So, how much did you spend by lunchtime today? Is that a typical amount, or did you add a triple latte for fun? Does that include gas? Which day do you spend more? How much more do you spend on the weekend?
Rachel Mosby can tell you. And she can change the way you think about your money. Rachel has been working with AHFEID clients teaching them how to have a better working relationship with money.
More than likely, if you’ve watched some of our client interviews, you’ve heard them mention, “The Budgeting Class.” And when they mention it, they always smile, or laugh a little, like one does when excited about learning something new. What Rachel is teaching them is how to not let money suck the joy out of your life.
When asked, What points do you try to emphasize? Rachel responded with a couple of points, then a couple more.
Budgeting is like dieting. You could draw up a budget that looks good on paper, but it’s not going to work if it’s not realistic—specifically to you and your real life.
Flip the switch in your decision-making. We all have two ways of thinking when we’re trying to make a decision—the emotional way and the logical way. Sometimes we may think we’re making the best, most logical decision possible, but in reality—it was, one hundred percent, an emotional response. Or vice-versa. When you flip the switch and ask yourself which side of my brain am I using? you become more aware of why you spend your money. It’s not about judging whether your decision was good or bad; it’s about allowing yourself to be aware.
Planning the good things. Being pragmatic for ourselves. When making the budget, plan for things you like—a juicy hamburger with a chocolate shake.
One reason that The Budgeting Class is so popular and so effective is because of how the class is taught. The clients meet with her one-on-one (though they often bring a friend). Some clients may feel embarrassed because they’re sharing intimate details about their financial lives, but Rachel makes the class a safe and affirming place. She shares personal anecdotes that show the clients that it’s okay to be human and make mistakes. And when they hear her story, and then they make the connection between their situation and hers, it brings the abstract discussion about budgeting down to a real-life person. Someone not that different from them, therefore, it is doable.
What Rachel teaches is very practical. And the practicality is also affirming. Most of us have experienced a time in our lives when we had a bad (perhaps toxic) relationship with money. Rachel teaches AHFEID clients and others how we can change our relationship with money, and how that can change us as well.
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