Harris: Reflecting On Your Money Relationship

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp

Throughout the month of February, we have been talking about how we, as consumers, manage our relationship with money. Reflecting on that relationship involves aligning our core spending values with the financial goals we have set. You can accomplish this by creating an environment that fosters a sense of financial security – such as establishing an emergency fund or “safety net” – and by nurturing a positive, judgment-free mindset. 

The suggestions below should help you get started. I hope they inspire you to fall in love with your money all over again.

1. Align your spending habits with your values.
   Spending habits rarely change without intentional effort. Try evaluating your spending by reflecting on whether it aligns with your priorities, such as family, health, and meaningful life experiences, rather than impulsive purchases. Accountability is key when making healthy choices about how you spend your money.
2. Use critical thinking as an evaluation tool.
   Set aside time to review the financial decisions you have already made. This will help you see how close you are to achieving the financial goals you set. Avoid judging yourself too harshly, and treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Evaluate where you are, identify any gaps, and make necessary adjustments.
3. Reflecting is key to establishing a secure financial future.
   One of the main points I emphasize often is the importance of an emergency fund. Prioritizing this can help protect your financial stability and cover essentials such as food, shelter, utilities, and transportation. Consider the impact of neglecting any of these essentials when creating a solid financial plan.
4. Redefine what being wealthy means to you.
   Your personal definition of wealth can influence your success in meeting financial goals. Try viewing money as a resource that provides safety and options, rather than simply a measure of personal worth.
5. Set long-term goals to shape your financial progress.
   Thinking about the future can help you determine how long it will take to achieve your goals. It also helps you assess your progress toward milestones such as retirement, your children’s education, or health care needs in your later years. Long-term goals also make it easier to adjust your plan and stay on track when needed.
6. Know your needs and reflect on your “wants.”
   This is a challenge for many of us. If it were easy, we would all only buy what we need – right? When the budget is tight, it’s especially important to distinguish between needs and wants. This doesn’t mean you should never spend on things that bring joy or relieve stress, but be mindful of which wants are most important and how extra spending may affect your budget.

You may ask, “Why is reflecting on my relationship with money important?” Here is my answer: Reflection can provide valuable insight into problem areas within your financial plan. Improving your decision-making can help you make the tough choices needed to stick to the budget you worked so hard to create. Reflection is not designed to “fix” every financial challenge, but it does help you make better choices that genuinely align with your values and financial goals.

For more information on this and other financial topics, you can email me at charlestienharris77@gmail.com or write to me at P.O. Box 1825, Clarksdale, MS 38614.

Until next week – stay financially fit!

Charlestien Harris is our financial contributor, a retired financial coach with Southern Bancorp.