Embracing real talk on money – We pay interest when we stop paying attention

Money.  It’s a bad word to some.  Money is not emotional.  How we deal with it or do not deal with it makes it emotional.  

My husband and I never “intended” to go into debt. We just stopped paying attention.

This is the harsh reality.  We filled our life with stuff and big dose of pride    We had two big jobs.  We did well.  We had a house that we did not need and expenses we thought we did need.  It was all “under control”.

Do you ever felt that way?  We have good jobs. We do okay?

That may be the factual truth.  “Okay” is relative.  Our “okay” was relative to the economy and the environment.

The change in the economy and our circumstances dictated our urgency to deal with our finances.  Are you ready to talk before something dire changes your “okay”?

It could be a small bill that has to be paid by credit card then turns into 3x the amount when interest takes over.

This is not meant to stress anyone out.  If you are still reading – remember we agreed to speak honestly.

What are the three things that scare you most about diving into finances?

Lifestyle change?

Stress?

Embarrassment?

For us, we simple did not think we needed to “think” about it.  We did not need a plan.

Everyone needs a plan.  The thought of a huge document with points of investment, savings, and a full detailed budget is overwhelming.  We are not talking about going this deep – right now.

I just want you to consider what is stopping the conversation.  Have you asked these questions:

1. Can you make a list this week of the things that scare you about thinking about finances?
2. What could you do if you could get a handle on your bills?

 

Maybe you, like us, are in the season of “okay”.  Perfect!  Let’s talk about it now.  Honest conversation of money should not be a thing of embarrassment or guilt.  Changing our mindset can change our family.

Here is what you can expect from the weeks ahead :

• Use your list of fears and benefits to starting the talk on money.
• Continue to focus on shifting our mindset.   Mindset change will help us take interest in our interest so we can stop paying for our lifestyle twice (or even three times!).
• Move into practical tips and steps…but we have to be willing to be honest first. With ourselves and those around us that can surround us with support.

You can do it!

Visit us over on Facebook to find a helpful worksheet to identify how you are feeling about talking about money.