Money Management Methods

Discover the Role of Money and Attract the Right Mindset.

It is undeniable that money plays a crucial role in our lives. But what exactly is that role? Is money an adverse distraction, or could it actually help us live more consciously? Is it better to give or to receive? Is poverty more enlightened than wealth?

Even among highly conscious people, money can be a contentious and polarizing subject. Society bombards us with so many contradictory views on the subject that it is no wonder individuals are confused. Misunderstanding money causes us to compartmentalize the financial part of our lives. Money becomes a thing unto itself with its own rules and conventions. We literally treat it as something that must be locked away, detached from other parts of our lives lest it somehow "infect" us with its cold-blooded properties.

Like most individuals, I grew up with conflicting notions about money. On the one hand, I found evidence that money was good. Intellectually, material wealth seemed crucial, for it clearly brings certain benefits. Money can buy food, clothing, shelter, transportation, education, technology, entertainment, medicine, and more. Given how our culture currently functions, if you have money, you have solutions. It certainly won't solve all your problems, and it may create fresh ones of its own, but it is safe to say that money is a powerful problem-solving tool.

One radio personality stated it best: "Nothing can take the place of money in the context where money works."

On the other hand, there were aspects of money I didn’t like. Intuitively, it felt empty and meaningless to me. I didn't like that it was used as a gatekeeper for certain privileges like proper medical care, the right foods, or adequate educational resources. I was also disturbed by the fact that some people act shamefully to acquire it. While I was occasionally impressed by the accomplishments of the world's giants of wealth, many of them amassed their fortunes by means I could not support.

Have you been struggling with similar inner conflicts? If so, you are certainly not alone, as this conflict is largely the result of social conditioning. We have some influences telling us that money is very important, while others tell us it is not. Consider what happens during the holiday season. Advertisers tell us to spend, spend, and spend. They suggest that the more money we spend, the happier our holidays will be.