When it comes to your money, are you a bison or a cow?

Stick with me for a second.

When bison sense a storm coming, they instinctively know to move towards it. They face it head-on knowing that they’ll be in the storm for a shorter amount of time if they go in the opposite direction.

When cows sense a storm coming, they turn their back and let the wind push them along with the storm. they end up in adverse conditions for longer because they’re moving with the storm, not against it.

You can see where I’m going with this.

Our approach to money can be viewed the exact same way.

If you’re a COW with your money:

1. You put your head in the sand.
   By ignoring your bank statements, interest rates or insurance updates, you turn your eyes away from the math like it’s not happening. If an email from your bank comes in, you delete it or put it in the spam folder. If someone were to ask you where you’re at financially, you couldn’t tell them. Any attempts to create a budget, cash flow plan or any discipline around your money usually doesn’t last.
   

2. You indulge in the negative.
   We all have some not-so-great money stories and beliefs, but listening to lies and negative mantras around money - both culturally, in your family, with business or within a potential partnership - is a key indicator you’re walking with the storm and continuing to stay under dark clouds.
   

3. You don’t dream anymore.
   One of the most heart-sinking ways I see clients remain in the storm longer is by not dreaming. They’ve experienced enough disappointment or disillusionment with money that they don’t look to the future anymore. They exist day to day without a vision or plan for a brighter future.

If you’re a BISON with your money:

1. You open your eyes to what’s happening.
   All of the envelopes and emails are opened as essential documents, pieces of the puzzle you get to help design your story. They shine a light on where you are and motivate you to head where you want to be. They’re precious intel and informants for your future dreams.
   

2. You pivot to the positive.
   There isn’t a perfect money story and we’ve all made mistakes, but you’re creating habits and mindsets that reinforce a positive outlook on your money. Bills are blessings and payments are provision. You see everything in your money story as happening for you.
   

3. You have an active vision for the future.
   You’re regularly dreaming of a future that’s constantly unfolding - maybe not as fast as you want - but you trust it’s happening. You’ll get there with incremental action and don’t let setbacks chip away at your excitement. You’re painting a big picture for the future and you know you’ll get there.

Facing a storm can be scary and isolating, so let's work together to ensure you have the confidence, support and community to face it with strength. 

BREAD

An essential action to take today.

• Replace one negative money mantra you’re telling yourself and put a positive one in its place. Write it on a post-it, put it on your mirror, stick it in your wallet - put it where you’ll see it.

BUTTER

An extra move to make if you have time.

• Start to take your head out of the sand and be more confident in conversations about money. 

1. If your spouse “takes care of the finances”, talk to them about what’s going on, what the numbers are, where you as a partnership want to go. Statistics show that when both partners engage in money decisions there is a higher likelihood of positive outcomes as there are two sets of eyes and opinions that review the information and opportunity. 

2. If you usually leave all the investment decisions to your investment advisor, instead of just nodding and smiling in the meetings, confidently ask questions, speak up with your opinions, concerns and ideas. You don’t need to speak the lingo, you just need to talk and share. 

3. If you’re designing your money story on your own, ask a friend if they want to read a money book with you. Here are some great options to start with; 

1. Know Yourself, Know Your Money by Rachel Ramsey

2. Money A Love Story by Kate Norhrup

3. A Snowman’s Guide to Personal Finance by Steven Arnott

Whichever one you’re resonating with in the season you’re in, we all have room to improve. 

If you need some support or have any questions, book a free 30-minute call with me to learn more about how my one-on-one coaching containers will help you shape your money story to weather every storm that comes your way.

Remember, progress over perfection is what we’re aiming for.

Rooting for you always,

Erin