Life is full of roadblocks. They come in many forms: an unexpected expense, a career setback, a strained relationship, or even just a sense of stagnation. At first glance, these challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair. But what if we stopped seeing roadblocks as something meant to halt our progress and instead viewed them as opportunities to pause, reflect, and redirect? Every obstacle we encounter forces us to ask important questions: Am I on […]
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Dealing with loss when everyone else is celebrating
Holidays and special occasions often bring with them the joy of celebration, the warmth of shared moments, and the comfort of togetherness. Yet, for many, they also highlight the quiet ache of loss. Whether it’s the empty chair at the dinner table, the sting of a recent job loss, or the ongoing battle with a serious illness, these moments can magnify pain that is otherwise neatly tucked away in the everyday busyness of life. Dr. Susan […]
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Echo chambers and our money
Have you ever noticed how a conversation with people who share your views can make you feel more strongly about what you already believe? Legal scholar Cass Sunstein captured this phenomenon perfectly when he observed, “What we know is if you get groups of like-minded people together, they tend to end up thinking a more extreme version of what they thought before they started to talk.” This observation isn’t just about politics or social issues – […]
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A worldview shaped by ‘enough’
Wherever people are involved… it’s not uncommon for conflict to arise—whether with loved ones, colleagues, or even within ourselves. At the heart of many of these conflicts lies a common thread: a worldview shaped by scarcity. We may think that conflicts are purely situational, stemming from disagreements or unmet expectations, but more often than not, they go deeper. They reveal a story of feeling like we don’t have enough, aren’t enough, or aren’t receiving enough. Scarcity, […]
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Different is as different does
Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Think about that for a moment. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise and forces us to ask: If we’re stuck in a cycle with our money, how can we possibly expect things to change if we aren’t willing to do something different? Many of us find ourselves on repeat when it comes to […]
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The EI edge
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly manage their finances while others struggle, despite having similar incomes or financial knowledge? The answer might lie not in their bank accounts, but in their hearts and minds. While financial literacy is undoubtedly important, there’s another crucial factor at play that often goes overlooked: emotional intelligence (EI). As Darwin Nelson and Gary Low astutely observed in 2011, “Emotional intelligence is the single most important influencing variable […]
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Calm needn’t be the focus
We often think that financial peace or calm is the ultimate goal when it comes to managing our money. We hear phrases like “financial peace of mind” or “calming the storm of debt” and we think, “Yes, that’s what I want. I just want everything to be calm.” And while there’s nothing wrong with seeking calm, it’s not the point. The real goal? Connection. Connection with our money, our values, our goals—and yes, with the people […]
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Spending with intention
In her thought-provoking book “The Year of Less,” Cait Flanders shares a powerful insight: “Every time you make a purchase, you’re voting with your dollar for the kind of world you want to live in.” This simple yet profound statement invites us to reconsider our relationship with consumption and its impact on our financial well-being. Mindful consumption isn’t just about spending less; it’s about spending with intention. It’s about understanding that each purchase we make is […]
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A missing link between money and happiness
What if you found out that your current financial plan might be working against you, not for you? That despite all your careful budgeting and saving, you’re missing a crucial element that could make or break your financial well-being? It might be time to talk about values-based financial planning – the missing link between your money and your happiness. Life is a precious gift, and it’s too short to spend our time and resources on things […]
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The gap between our income and ego
Is money linked to our ego? It’s a question that invites us to reflect on the deeper motivations behind our financial decisions. Morgan Housel, in his thought-provoking way, suggests that “savings is the gap between your income and your ego.” This statement can be confronting, especially because it challenges us to consider the extent to which our financial behaviours are driven by a desire to maintain or enhance our sense of self-worth. While Housel’s observation holds […]
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