Ep. 189 - 65 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN TAUGHT ME THIS MONEY TRUTH

In this special milestone episode of the Merging Life and Money Show, host Marie-Jo Caesar celebrates her 65th birthday by sharing profound life and money lessons learned over six decades. This episode dives deep into understanding the emotional connection to money, breaking generational financial patterns, and the powerful impact of gratitude on financial decisions. Marie-Jo explores how money mirrors our deepest beliefs and provides actionable steps for transforming your relationship with finances, making purposeful financial decisions, and creating lasting, positive change. Tune in for a transformative discussion that merges financial wellness with living a meaningful life.

*KEY TAKEAWAYS*

🎁 Purpose and Money Management:
Money decisions should reflect your personal values and life purpose. When spending, saving, and investing align with what matters most to you, it creates positive change in both your life and community.

🎁 Abundance Mindset and Financial Gratitude:
Your money mindset shapes your financial reality. Combining an abundance perspective with gratitude leads to smarter financial choices and greater wealth satisfaction. This mental shift transforms both your relationship with money and your financial outcomes.

🎁 Financial Identity and Mindset Transformation

Your inherited beliefs about money - your "money story" - drive your financial behavior. By consciously reshaping these patterns, you can create healthier financial habits and achieve better results. Marie-Jo's workshop and book provide tools for this transformation.

*KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE* 

00:00 Hidden Money Secrets Nobody Tells You

04:40 Your Childhood Money Story Revealed!

09:00 Breaking Toxic Money Habits Forever

14:06 Take This Mind-Blowing Money Personality Test

16:55 Secret Formula for Financial Freedom

19:56 Money Mindset Hack Changes Everything

22:09 Women Who Win with Money

27:11 Gratitude Makes You Rich - Here's How

30:37 Turn Money Mistakes into Millions

32:51 Abundance Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires

38:41 The Money Energy Success Formula

39:57 FREE Quiz + Life-Changing Workshop

 💡 *This is more than just a podcast—it’s your opportunity to reflect on your financial journey. 

To help, I’m giving away my Financial Milestone Reflection Workbook

🎁 Think of it as a guided path to uncover your personal financial truths.

📥Download it

Chapters

• 0:06 Hidden Money Secrets Nobody Tells You
• 0:58 The Emotional Side of Money
• 3:24 Breaking Generational Money Patterns
• 13:11 Purpose-Driven Finance
• 23:49 The Power of Gratitude in Finance
• 38:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Transcript

Ep. 189 - 65 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN TAUGHT ME THIS MONEY TRUTH

Welcome to this very special episode of the Merging Life and Money Show. Today is not just another Saturday. It marks a milestone, my 65th birthday. I could not think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing the most profound lessons I have learned about money and life over these incredible 65 years.

So whether you are joining me as a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, settle in and let's embark on a journey together. This episode is not just about my story. It's about discovering truths that can transform how you approach your own financial journey. 

Now, let's get into it. In my 65 years on this earth, I have learned that money is much more than numbers on a bank statement. From earning a good income to building a business to recognizing opportunities for better money management, each experience has led me to discover one powerful truth about money that has changed everything. This truth is at the heart of what I will share with you today. 

Let me back up for a moment and introduce myself to anyone who may be tuning in for the first time. I am your host, Marie-Jo Caesar, a financial wellness strategist dedicated to helping people take control of their money from the inside out. After spending years as a corporate executive, I learned that true financial success comes from understanding money's emotional and practical sides. And let me tell you, this journey has been anything but ordinary. 

Today's episode holds a special meaning as I reflect on my 65th birthday. The milestones I have reached and the wisdom I have gained have shaped my understanding of what it really means to build wealth. Author Maya Angelou once wrote, "When you know better, you do better." Looking back at my 30s, 40s, and 50s, I see now what I wish I had known then. 

This conversation is different because I will not give you standard financial advice about investment strategies or budgeting techniques. Instead, I will share meaningful lessons about money that no one talks about, lessons that could forever transform your relationship with wealth.

Welcome to the Merging Life and Money Show, where every Saturday at 7 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, we explore the deep connection between financial wellness and living a meaningful life. Today, prepare to challenge everything you think you know about money as we unlock the secrets to true financial freedom.

As I stand at this milestone in my life, one truth stands crystal clear: money mirrors our deepest beliefs, fears, and patterns back to us. Understanding this connection between our emotions and our finances opens the doors to real wealth creation. 

Think of your bank account as a mirror, showing not just your financial habits but reflecting your inner world. Research from the Financial Psychology Institute shows that 90 percent of our financial decisions are made emotionally, not logically. This explains why two people with identical incomes can end up with vastly different financial outcomes.

My own story illustrates this perfectly. Growing up in a home where money discussions did not exist with a civil servant father and a highly educated mother who never talked about finances, I inherited an unspoken pattern of avoiding money conversations. This silence around money matters shaped my early adult years, creating a disconnect between earning and truly understanding my finances.

In Know Yourself, Know Your Money, bestselling author Rachel Cruze notes that our money behaviors typically stem from what we witness or, in many cases, did not witness in childhood. The absence of financial discussions can be just as impactful as negative money messages. 

The emotional imprints on our financial decisions show up in various ways. In how comfortable we feel discussing money, in our approach to financial planning, in our attitude towards savings and spending, and in our confidence in making investment decisions.

My own awakening came when I realized that breaking the silence around money would become my mission. This understanding transformed not only my own relationship with finances but sparked my passion for helping others bridge the gap between emotional and practical money management. 

What makes this insight powerful is that when you understand that money acts as a mirror, you can pause, Reflect, and redirect your financial choices. Your bank statements become feedback on your inner state, not just financial records. 

The good news? Once you recognize these patterns, you can choose a different path. You can create new money stories that serve your goals and values better.

Recognizing our money pattern is eye-opening. The real power lies in breaking free from limiting generational patterns that no longer serve us. This brings us to perhaps the most meaningful part of financial transformation. 

Financial patterns are passed down to families like invisible threads, connecting one generation to the next. Some families pass down patterns of scarcity, others of abundance, and many, like my own, pass down silence around money matters. 

Breaking these patterns starts with awareness. As I mentioned in episode 145 about emotional wealth in the Black community, understanding our money story opens the door to writing a new one.

Transforming the generational silence around money became a powerful calling for me. Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, puts it well: The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth. This points to our ability to reshape our financial future, regardless of our past. 

The process of breaking generational patterns involves three key steps. 

First, acknowledge the inherited patterns without judgment. My parents' silence around money came from their own experiences and cultural background. Understanding this helped me move forward with compassion. 

Second, identify which patterns you want to change. For example, my decision to openly discuss money and teach financial literacy stands in direct contrast to my upbringing. This choice breaks the cycle of financial silence for future generations.

Third, create new empowering money practices. This might mean starting family conversations about money, teaching children about finances early, or establishing healthy money boundaries. 

Author Lynn Twist writes in The Soul of Money that money is like water. It can be a conduit for commitment, a channel for nourishment, and a currency for love. This perspective helps us see that we can direct our financial energy in new ways. 

The beauty of breaking generational patterns lies in its ripple effect. When you change your relationship with money, you not only transform your own life but also influence those around you. You become the bridge between all patterns and new possibilities.

As a financial wellness strategist, I regularly see this transformation. People who break free from limiting money patterns often make more confident financial decisions, have healthier money conversations, and create lasting positive change in their families.

As I write about in my forthcoming book, The Seven Pillars of Financial Wellness - How to Live Your Life with Means and Meaning, self-reflection serves as a powerful tool for financial growth. Let's pause and examine your own money energy. 

Money's energy flows through every aspect of life. Understanding your personal relationship with it can create space for positive change. 

Ask yourself these questions: 

When you think about money, what emotions come up first? Notice if you feel peace, anxiety, confidence, or uncertainty. Your immediate emotional response tells you something valuable about your money energy. 

What money messages did you hear growing up? These might be direct statements or unspoken rules. In my case, the absence of money conversations spoke volumes. Your awareness of these messages helps you choose which one to keep and which one to release.

How do you feel when checking your bank balance? Many people avoid looking at their accounts because of the emotions they bring up. Others compulsively check multiple times a day. Your checking habits often reveal your deeper money beliefs. What would change if you viewed money as a neutral tool rather than a source of stress or validation? This perspective shift alone can transform your financial decisions. 

These questions appear simple, but they open doors to profound insights. As I share in my upcoming book, financial wellness starts with understanding your relationship with money. Only then can you align your finances with your values and create lasting change. 

Take a moment right now. Close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so. Picture yourself having a healthy and peaceful relationship with money. What does that look like? How does it feel? This vision becomes your compass for change. 

Remember, reflection is not about judgment. It's about awareness and growth. Every insight moves you closer to financial wellness. 

Write down your reflections after this episode. Review them regularly and notice how your money energy shifts as you become more conscious of your patterns and choices. This reflection sets the stage perfectly for our next topic, where we will explore how to channel this awareness into purposeful financial decisions. Speaking of awareness, let's talk about what happens when you match your money habits with your life's purpose. This alignment, what I call purposeful finance, changes everything about how wealth grows and flows in your life. 

Financial goals without purpose are like boats without a rudder. They might move, but rarely in the right direction. The magic happens when your money choices match of your life's meaning. 

In my years of working with professional women, I noticed a pattern. Those who linked their finances to their deeper purpose made better money decisions and felt more satisfied with their will. These observations led me to create several tools, including my Financial Personality Type Quiz, which helps you understand how your unique traits influence your money decisions.

You might wonder about your own money patterns. Are your spending and saving habits supporting your life's purpose, or are they working against it? To help you answer this question, I have created a special birthday gift for my listeners: free access to my Money Block Quiz. This assessment helps identify what might be standing between you and your financial goals. You will find the link in the show notes. 

Purpose-driven finance looks different at every life stage. In your 30s, it might mean investing in education or starting a business. In your 40s, it might focus on legacy building. By your 50s and beyond, purpose often shifts to impact and giving back. My Financial Mindset Type Assessment can help you understand where you are in this evolution.

Consider this quote from Vicky Robbins: "Your Money or Your Life. Money is something you trade your life energy for." This truth asks us to examine whether we are trading our precious time for things that truly matter.

Here's what aligning money with meaning looks like in practice: Your spending reflects your values, and your investments support causes you believe in. Your financial decisions factor in more than numbers, and your wealth creates positive changes in areas you care about. My own purpose became clear when I realized I could help others break free from limiting money beliefs. This clarity transformed my business decisions and personal finances. Now, each financial choice supports my mission of helping others achieve financial wellness. 

The beauty of purposeful finance lies in its personal nature. No two paths look exactly alike because no two purposes are identical. 

When you align money with meaning, something remarkable happens. Your financial decisions begin creating waves of positive change that reach far beyond your own life. That is what I call the ripple effect of conscious money management. 

Money managed with purpose affects not just your bank account but your entire life network. Research from Harvard Business School shows that people who manage money consciously report higher satisfaction in their relationships, careers, and personal growth. 

Let me share what this looks like. When you handle money with awareness, you make choices that benefit your present and your future self. These choices inspire others, your children, family, friends, and community. As one of my clients said, when I changed my money habits, my daughter started asking better questions about finances.

This ripple effect shows up in three main ways: 

First, in your personal sphere, making conscious money decisions reduces stress and improves relationships. You stop letting money control your emotions and start using it as a tool for growth. This shift alone can transform family dynamics. 

Second, in your professional life, understanding your worth leads to better career choices and business decisions. This growth mindset, which we'll explore in depth during my spring workshop, "Transform Your Financial Identity—Your Blueprint for Financial Mastery," helps you recognize and seize opportunities. 

Third. In your community impact. When you manage money purposefully, you are better positioned to support causes you care about. I mentioned that before, but I'm going to repeat it again. You create jobs, mentor others, and contribute to economic growth in meaningful ways.

Author Sharon Lechter explains in Think and Grow Rich for Women that financial success multiplies when shared with others. Thus, each person who gains financial confidence becomes a beacon for those around them.

The ripple effect gains power through consistency. Small, purposeful actions compound over time. Regular money conversation normalizes financial literacy. Mindful spending influences market demands. Conscious investing shapes business practices. And intentional giving creates community change. 

My own ripple effect started when I transformed my relationship with money. This led to the creation of resources like my Money Block Quiz and Financial Mindset Type Assessment, which now help others break free from limiting patterns. 

The power of these ripple effects becomes even more apparent when we look at real financial growth patterns. For example, when you build an emergency fund, you not only create personal security but also model financial preparedness for others. This simple act can inspire an entire family to build their own safety nets. 

Consider the impact on future generations. Children who grow up watching conscious money management learn invaluable life skills. They witness how to make thoughtful spending decisions, save with intention, invest in their future, and give back meaningfully. One powerful aspect of conscious money management lies in recognizing money stories. These stories, the narratives we tell ourselves about wealth, success, and worth, shape our financial reality. By changing these stories, we change our financial behavior and results.

In my upcoming workshop, "Transform Your Financial Identity," we will explore these money stories in depth. Participants will learn to identify their current financial identity and create a new one that aligns with their goals and values. This transformation creates another powerful ripple: as you change your identity, your actions naturally follow suit.

The professional impact extends beyond individual couriers. When women manage money consciously, they often negotiate better compensation packages, build stronger business networks, create more sustainable business models and support other women in their professional growth. 

This support network becomes particularly valuable during economic uncertainty. People who practice conscious money management typically weather financial storms better because they have built strong foundations and support systems. 

Your relationship with money influences every decision you make. From daily purchases to long-term investments, from career choices to retirement planning, each choice sends ripples through your life and the lives of others. 

Think about your own money ripples. How do financial decisions affect your peace of mind, your family security, your ability to pursue opportunities, and your capacity to help others? The beauty of conscious money management lies in its progressive nature. As you grow more aware and intentional with your finances, your positive impact naturally expands. 

You become more capable of supporting causes you believe in, investing in opportunities that align with your values, and creating lasting changes in your community.

Now, I'd like to change focus a bit. Did you know that your financial wellness journey can take an unexpected turn when you add one powerful element? That element is gratitude. 

Science shows that this simple practice rewires not just how you think about money but also how you attract and draw it. Let me share what research has revealed about this remarkable connection. 

 As I discussed in depth during my last episode, episode 188, gratitude transforms your entire relationship with money. That episode sparked such meaningful conversations that I want to build on these insights today. Recent studies by the University of Berkeley in California link gratitude to increased financial patience and wiser money decisions. When people practice gratitude, they make better long-term financial choices and feel more satisfied with what they have. My vision extends beyond individual financial successes. I dream of creating a global focus group where women from all backgrounds, regardless of status, race, or religion, can speak openly. And without shame about money. This dream stems from an understanding that gratitude opens doors to honest conversations and shared wisdom.

The science of gratitude in finance works through several channels. First, it reduces the constant need for more, helping you make clearer decisions about spending and saving. Second, it increases your awareness of existing resources, leading to better use of what you already have. Third, it builds resilience during financial setbacks.

Neuroscientist Alex Korb writes in The Upward Spiral that gratitude boosts both dopamine and serotonin, the brain's feel-good chemicals. These same chemicals help us make better financial decisions by reducing stress and anxiety around money. 

Simple gratitude practices can shift your money mindset.

Start by listing three financial blessings each morning. Thank God for both large and small money wins. Appreciate the lessons from financial setbacks and acknowledge those who support your financial growth. 

One fascinating aspect of financial gratitude is how it redefines wealth. True wealth extends beyond money to include knowledge and skills, relationships, and connections, as well as opportunities for growth and the ability to make positive change. 

My research and work with clients show that people who practice financial gratitude report less financial anxiety, more contentment with current resources, better spending habits, increased generosity, and improved money conversations.

When you combine gratitude with financial planning, you create a powerful foundation for wealth building. This combination helps you stay focused on long-term goals while appreciating present resources. The connection between gratitude and financial success runs deeper than many realize. As I share in episode 188, practicing gratitude changes not just your mindset but your actual financial behavior. When you appreciate what you have, you make smarter choices about what you need. 

Think about the last time you felt truly grateful for your financial situation. Maybe it was paying a bill on time, receiving an unexpected bonus, or simply having enough. That feeling of gratitude likely influenced your next money decision in a positive way.

What stands out in my financial wellness practice are the clear patterns among clients who maintain gratitude journals focused on money. Their financial lives transformed in meaningful ways. They develop consistent saving habits and approach spending with greater mindfulness. Their giving becomes more generous, and their investment decisions grow more confident. Perhaps most significantly, their worries about the future diminished.

One profound insight from that same episode 188 that is worth repeating is financial gratitude creates a positive feedback loop. The more you appreciate your current financial state, the more likely you are to attract additional financial opportunities. This happens because gratitude shifts your focus from scarcity to possibility.

A powerful exercise I recommend involves creating what I call a wealth inventory. This goes far beyond counting dollars and cents. Your true wealth includes your skills and education, your network and relationships, your physical assets, and your experiences. It encompasses your earning potential and your ability to help others. When completing this comprehensive inventory, most people discover they are far wealthier than they imagined. This awareness naturally leads to better financial decisions and a stronger sense of abundance. 

Science also shows that grateful people handle financial setbacks better; instead of seeing failures as permanent, they view them as temporary learning experiences. This resilience proves invaluable in building long-term wealth.

As we work to create that global focus group for women to discuss money openly, gratitude will serve as a foundation. When we approach financial conversations from a place of appreciation rather than shame or fear, we create space for honest dialogue and real growth. Financial gratitude doesn't mean ignoring money problems or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it means acknowledging your current position while maintaining optimism about your financial future. This balanced perspective enables you to take positive action while appreciating your progress. 

Your relationship with money shifts dramatically when you build wealth from a foundation of gratitude. This next insight changed everything in my own financial journey and continues to guide my work with clients today. 

Living with an abundance mindset fundamentally changes how you create and manage wealth. This approach goes beyond positive thinking. It represents a complete shift in how you view and interact with money. 

In my work with professional women, I noticed a striking difference between those who operate from abundance versus scarcity.

Those embracing abundance see opportunities where others see limitations. They ask, how can I? Instead of stating, I can't. This mindset shift often becomes the turning point in their financial stories. 

Author Carol Dweck, whom I have mentioned before, discusses how our core beliefs shape our financial outcomes in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. When we believe in abundance, we make different choices, invest in growth, take calculated risks, and remain open to new possibilities. 

Your money habits reflect your deepest beliefs about abundance. When you spend, do you focus on what you are losing or what you are gaining? When you invest, do you act from fear or confidence? These subtle differences in perspective lead to vastly different financial outcomes. 

The abundance approach shows up in practical ways. You become more strategic with your resources, understanding that money flows where attention goes. You start recognizing opportunities for growth and expansion, and most importantly, you begin treating setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Consider how an abundance mindset affects saving and investing. Instead of saving from fear, you save from a place of preparation for opportunities. Rather than investing defensively, you invest with confidence in future growth. This shift in perspective often leads to better financial decisions and outcomes. 

In fact, financial educator Suze Orman often says, Money is attracted to people who respect it. This respect comes naturally when operating from abundance. You value what you have while remaining open to receiving more. You understand that building wealth involves both giving and receiving.

The beauty of building wealth from abundance lies in its sustainability. Unlike scarcity-based financial strategies, which often lead to burnout or poor decisions, abundance-based wealth building creates lasting positive changes.

As we bring this powerful insight together, let's take a moment to reflect on how gratitude and abundance can reshape your financial future starting today.

Financial reflection becomes most powerful when we pause to connect with our present reality. Take a deep breath and consider where you are in your money journey right now, 

I invite you to grab a pen and paper. This exercise has proven transformative for my clients. Start by writing down three aspects of your financial life for which you feel grateful right now. This could be as simple as having enough for today's needs or as significant as reaching a major financial milestone.

Next, notice what emotions arise when you think about money. Are you feeling peaceful, anxious, or hopeful? Your emotional response offers valuable clues about your current mindset about money. Remember, awareness without judgment creates space for positive change. 

This reflection reminds me of a passage from Marie Forleo's book. 'Everything is figureoutable' where she writes, what you focus on grows. When we focus on financial abundance and gratitude, we naturally attract more opportunities for growth. 

Consider these questions as you reflect. What financial decision makes you feel most empowered? How can you bring more consciousness to your daily money choices? And where do you see opportunities for growth in your financial life? In my upcoming workshop in the spring, "Transform your Financial Identity," we will explore this question in depth, but for now, simply sit with them. Let them guide you toward new insights about your relationship with money.

And as I approach my, well, I shouldn't say approach, it's today, my 65th birthday. I find myself reflecting on the power of combining gratitude with purposeful financial planning. Each milestone becomes more meaningful when viewed to this length of appreciation and intention. 

Your reflections today set the foundation for meaningful change. They help align your money choices with your values and create a blueprint for your financial future. 

Today, as I celebrate my 65th birthday and share these life-changing money insights with you, I'm reminded of Maya Angelou's powerful words. "When you give cheerfully and accept, Gratefully, everyone is blessed." This wisdom perfectly captures the essence of our discussion about money, energy, purposeful finance, and the power of gratitude. 

Now, let's wrap up this birthday special. Throughout this episode, we've explored how money mirrors our deepest beliefs, the importance of breaking generational patterns, and the transformative power of gratitude in building wealth. These insights have shaped my journey from corporate executive to financial wellness strategist and continue to guide my mission of helping others achieve financial freedom. 

The path to financial wellness is not just about accumulating wealth. It's about creating a meaningful relationship with money that serves your highest purpose. As I share in my forthcoming book, The Seven Pillars of Financial Wellness - How to Live Your Life with Means and Meaning, true financial success comes from merging the practical and emotional aspects of money management. Take the first step toward transforming your financial future today. Download my free Money Block Quiz. The link is in the show notes. This assessment will help you identify what might be holding you back from achieving your financial goals. 

Mark your calendar for my Spring workshop. This immersive experience will help you transform your financial identity and create a new, empowering relationship with money. 

Join me in creating a world where women can freely discuss money. Your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. 

Thank you for joining me on this special birthday episode; your presence and commitment make this show possible. Remember, financial wellness is a journey we are all on together. 

I am your host, Marie-Jo Caesar; I will be back again next week.

Until then, continue merging life and money. Bye for now.