Financial Wellness Is Self-Worth Work

Money. For most of us, even hearing the word brings up a wave of stress, avoidance, or a heavy pit in the stomach. And it’s no wonder, money isn’t just about numbers. It’s deeply tied to our sense of safety, identity, and self-worth.

Why Money and Self-Worth Are Linked 💸

From the time we’re little, money carries meaning. Maybe you grew up hearing “we can’t afford that” or watching adults argue about bills. Maybe money was abundant but used as a way to measure success. However it showed up, those early experiences taught us what we “deserve” and how safe (or unsafe) it feels to engage with money.

At the core, money and self-worth are connected because both are about survival and belonging. If we don’t believe we’re worthy of stability, it can show up as avoiding finances altogether, overspending to soothe emotions, or overworking to prove our value.

It’s not that you’re “bad with money.” It’s that your nervous system and your identity are wired to see money through the lens of worth.

Why This Matters Now 📈

We’re living in a moment of intense financial pressure, rising costs, unstable systems, and constant messages about what we should have or be doing. If we don’t address our relationship with money, the stress will leak into every area of our lives.

Unchecked financial anxiety shows up as:

• Tension in relationships.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Overwhelm in decision-making.

• Feeling powerless in your own life.

  
  

On the flip side, when you start tending to your financial wellness, you reclaim a sense of control. You send yourself the message: I am worthy of security. I deserve to feel safe. I am allowed to create a life that supports me.

Money and Eating Habits: The Parallels 💰🍕

Here’s the fascinating part: our patterns with money often mirror our patterns with food:

• Avoidance: Ignoring bank statements feels like skipping meals, you end up crashing later.

• Bingeing: Emotional spending is a lot like emotional eating, both give a quick hit of relief, but the deeper need remains unmet.

• Restriction: Extreme budgeting feels like crash dieting, unsustainable and often followed by rebellion.

• Balance: True wellness in both money and food comes from structure, compassion, and flexibility.

  
  

The more compassion and awareness you bring to one, the easier it becomes to heal the other.

Your Next Step: A Money Date

One of the most supportive practices you can start right now is a monthly money date. This is time you intentionally set aside to check in with your finances, look at your accounts, track what’s coming in and going out, and reflect on whether your spending aligns with your values.

And every three months, go deeper. Review the bigger picture. Where are you headed? What needs to shift? What would help you feel safer and more in control?

This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Make it enjoyable, brew tea, light a candle, put on music. The ritual is what makes it feel less like punishment and more like self-care.

A Loving Reminder 🍀

Financial wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a sense of safety and empowerment around money, just like you do with food and health. Every time you show up for a money date, you’re strengthening the belief that you are worthy of stability, freedom, and peace.