The Emotional Landscape of Money: Beyond Numbers and Wealth

In this blog today I’m gonna write about something that I really have no interest in – Money (as in ZERO ask my husband heheh he does all these things for us). Which is super interesting because a lifetime ago, I worked in banking and funding NGO’s and not for a short time, actually almost ten years hahaha. Also, when I was studying Psychology, if I remember right, most of the 5th semester was dedicated to understanding ourselves and those recurring themes in our lives. My Thesis advisor gave me a list of topics that I should delve into, one of then was my relationship with money. It was the most difficult thing I had to do in that list because there was nothing for me to write. 

Money for me is a means for freedom. It was never about the ability to buy expensive things or travel to expensive places, or eat at expensive restaurants, it was about the freedom to make choices on how to spend my time and energy (two of the things I value most, now you understand why I filter the people I spend time with and why I don’t go on checking out what others are doing, I’m trying to conserve these two, for those I deem worth it and are of great value to me).

Money is a an Emotional Experience

Our financial perspectives are shaped by our unique life stories – our upbringing, cultural background, and personal history. They create a lens through which we view every financial decision, often riddled with biases and deeply personal narratives. It’s a deeply personal journey that intertwines with our emotions, experiences, and life philosophy.

My childhood was a study in financial contrasts. I grew up in abundance, where money flowed like water – my mother’s generosity knew no bounds – she’d give to family, friends, strangers, having lavish food, homes, trips, and yes, even to gambling. Money came and went like a playful ghost.

In contrast, a dear friend’s journey began dramatically different. Her parents arrived in Austria from a communist country, clutching a newborn and a mere 200 dollars. Every single coin became sacred in their world. Each spending decision was a carefully calculated ritual, weighing potential consequences with methodical precision.

Our first travel experience together was a hilarious collision of these contrasting financial philosophies. Imagine two friends, one spontaneously generous, the other meticulously frugal, attempting to plan a shared adventure! Miraculously, our friendship survived this financial comedy. I started travelling by myself from then on.

I don’t profess and say that my way or her way is better, what makes sense for one my not for the other. One of my teachers in my post grad social psychology course had a quote he always used, “behaviors make sense with enough information.”

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Cash

Money isn’t just numbers. It’s a story – your story. It’s those childhood memories of your parents whispering about bills, or that moment when you first felt the weight of a paycheck. These experiences aren’t just memories; they’re the invisible architects of how you view wealth.

I’ve watched so many people play a game they’ll never win – working themselves to the bone, saving every penny, only to reach retirement with bodies too tired to enjoy life and relationships worn thin by years of financial stress. There’s got to be a better way, right?

I’ve told my children already, the only legacy they will inherit from me are education and the experiences that we share (oh and maybe my gazillion books, if they’re well behaved :D). I also told my parents that I do not want any inheritance, I was born butt-naked with nothing, I will die the same. This gives me complete serenity.

My Practical Money Magic

I see money as a versatile tool in your life’s workshop, designed to help me build, create, and experience, rather than becoming the entire purpose of my existence. It’s about cultivating a deep gratitude for what I already have while remaining open to growth.

When it comes to practical money magic, I think of it like tending a garden: start small but consistent, I try to diversify seeds without becoming obsessive, always keeping a patch reserved for unexpected weather, and most importantly, invest richly in the most valuable asset I’ll ever have – myself. This means nurturing my skills, protecting my health, and strengthening the relationships that truly matter, because these investments pay dividends that no stock market can match.

Why I’m writing this?

I’m writing this because time and again, I get offers of more wealth in change for my time, meaning I’ll need to give up some of my liberties and get compensated one way or another. I get offer of exclusivity and only for you thingy (yeah I manage a yoga studio, duh), and other weird stuff (from my point of view, I know) something I have no interest in. Remember how I grew up, in abundance, full of generosity, so if you want something from me, then you have to understand my psyche.

Generosity is the Basis of Abundance

When you approach money with generosity – not just financial generosity, but generosity of spirit – something magical happens. You start seeing abundance everywhere. It’s like the universe does a little wink and says, “I see you.”

Here’s a radical thought: What if abundance isn’t about how much you can accumulate, but how much you can share?

I’ve learned that true wealth isn’t measured in bank balances, but in the richness of experiences, the depth of connections, and the capacity to give. It’s about creating a life so full that money becomes just another tool, not the entire toolbox.

The most profound financial insight, I feel is so delightfully counterintuitive – Wealth is often what you DON’T spend.

SO if you want to connect with me, if you want to interest me in your ideas, come with a mindset of generosity – not stinginess. Approach with openness, with the understanding that value isn’t about how tightly you can hold onto resources, but how creatively and kindly you can share them. Remember you cannot receive with a closed fist.

I promise you this: Generosity is the most compelling business card you’ll ever have. It opens doors, builds bridges, and creates opportunities that a calculator never could.