What did you learn about money?
During our childhoods we received messages about money, and they are deeply ingrained in our behavior as adults. Taking the time to reflect on the money messages you learned as a child will help provide perspective on how you manage your money now.
Money is often considered to be a taboo topic among families. Most of us learned at a young age that it was not an acceptable topic at the dinner table.
Unfortunately, this “hush-hush” attitude toward money continues into adulthood. Yet, even if the topic of money was not discussed openly, you received powerful messages (loud and clear) from the behaviors of your parents and relatives.
Below is a list of questions that will help you identify the money messages that you learned as a child. Answer each question. You may find that this exercise brings up memories from your childhood that you have forgotten. Increasing your awareness about how your parents or your family handled money while you were a child can help tremendously if you want to change your behaviors or your feelings about money. This is an important step toward having a healthy attitude about money. Ponder as long as necessary.
Money Messages You Learned as a Child
- How did your mother address money issues as you were growing up?
- How did your father address money issues as you were growing up?
- How did your grandparents address money issues as you were growing up?
- What is a “happy” memory from your childhood that is related to money?
- What is an “unhappy” memory from your childhood that is related to money?
- Do you remember any money “sayings” that your parents used?
- Do you believe you developed a healthy attitude based upon the money messages you received during your childhood, or an unhealthy attitude? Why?
- Which of your parents’ or relatives’ money messages continue to affect you today?
- How are those money messages (from #7 above) impacting your behavior or your feelings about money today?
- After answering the questions above, are there money messages that you would like to change? If yes, what are they?
The answers can be enlightening, suddenly helping you to realize why you treat money as you do today.
Photo Credits: Lars Plougmann
