Money and Shame
I recently met with a lady who had inherited some money from a relative. She was in her mid-fifties and had worked hard most of her life. She was sharing with me about her financial situation when the word “shame” came out. It took me back a little at first. Here was a smart, educated and accomplished person doing great things with her life and she felt ashamed of where she was in her financial life.
That conversation stuck with me and I reflected on it for several weeks.
First off, I applaud her honesty and self-awareness. Many others are likely feeling this way too but may be too embarrassed to share this especially in a meeting with a financial professional.
Facing these feelings and working through your personal “money story” is a pivotal step in moving forward and designing the type of financial life that you want to live.
When it comes to women and their relationship with money, feelings of shame can often arise due to societal expectations, personal experiences, and cultural norms. Women may feel inadequate or embarrassed if they perceive themselves as not meeting financial expectations set by society or their own standards. Additionally, generational beliefs around money and gender roles can contribute to feelings of shame when financial decisions and roles do not align with traditional expectations. It is crucial to recognize and address these emotions surrounding money in order to be empowered to take control of your financial well-being and cultivate a healthier relationship with money.
If this story resonates with you, know that you are not alone.
Our goal at Financial Planning By Design LLC, is to create a safe and supportive space for women to discuss their financial goals and concerns without judgment, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence in their financial decisions.
