving goals rather than an obstacle to desires.

Using money as an excuse often hides deeper emotional needs, which can be addressed through introspection and exploring alternative, fulfilling experiences.

Deep dives

Transforming Your Relationship with Money

Changing one's relationship with money involves recognizing it as a reflection of personal effort and experience rather than a separate entity with its own power. This perspective allows individuals to see money as a tool to achieve goals instead of an obstacle. When faced with dreams or desires, like traveling to Europe, the common refrain is often that it cannot be afforded, which discourages deeper exploration of those desires. Instead of succumbing to the limitations imposed by financial concerns, individuals are encouraged to examine the underlying motivations behind their wants, potentially uncovering more accessible alternatives that truly fulfill their needs.

Rethinking Money: Beyond Financial Excuses

6min

We've all done it before, saying something to the effect of: "I'd love to do X, if only I could afford it." We have all cited money as the reason we haven't done something, or bought something we say we wanted. The next time you catch yourself saying this, Jesse urges you to stop and examine why it is you are blaming money for the reason you can't do (or buy) the thing. Is it because you really want to do/buy it, or because you're seeking escape from some other uncomfortable part of your life? If you really DO want the thing, but you're blaming lack of money for it, perhaps you are feeling frustration that you have allowed less important priorities to get in the way of saving for the thing.

Whatever it is, money is not a good excuse for not doing something you really want to do. But, we blame money because there is some real friction we are experiencing, so it's worth honoring the feeling and digging deeper to figure out what's driving it. In that way, we can stop wielding money against ourselves and allow money to work with ourselves.

Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email:

askjesse@ynab.com

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