Have you ever thought about your financial identity?

Debtor. Lender.

Spender. Saver.

Employee. Entrepreneur.

Artist. Accountant.

Entrepreneur. Self-made millionaire.

Some identities feel good to own. Others don’t.

This month, we paid off our credit cards. It was a small step for our family, and it was a mighty leap forward.

We’d been holding relatively high credit card debt for over a decade. When I checked my balances this morning. I saw the total balance was zero.

Zero.

That felt darned good!

I am happy to have worked to pay off the credit card debt we had.

I am also thinking about how that changes the identity I hold for myself. I’m no longer a debtor. At least, not to the degree that we have been.

With regards to finances, I am moving from embarrassment to confidence and joy.

As we move forward, and upward, towards greater prosperity, I am struck by how identity plays a role in that. How do I see myself? How do others see me? Am I willing to let others in on how we are doing financially?

Finances is one of those topics that is often verboten. We don’t talk about it. We don’t share how we are doing with others. It’s a private matter. Almost a dirty secret.

That’s often true whether you are doing well, or whether you’re not.

The fact that my financial identity is changing drastically during Pride month doesn’t escape me. A year ago, I changed the name I go by from Steve to Stef. It was a small change that has brought a lot of questions, from others and from myself.

A year ago, I went from a name that was uncomfortable to a name that feels much better. This year I’m going from an uncomfortable amount of debt to a financial place that feels much better.

Less than year ago, much less honestly, I had no idea how we were going to pay off our credit card debt. At the time, it wasn’t even something I was willing to look at. I didn’t want to know, and I didn’t want anyone else to know.

It was a dirty secret that was best kept secret.

Only, keeping it secret wasn’t getting it resolved. It was simply something I wasn’t facing. By taking the small steps to face the debts we held and working diligently to pay them off we were able to move from a large balance on our credit cards to a zero balance.

As I’ve seen with my coming out about my gender identity, I am also seeing that changing my financial identity isn’t a one-time event. It’s a process that unfolds over time. Lately, it’s been getting better and better.

How about you? Are you ready to take a close look at your financial wellness? Would you like a safe and supportive environment to do that?

This is what Kristine had to say:

“What I loved most about Stef Garvin’s coaching program is that it gave me an opportunity to actually TALK about my financial situation openly in a non-judgmental and completely supportive environment!”

Shine brightly!

Stef

(xe/xem)

P.s. Be sure to download Soothe Your Senses A Self-Care Kit to Infuse Harmony & Peace Into Your Financial Wellbeing

Golden Nuggets

Golden Resource: Soothe Your Senses: A Self-Care Kit to Infuse Harmony & Peace Into Your Financial Wellbeing (Download PDF)

Golden Word: relief from Latin relevare “to raise, alleviate, lift up, free from a burden,” Example: After facing their financial situation, they began to gain hope for greater wellness.

Golden Quote: Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them. – Kristi Ling

Golden Speech: My identity is a superpower — not an obstacle | Hollywood needs to stop resisting what the world actually looks like, says actor, director and activist America Ferrera. (Clip 20 seconds)

financial wellness identity