We live in a time where we are increasingly open with each other. We talk with each other intimately about spirituality, sexuality, and deeply rooted emotional issues. But even though we may know within a few hours of conversation that our brand-new friend is having trouble getting pregnant, was sexually abused as a child, or has never had an orgasm, what we probably don’t know is exactly how much money they make!
Money remains one of those “inappropriate” things that we just don’t talk about. Sure, we can allude to debt, lack, and prosperity in a general way. But can you name the exact annual income of your best friends? Your parents, even?
I grew up in a household where money was a taboo subject. I never knew how much money my parents made, or what things cost. When I was twenty and moved into my first apartment, I was astonished to find that electricity was something you had to PAY for!
These days, I talk about money a great deal. Ask my friends, and they can usually tell you exactly how much money I made last month. It may be because most of my clients these days seek me out because of financial issues. Maybe it’s because money issues have been brought to the forefront in these transitional times. And quite frankly, I find the topic fascinating!
Play along with me for a moment.
What if an acquaintance, someone you don’t know all that well, enthusiastically shared with you that they made a significant amount of money last month …. and then asks you about your own income. Take a moment and close your eyes to really picture that scenario. How do you react?
Do you think sharing that information is inappropriate? (Money is inappropriate)
Do you feel embarrassed? (Money is embarrassing)
Do you feel inspired? (You are ready to change your income)
Do you think that money is evil and this person is probably going to hell? (You need to unsubscribe, because you’re in the wrong place!)
Are you offended? (Money is offensive)
Do you feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to say? (Money is uncomfortable)
Do you feel resentful? (You’d like more money, but don’t know how to create it)
Do you feel comfortable? (Money is comfortable)
Do you feel flustered? (Money rattles you).
What if we all started talking about money, openly and comfortably, regardless of how much we have or don’t have? We might learn a great deal about our relationship with money, just by opening up the conversation. We might take ownership of our financial situation, which is the first step to change, if that’s what is necessary. And we might learn so much from each other!
Money is an integral part of our human experience. It’s pretty tough to be in this world without being affected by money every single day. And yet, it’s a topic that remains private, hushed, a little inappropriate or unseemly.
What would happen if we brought our money out of hiding?
Blessings,
Andrea
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Sweet. Really narrows it down and helps focus intention and point out flow restrictions. Well done. Thanks, Andrea.
Interesting question.. My 15 yr old and I were talking last night.. We live in an affluent community..Plano, Tx. (I’ve been gainfully unemployed for over a yr.) And none of her friends talk about the economy or any lack.. They all still have their phones and homes and luxury cars.. They know who the rich kids are and they know who the wealthy kids are.. There’s a distinction.
I wanna start talking about money openly and comfortably. And I want my daughter to learn to.. Where do I start?
AND. I want to send you a personal private email.. to discuss getting to the point where I feel empowered again. Soon as I figure out how to email you, I will. Please look for it. Or send me one and I’ll reply. Please?
Thank you. Great article.
Hi Andrea,
Great article.
You know, I borrowed a laptop from someone in my family and I asked them how much it cost because I liked it so much I wanted to get the same one.
And they wouldn’t tell me!! And I was told that it’s impolite to ask questions like that. I felt like I was 5 years old again – you know those moments when you were little and an adult tells you to do (or not to do) something and their explanation makes no sense to you at all!!!
But it made me laugh…and it’s interesting how money can be such a taboo subject for some people. As you say, it’s just a way to exchange energy.
Anna
PS – I like the new look website!
Thanks for this — this is an area I’ve succeeded in becoming a lot more open about, through meeting with my men’s group each week and discussing my finances in addition to other issues. It’s been pretty liberating.
So how much money do you make Andrea?
Michael – thank you, glad it resonated!
Jackie – Start by being open with your daughter about what you can and can’t afford, and let her know your income situation. I’ll shoot you an email as soon as I can …. generally, you can also reach out via the contact form on my site.
Anna – what a great story! Isn’t it weird how people get close-mouthed when it comes to the cost of things and money in general? Good for you for asking in the first place!
Chris – thank you for adding that being able to talk about finances is “liberating” – I so agree! It’s a huge part of life, so why the secrecy, right?
Daniel – I actually answered your question privately. I have no trouble telling others how much money I make (and quite frankly, there’s a lot of people out there teaching abundance who are in lack … incongruous to say the least).
Blessings,
Andrea
Andrea,
This is a very probing post. You are so right – it is something very few people will talk about!
I just want to say that I really like the new website look.
And if I may offer you a bit of a testimonial here… Through you and your courses – I have re-discovered and stepped into my power (which is in manifestation!) and gotten the flow of abundance going again from a small stream to a river!
Woohoo! You rock!
Looking forward to more of your insight, Andrea.
Blessings,
Keena
Hi Keena, Andrea.
Keena, I’d really like to know how you manifested a small stream to a river.
I’m 50 yrs. old, have a fabulous 6 yr. old son, and just lost my job a week ago. I’m having a hard time getting my resume together because I don’t seem to want to go back into an office. I’ve been a Legal Assistant for over 16 yrs., and most recently an Executive Asst. And actually losing this job was a blessing. I was miserable but because of the job market made a choice to not move on, the company made the decision for me. I thank them everyday. smile I’d goal is to become a software trainer, I don’t know what software, I just want to be in IT and train. I like learning new software, and I love training / teaching. OR, if there is another means for me to manifest money I’m open to it all from anyone and everywhere. I’d love your input and guidance. Just in case you can’t see my email it is: kime@bellsouth.net
Blessings!
Hi Kimmy,
Yup, we can manifest our way right out of a job – just acknowledge how powerfully you created that situation for yourself!
I hope you’ve downloaded my new report … and then my next piece of advice would be to align yourself in any way with training/teaching in a way that allows you to receive income. There are probably small opportunities in your life right now – don’t overlook those! Sometimes we think we have to create a whole new business or receive further training in order to do what we love … but if the inspiration is there from your Soul right now, so is opportunity.
Blessings,
Andrea