Being Financially Authentic - Articles & Commentaries

ADDED:

07 April 2023

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Financial authenticity is the practice of being completely honest with your financial situation, values and goals. But peer pressure and societal expectations can sometimes cause us to stray from what really makes us happy inside and out.

Here are 4 simple steps on how to be financially true to yourself.

1. Be Present and Mindful

The world can be noisy and distracting place to live in. We’re constantly told to act or behave in certain ways to gain the approval of others and be part of different social groups. But turning inwards offers us a chance for a deep introspection to be comfortable with ourselves without the need to change any part of us.

Take a moment to pause and breathe in every so often to reflect on what really matters to you and your values. With greater self-awareness, you will be able to express your financial truths more purposefully and make monetary decisions that align with your authentic self.

2. Realise it’s all for the Gram

Don’t always believe everything you see on social media. In this digital synthetic age, almost everything we see has been curated to pixel-perfection with many ‘influencers’ faking their wealth and lifestyle.

Examples include influencers using luxury car rentals and then passing it of as their own. Some were reported to have even staged a photoshoot in a fake private jet (emoji). So, don’t compare yourselves to something that may not even be real.

3. Be Happy on Your Own Terms

Each of us are distinct individuals with our own sets of quirks that make us who we are. So, we shouldn’t have to give in to FOMO (fear of missing out) and get anxious about what others might say or not say about us.

Remember, it’s your own journey and we all have our own paths to take. So, embrace your own financial quirks and be intentional about your decisions and money. Stick to the plan and prioritise things that are actually important to you and not what someone else says.

4. Practice Gratitude

Take small steps every day to practice gratitude for what you have and avoid comparing yourself to others. We all have our own journey to take and it may not necessarily be the path well-trodden.

But that only makes it all the more special because it’s your own unique journey. So keep your eyes on your goals and persevere by staying true to your values and priorities. With a touch panache, we can imbue our financial journey with confidence and self-assurance to be the best version of ourselves financially or otherwise.

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