Sort out your thinking

Are you one of those people who seem to go around in circles in regard to money? Do you try your best to control your spending? Do you get out of debt and then go straight back there again?
Your best efforts may be sabotaged by myths you believe about money. It is generally not at a conscious level, but at a subconscious level.
The first step is to reconsider your thinking about money. When you hear yourself talking about money, think consciously about what you are saying.
You may have irrational ideas about money.
Your deep-down beliefs will influence how money enters and leaves your life. A common false belief is that money is the root of all evil. If, deep down, you believe that, think for a moment how that could influence how you handle money.
Most probably you will spend money as fast as you get it. This myth has developed from many people misquoting a biblical saying that the "love of money is the root of all evil".
People who love money above everything else may do evil things to get money.
Money can be anything you declare it to be - a tool to achieve great things, power in your pocket, a dirty piece of paper, a ticket to freedom, a ticket to unhappiness.
Many people out there are willing to do bad things for money. The question here is: What do you believe, and how does that belief affect your life day to day?
If you limit your view to money being evil then that is the reality you will create for yourself. Money can't be evil because evil is in the hearts of men, not in their wallets. Money can also be plentiful, abundant; it can be about freedom, choice, empowerment, value and goodness.
Money can be a wonderful tool to help countries that have been ravaged by war, flood or famine.
Children's beliefs about money develop from the things they see, hear and experience.
Be careful what you say about money - children are sponges. What do you think a child would learn about money if a family member continually talks about those "filthy rich people"?
How often have you said or heard people say those "filthy rich people".
If you believe at a subconscious level that people who are rich are disgustingly dirty, are you going to want to be rich? Of course not.
So consider your thinking. Is your financial state being driven by a belief you have deep down?
Sylvia Bowden is the author of the book Parents: How to Stop Your Kids From Going Broke!, written to help parents teach their children money and life skills. Her book is available from some Paper Plus stores and her website is www.silbo.co.nz