The Psychology of Money and Personal Finance

The people who tend to complain about moneybudget and invest what they do have. Although it is
seem to fall into three categories. There are thoseeasy to state that responsibility for this is individual
who don't have any, those who spend more thanweakness, it may actually be a failure of our society
they earn and those who have money but areto develop appropriate resources.
terribly afraid of losing it.Regardless of whether a person is rich or poor,
Throughout history, money has been a topic ofcriticizing the other group will not change the disparity
discussion and debate. Expressions such as "moneyor solve any problems. In fact, it tends to divide
doesn't buy happiness" or "money is the root of allsociety into "have" and "have not" categories with
evil" are often declared by those who do not havestereotypical connotations.
any. I'm definitely not trying to criticize anyone in thisPerhaps the start to understanding the psychology of
article or in life; however, I've met many poor peoplemoney is to examine individuals who have money but
who are desperately unhappy and many rich peopleare deathly afraid of losing it. Their actions and
who are unhappy. As well, I have made acquaintanceemotions frequently lead to illnesses that are physical
with very happy people who are on different endsand/or mental in nature. It is not the money that
of the financial continuum.causes the problem. It is the relationship with and
Concerning the "evil" connotation, I think the entireattitude towards it that is key.
text for that quote is "the LOVE of money is thePsychology deals with a person's thoughts, feelings
root of all evil". I have seen the look on the faces ofand behaviours. Money does not "buy" happiness but
children who wouldn't have had a Christmas if anit does help to fill needs and purchase wants. When
organization hadn't used their funds to buy gifts andwe think, feel or behave in a manner that focuses
food for them. I've been awed by the educationalONLY on the lack of, acquisition or spending of
settings, women's shelters and health institutions thatmoney, we end up in trouble! We lose perspective.
have been built through endowments and donations.My accountant and financial planner laugh at me when
I've marvelled at the research that has beenI say that I don't want money. It's the car dealership,
accomplished to fight disease and illness throughtax man and grocery store that want my money. I'm
benefactors.just the "middle" person who does the recycling.
Often people who do not have money receive publicPerhaps money isn't your problem. Maybe it's your
services which are financed through taxes.attitude towards money that is.
Those who spend more than they earn may notYou may want to talk with a Registered Psychologist
have learned the skills needed to earn more or toto get help with your financial situation.