Money Savvy: Money Habits, Values and You

“Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don't want..to impress people that they don't like.” ~ Will Rogers

It's a true statement that you can learn a lot about yourself, not only from your relationships with people, but from your relationship with money also. Money talks, and it speaks pretty loudly to others... friends, business associates, financial obligations and family.


Your money behaviors, from how you spend it to how you choose to save it, were shaped by your past. It's often a reflection of the impact of growing up... rich, poor, middle class, or any class, had on you. It's also a reflection of your parents’ spending and saving behaviors and how they made you feel, as well. Ideas you have about what's important to you are your values.  Those values are your beliefs and they are influenced by things and by persons that have touched your life.  How you do things reflect those values. They should line up with every thing you do, on a daily basis.

The way some people spend money signals them as materialistic,  but their spending, in such a way, could be an indication of a longing for spiritual meaning and fulfillment... a place where values lie. While money can buy things, money can't buy you love, integrity, friendship or character. You can sometimes purchase a cheap imitation of these values but not the genuine ones. Line up your values with what you believe and use money to demonstrate and encourage what values are already there. Money can be used to show your love for someone or help a friend in need, but, if you really want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy.

Before you spend your money, you need to decide what's important to you.  What's important to you will help you establish your values, beliefs, priorities and goals, and will help you spend your money wisely. Your relationships will be affected by the value you place on money, so it’s worth spending a little time thinking about that. And remember, your values are influenced by your family, your church, school, community, culture, and friends.  Set your family values. If you haven't done this, then you may be surprised to learn that your spouse and children could very well have their own values.  Ask them to write down the things that are important to them and compare your lists. The goal is to improve your relationship with money and line your values up with your behavior, because a good reputation is more valuable than money.