Separate Self-Worth from Net Worth
This one’s big. In a world obsessed with hustle, status and how much someone’s holiday cost, it’s easy to equate financial success with personal value.
But your worth is not your income bracket. It’s not your savings account. And it’s definitely not defined by whether you’ve “made it” by 30.
Conscious finance starts with decoupling money from identity. You’re allowed to want abundance and still know that your inherent value doesn’t fluctuate with your bank balance.
Money is a tool, not a trophy.
Get Clear on Your Values
If you’re not clear on what matters to you, your money will end up serving someone else’s priorities. The latest trend, the biggest sale, or that thing you bought because an influencer told you it was “life-changing.”
So take stock. What are your actual values? Freedom? Security? Creativity? Giving back? Rest?
Then ask: does your current financial behaviour align with those values?
For example:
- If you value creativity, are you allocating money for classes, tools or time off to explore it?
- If you value calm, are you avoiding your finances entirely and creating low-key chaos?
Let your money reflect your values, not your anxieties.
Build Financial Rituals, Not Just Budgets
Budgets can be helpful. But they’re not exactly sexy, and they rarely last when built out of guilt.
So try rituals instead. Think of it as financial hygiene — little practices that create awareness and agency.
Some ideas:
- A weekly “money date” where you check in with your spending and goals
- Journaling your purchases to notice patterns or emotional triggers
- Naming your savings accounts something meaningful (e.g. “Freedom Fund,” “Slow Living Savings”)
- Doing a monthly review with a cuppa, a candle and zero shame
The goal? Make it feel intentional, not punishing.
