playing with practicality

Link to the spreadsheet.

(You should be able to make a copy and adjust it however you wish.)

—

For a long time the practical aspects of money terrified me. I’d fear spiral when I looked at my bank account and froze in the face of my tax returns. I’d panic if something unexpected came up.

These were all trauma responses, and that’s okay. Many people have financial trauma. We’ve all been steeping in a culture of financial shame and disempowerment, so if that’s echoing through your life, that just means you’re a human. You’re doing a good job and this will get easier. When financial trauma or overwhelm or triggers pop up, back away from the money, get out of your bank account, and focus on supporting your nervous system. As I started supporting my nervous system, money started getting so much easier, practically and energetically.

The more I work with the energy of money, the easier all the practical aspects become.

Practicality can be sacred. It can be a tool for major expansion. It can even be fun.

It just takes a little rearranging - and healing.

With these money practices - whether practical, spiritual, or emotional - consistence is key. But if consistency is hard for you, don’t fret. And definitely don’t beat yourself up. Focus on supporting that nervous system. (Remember, the money healings - the foundation of Money Tree - will support you deeply with that. And we’ll be talking about more ways to care for your nervous system in the next Year of Joy chapter.)

Because practicality has historically been more of a challenge for me, I tend to use other people’s practices and adjust them to suit me. I encourage you to do the same. Try what feels fun or interesting in what I share, keeping what works, tossing what doesn’t.  Use this as a jumping off point to find what works for you. For example, I like spreadsheets. You might prefer a notebook or an app on your phone.

Everything below is explained in more detail in the audio, and feel free to reach out with questions.

Energy Healing for your Bank Account:

(from Lizzie Swartz of Rose Point Herbs)

Open up your bank account online (or investment account or credit card or car loan or stripe account) and send healing golden energy through your hands to clear any funky energy and open up the channels for receiving.

Spreadsheet:

Here’s the spreadsheet again and a quick written explanation, as the audio is more in-depth.

Snapshot (tab 1)

(From my financial wiz friend Holly :)

Create a clear snapshot of your monthly finances - incoming and outgoing - so you can know where you are with money at all times.

Allocation (tab 2)

(This is a technique I learned from Natalia Benson.)

Natalia recommends weekly money dates, where you look at the money that has come in, and allocate a percentage to taxes, living expenses, paying yourself first, and various other buckets to support your thriving. I use two banks, one for my living expenses and bills, and another for my allocation checking account, where all money is deposited, and various labelled savings accounts. (I use Capital One, because they make it really easy to create different money buckets.)

Daily Income Tracking (tab 3)

(A technique I learned in a mentorship with Katrina Ruth.)

Everyone loves attention, including money. Giving it a place to land, and being aware of what’s coming in each day, even if it’s $0, gives money many more channels and chances to find you. Being in the spreadsheet every day and recording what comes in can catapult you to more money.

Markers and Celebrations (tab 4)

(Also from Katrina Ruth)

Celebrations are so important. Celebrate yourself for your financial wins (whether it’s $5 or $5M), celebrate yourself for taking a nap, celebrate yourself for showing up in a way that feels really good. Your wins - and rewards - don’t just need to be for financial gains.

—

You and your money are partners. You can’t just ignore your partner for two months and expect everything to be kosher. Get intimate with your money. Touch base every day or every week. Open your banking app. Feel into your energy around money. Pay attention to it and give it love. Treat it like a dear friend and money will begin to feel safe with you - and you will begin to feel safe with money.

xo - Amber