There is SO much behind this door and so many more doors with interesting things to learn! Money is a super fascinating subject. Most people like to SHOW money but rarely do people want to TALK about it.

Unless you are a Mongolian nomad (and among a few other cultures), then you deal with money. We all have a money story. Here's mine:

I've always worked like a dog. It was part of our household culture that was created by my parents (mostly my Mom, Dianne) and one for which I am grateful! I remember going to the town hall when I was 13 or 14 to get my working papers so I could apply for a job. I ALWAYS said 'yes' when an opportunity arose and so I had a lot of opportunities. I was a babysitting machine (hint, hint: also left the house in perfect form so the parent's would call me back) worked for a State Rep, my father's franchise, HR office in the summers, an RA in college + 3 years nanny during college, started working a week after graduation, got a second job to pay for rent, etc. My work ethic = A+. There was a rule in our house that we had to give 50% of what we earned so it would be saved for us. Really awesome idea except, for me, I didn't really 'learn' about money; I just knew how to make it. So, when I got access to the money that I was 'taken from me to be saved', I was a wild woman - it may have been about $2.5k back then but a lot of money for a college kid. I'm also naturally generous so about 25% of that was probably used for first rounds for everyone! When I got my first Discover Card, I went bananas too - new bedding, TV, clothes, etc. My roommates remember Mr. Stanley from Discover Card because he always called our house (no cell phones then) when I was late paying my bill!! My financial education = D. I always wonder where I'd be today if I had a foundation of an A+ work ethic and a B+ financial education. Just curious though as I don't dwell much in the past. And, I KNOW we are all doing the best we can.

Money is typically not a source of stress for me. I know I'll always have enough because I work or I can sell stuff or I can borrow and eventually pay it back. I always have a choice so I'm good. If all else fails, you'll see me at the Dover Market with a smile or better yet, at the Dover Deli giving Eugenia a run for her money! :) I think I inherited the no-stress-money trait from my Dad. But, money is a source of stress for my Mom and in many ways I'm thankful because it was a balance for my Dad but sad because it caused and causes her so much anxiety.

Money is a HUGE stress for SOOOO many people yet NOBODY talks about it...rarely, if ever! I love talking about it and I don't judge people around money; it informs your story. I find it fascinating that people will share a detailed, private sexual experience yet, they don't talk about money - huh? There is so much shame surrounding it because we give so much POWER to that little green piece of paper or a number on a statement or spreadsheet.

As I mentioned behind Door #5, I have the privilege of talking about money all the time because of my business. I dream of talking about it with everyone regardless of one's financial situation because when you talk about something, you take the power away from it, you take away the mystery and you gain clarity, insight and control.

There are so many conversations that we could be having about money. Questions like this come to mind:

How much you got?
How did you get it?
Why are you so generous?
Why do you hoard your money?
What's the source of your entitlement?
Why do you keep spending if you need to borrow?
Why do I buy stuff that I can't afford?
Why did I invest in that crappy investment?
Why did I invest in that winner?
How do you value your time?
If you had no money, how much would you be worth?
What's the source of your wealth? How do you feel about it?
Does money make you feel powerful or powerless?
How come you never pull out your wallet when we are together?
Does all that stuff you own make you happy?
Do you feel like crap because you don't have as much stuff as your neighbor?
What would you do if you never had to worry about financial security?
What are you doing since you don't have to ever worry about financial security?
I know, why does everyone expect you to spend so much money just because you have more?
How's that $5k outfit working for you?
How much do you give to charity? Why?
If you can afford to buy it, why do you feel so bad about owning it.
What's your money story?
If you had nothing but shelter, food and clothing, how would you feel?
Who are you without all your stuff?
How do you teach your children about money? What do they witness? How's that working for you?

Newsflash: we live in a world where NOT ENOUGH is our inner dialogue around money - it doesn't matter how much you have. It builds walls, it builds fear, it creates destruction, it creates little and humungous conflicts, it's the #1 source of conflict in relationships.

We need to change the way we THINK about money and when we do, we'll change how we FEEL about money. Money is just an object.

Personally, I am intentionally seeking financial abundance so I can put it back into the world in an incredibly meaningful and empowering way.

Money + the energy around it fascinates me and there will be other doors related to this topic. Knock. Knock. Start thinking about it. Start talking about your money story. Call me if you want to begin the conversation in a safe place.

With love,
Katie