Published by Kerry Meath-Sinkin
When we build up too much fire and water in our system, there is a tendency to become more constricted, tight, or controlled in different areas of our life. When it comes to money, summer heat may exacerbate a feeling of being very controlled around a budget, and create a feeling that clouds our ability to enjoy our summer activities. Simply having these emotions is normal, but the question becomes how can we move with these emotions to bring greater joy, abundance, and ease into our life?
As opposed to fighting it, one way to loosen constriction is to bring attention to it. When we bring attention to something that is tight and constricted it naturally has space to loosen. Constriction around money can develop for a variety of reasons. It can develop from stories that we heard as kids, or stories that we have continually told ourselves over the years. For me, releasing this constriction is a continuous exploration, but I have found that journaling and discussing these topics with close friends really helps. The summer is a great time for us to sit outside, relax, and find ways that help us let go of the tightness.
If some of the constriction is being caused by sticking too tightly to a budget, here are a few thoughts to help shake up your budget and bring some relief.
Consider adding a category dedicated to treat yo self; an account or category many will call a “fun money account.” A fun money account is a small amount that we allocate to having fun or nourishing ourselves. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it is an amount that it gives us permission to enjoy ourselves. People find that setting aside an appropriate, and do-able amount into this type of category, allows them to enjoy themselves without feeling guilty.
Another allocation that many find useful is a “curveball” allotment, where we can accumulate a certain amount of money every month to pay for those unexpected expenses. These are expenses that we know are going to happen, we just don’t know when. This can include new tires for a car, a broken garage door, a birthday gift, or other expenses that will inevitably arise but can’t be planned for.
By incorporating these two categories into our budget it may help us plan more predictably and be less emotionally thrown off when surprises come our way.
As someone who is continually exploring ways to find freedom and abundance in relationship to my money, I know that shifting old habits can be hard. Incorporating different tools at different stages can make a huge difference. I invite you to join me in giving them a try.
Kerry Meath-Sinkin is a registered investment advisor and financial planner based in Minneapolis. She graduated with honors from Brown, and works with clients not only in the Twin Cities, but nationwide. Kerry believes in a holistic approach to finance. She works with her clients to develop a practical plan with their finances, while also working on their inner relationship with money. Together, these aspects allow clients to feel healthy, abundant, and free. Kerry also has a passion for healthy living, is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and public health educator. Click here to learn more about Kerry.
