One of the things that we as humans all have in common is the fact that WE all have a relationship with money. The unfortunate fact is that some of us have a healthy and positive relationship with money, while others do not. Oftentimes this relationship can be a very emotional one regardless of one’s income.

I have found that most people that have an unhealthy relationship with money have unconsciously inherited this trait from their parents and/or environment. The subject of finances tends to be a taboo subject for most households. In fact, most people are never properly taught how to manage or even relate to money. This is a rather sad fact considering all of us have to deal with money on a day to day basis.
So what are some of the problems that people have as a result of not understanding how to have a healthier relationship with money? Well for starters, take a look at the following list and identify if you have one or more of these issues or know someone that does:

•Overspending
•Underspending (also known as depression mentality)
•Serial Borrowing
•Financial Infidelity (“cheating” on a spouse by spending money and lying about it)
•Workaholism
•Financial Incest (lording money over relatives to control them)
•Financial Enabling (throwing large sums at friends or relatives who are not motivated to support themselves)
•Hoarding
•Guilt and/or Shame around poverty or wealth
•Money Anxiety

So is money good or evil?? I say that money can be good if one learns to understand and relate to it in a positive fashion. Having a healthy relationship with money can lead to purposeful and prosperous life! We just need to understand how to relate to it better. Financial coaching and/or therapy is a growing field that is helping people all around the world establish a healthier connection with themselves and their finances.