After years of living my teens and early 20’s check to check, I came to one simple and profound conclusion. I didn't know JACK about money. What’s more, I didn’t understand why I did what I did with money. I didn’t have the awareness to know I had learned a money STRATEGY that was based in beliefs I had acquired since I was a small child. All I knew, was I needed to study money so I could snap out of this check to check pattern.

That epiphany occurred in 1999. Since that time, I’ve consistently consumed books, CD’s, seminars, weekend trainings, masterminds, mentors and the like. All are vital to my growth and success. However, I believe the psychology of money is FAR more important than the technical aspects. Which brings us back to beliefs, meaning and the feeling of money. During my immersion I encountered a simple exercise which unlocked the keys to more embedded beliefs that I ever imagined.

1. What is the first thing you remember about money as a child?
2. What did you learn about money as a teenager?
3. How did your family handle money and how does that affect you today?
4. What did your friends and their families teach you about money?
5. How do you feel about money in general, and then your ability to handle money?
6. What disempowering beliefs do you have about money?
7. What empowering beliefs do you have about money?
8. Is there a difference between money, wealth, and abundance?
9. Ultimately, money is…? (Throw out at least 10 answers that pop into your brain)
10. What new beliefs are a MUST in order to create the financial life you desire?

The key is to listen to the first answers that pop into your head (intuitive/unconscious hits). These little gems are often clues to big ticket beliefs. Give yourself permission to allow the truth to come out--even when it surprises you--and then explore these responses in their entirety.

I can remember bumping into memories I hadn’t thought of since I was a small child. Example: I stole five dollars from my grandmothers eyeglass case and was sharply scolded. That moment made a huge impression on me. You’ll find yours too…and in the excavation you’ll find the beliefs that empower or disempower your financial abundance.

It was my first foray into examining financial root cause instead of symptoms. I was really excited to be exposing my beliefs and strategy. That process enabled me to see blind spots and make new decisions that virtually immediately changed my life. The beauty, was in my free answers. I didn't need to spend a thousand dollars on a technical stock investing course. I just needed to be honest and reflect on how my answers had shaped my ability to create and protect money.