Wealth of Wisdom

CHAPTER 9Learning from Your Money History and Writing a New Story

Jill Shipley

Although money itself is neutral, the experiences and messages we heard growing up have an impact on our relationship with money as adults. Societal stereotypes and stigma surrounding the concepts of wealth, being an inheritor, marrying into financial wealth, and being “rich” also play a role in defining our attitudes, biases, associations, emotions, and behaviors related to money.

Often, we are unconscious of these drivers that impact our actions and attitudes. We may continue living as we were instructed by our parents or modeled by those around us as we were growing up, without pausing to reflect and shape our own relationship with money. We may be carrying around feelings of jealousy, guilt, fear, or shame tied to money without exploring the origin. Sadly, we can leak or project these negative feelings outward, which can impact the relationships with those we care about.

Personal reflection tools and guided conversations like the ones highlighted in this chapter can help you and those you care about unpack your money history, break down associations and biases around wealth, enhance communication about money, and ultimately write a new story fostering a positive relationship with money and wealth.

Considerations before You Begin

Achieving the benefits of this self-exploration and enhanced awareness requires us to be open and honest with ourselves. Looking deep inside, especially about our past, ...