Money Talks: What Does Yours Say About You?

I recently attended a meeting of small-business owners. The facilitator pointed out that your brand is not your name, logo or any other feature which identifies you or your product. “It’s the way people feel after working with you.” 

With that thought in mind, she then asked the participants to reveal three words that describe their brand in terms of how other folks see them. Interesting, huh?

The exercise reminded me of the standard icebreaker I used when I taught financial literacy. I asked the class to tell me what their money would say about them in one word or one sentence.

After the initial chuckles and processing looks, the dam broke. The students’ answers were quite revealing.

So, let’s take these two exercises further with regard to your financial brand. Can you come up with three words that describe how your money feels about you? How it sees you.

OK, I’ll put my feet to the fire first. 🔥

My money would describe me as a saver. Over the years, it has watched me try many ways to accumulate my fortune. From first feeding a piggy bank to opening a savings account in second grade. It witnessed my attempts to earn money throughout my elementary, junior and high school years.

At the end of my junior year in college, my father told me he would go halves with me on buying a car. My money cheered me on that summer as I skipped many social activities in order to work and save so I could have wheels during my senior year. 

As an adult, my money saw me turn saving into a game by challenging myself. I rarely pay full price for anything. I used to clip coupons, and still make it a point to take advantage of sales and shop at discount stores, outlets or thrift shops. 

However, my money has recently started warning me to worry less about saving and start spending more on enjoying the time I have left. This revelation is a new concept for me, but I’m trying to make the adjustment. 

My money also sees me as prudent. It recognizes my ability to live within my means without sacrificing. It applauds me for buying a high-quality car, paying cash for it to avoid car payments, and then maintaining it for over twenty years.

The third word my money would use to define me is giving. It understands I’m a sucker for a worthy cause and recognizes I’m quick to donate cash and/or my second most valuable asset, time.

On the whole, I would say my money is fairly pleased with me. Can you say the same?

I challenge you to fess up. Share three words or a sentence that describes how your money feels about you.