What does money mean to me?

GUEST BLOGGER: ELIZABETH  DAVIS

Money is a necessary part of each of our lives. A great deal of time and energy goes to earning it, budgeting it, stressing over it, spending it, and hopefully some time managing it.  One day last fall I attended a conference about relationships and during the course of the conference met a lovely woman, Syble Solomon, who was promoting a Money Habitudes card game. This intrigued me so I asked to learn more.
We had an enjoyable conversation and I learned that each of us have our own money habits and attitudes that determine our money decisions.  The Money Habitudes card game is a simple activity that helps individuals determine what money means to them. Does it represent security, status, selflessness, spontaneity, planning, etc.? It was an enlightening activity that I enjoyed so much, I purchased several decks of her cards and took them to a family reunion for my siblings and their spouses to play.
It was interesting to observe the light bulbs that went on...

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​My brother and his wife have had disagreements regarding money for years. It turns out that the reason they disagree on how to use money is because it means different things to them. For my sister-in-law money represents SECURITY and so saving and having money is what feels good to her. My brother, on the other hand, is motivated by GIVING. Being able to donate to charities, fundraisers, and help family members who are struggling feels good to him.  Are either of these bad? Of course not. Can they coexist in the same budget? Absolutely! Understanding our own and our partner’s money motivations can help us make determinations regarding money that meet everyone’s needs.
The most impactful part of this experience to me was watching people I love realize that their differences are not about being “greedy” or “wasteful” with money but that money means different things to everyone. Playing the Money Habitudes card game is a unique, engaging way to understand our own motivations and feelings regarding money. Even better, it was an impactful learning experience that was less than the cost of a movie ticket.
​If you are interested in purchasing the cards they are available at www.moneyhabitudes.com or there is an online version of the card game available here: www.online.moneyhabitudes.com