Fearless Money

Inspired by Steve Pavlina’s advice to read a book a week, I’ve been reading a lot more money and entrepreneurial books. I’m reading a real gem right now, How Much is Enough? by Pamela York Klainer.

The main point of the book is that unless we consciously explore our relationship and history with money, we are likely to unconsciously repeat the same patterns. These patterns come from our background, both from childhood and from our early experiences making money. But for most “successful” people, these unconscious patterns don’t serve us well any more. This article at Fast Company goes into more detail on her key points.

It is a deeply intriguing idea, and for me a liberating one. I am not finished reading the book, and I plan a more thorough review, but I can’t resist sharing this wonderful quote as a teaser:

“How can you tap that previously unexplored reservoir of information? How will your money story take shape and point you in new directions? It’s not as hard as you may think. The watchwords, quite simply, are “follow the money.” Instead of veering off just when the money conversation gets interesting, discipline yourself to go against social norms by going deeper. You’ve learned to talk about other difficult matters: safe sex, abortion politics, the influence of religious groups in national elections. All of these, once tabpp subjects in polite soicety - have become part of responsible adult conversation. Plain talk about your experience of money remains the last taboo, and one that needs to be broken. Follow the money, and see where the narrative leads you. The rewards, in terms of insight and the opportunity for change, can be substantial.” How Much is Enough? by Pamela York Klainer

It is just that attitude, of fearlessly pushing against the norms and honestly discussing money and our relationship with it, that is the motivation for this website.

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