The True Power of Money
June 2019

Money is a neutral medium of exchange, having neither a positive nor a negative charge. Yet, our thoughts and feelings about money, and the impact it has on our lives, are far from neutral. Collectively and individually, we tend to imbue money with near-transcendental qualities and powers. Our sense of well-being, control, comfort, security, even self-esteem, is often defined by the balance in our bank accounts. If money itself is neutral, why are our perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and feelings about it so charged? How is it that small pieces of paper and metal have come to hold such power over our well-being or lack thereof? And how, if at all, can we reclaim that power? Is it just the lucky few who are somehow destined to have a fulfilling relationship with money? In Wired for Wealth: Change the Money Mindsets That Keep You Trapped and Unleash Your Wealth Potential, Brad Klontz, Ted Klontz and Rick Kahler, explain that we all have “money scripts,” or subconscious beliefs about money, that affect our financial well-being and drive our financial decision-making. According to them, we don’t question the accuracy of these money scripts. Nor do we examine the degree to which they are true and work for us, yet we continue to act on them as if they were entirely true. We follow them blindly, even when they no longer fit our circumstances and even when they cause pain in our lives. Because we have no idea of the beliefs behind our money choices, we might blame our financial difficulties and pain on other people and external circumstances, locking ourselves into a cycle of financial stress and self-destructive behaviors, feeling victimized and powerless. Similarly, George Kinder has “never encountered a money dilemma in a client, friend, or student where some misguided belief system didn’t lie right at the root of the problem.” In The Seven Stages of Money Maturity: Understanding the Spirit and Value of Money in Your Life, Kinder states: “By learning to let go of our stories around money, we can accomplish whatever we want to, and we can experience the ease and freedom we have always desired.” How do we let go of or our stories around money? The first step is to learn what they are! Understanding our past and present money scripts is merely the starting point of creating a fulfilling relationship with money. The process continues as we explore our values, goals and dreams, and begin to consciously create a healthy financial foundation that is aligned with our integrity and desires. As is the case in so many other areas of life, with awareness and focus, we can gain control of our financial well-being rather than allowing money to have power over us. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Pathway Financial Advisors, LLC-“Pathway”), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Pathway. Please remember that if you are a Pathway client, it remains your responsibility to advise Pathway, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. Pathway is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the Pathway’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request. Please Note : Pathway does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Pathway’s web site or blog or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

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The True Power of Money
June 2019

Financial planning for life

Your best interests. Our first priority.

An expert team

Helping you create a successful future

Our sole purpose is to be your trusted advisor.

We work with our clients to identify opportunities, limit financial risks, minimize tax liabilities, and plan a lifetime financial strategy.

We work out of offices in...

Fee-only, individualized service suits our diverse clientele.

Find resources for...

The True Power of Money June 2019

The True Power of Money
June 2019