1 00:00:03,935 --> 00:00:06,823 >> Ai Westly: Welcome in, everyone. Today we're diving deep into a 2 00:00:06,879 --> 00:00:09,767 fascinating perspective on wealth. And I think this might 3 00:00:09,791 --> 00:00:12,727 be especially interesting for you because we're looking at it a little differently. We're 4 00:00:12,751 --> 00:00:15,407 going beyond the typical how to get 5 00:00:15,431 --> 00:00:18,151 rich advice and exploring how to 6 00:00:18,183 --> 00:00:21,060 actually experience wealth in a whole new way. Um, 7 00:00:21,060 --> 00:00:23,631 the inspiration for this deep dive comes from 8 00:00:23,663 --> 00:00:26,391 Elizabeth Hussell's work, especially her book the Power of 9 00:00:26,423 --> 00:00:29,367 Enough. And her interview on the about 10 00:00:29,391 --> 00:00:32,169 that Wallet podcast just really blew me away. 11 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:33,893 Uh, she has such a unique approach. 12 00:00:33,989 --> 00:00:36,981 >> Ai Sarah: Oh, yeah, she really does. I think what resonates with me the most is how Hussle 13 00:00:37,013 --> 00:00:39,877 encourages us to. Well, to kind of shift our 14 00:00:39,901 --> 00:00:42,821 whole mindset around money. Instead of constantly chasing more, 15 00:00:42,893 --> 00:00:45,517 she focuses on cultivating a sense 16 00:00:45,541 --> 00:00:47,893 of enough and how powerful that can be. 17 00:00:47,989 --> 00:00:50,717 >> Ai Westly: Absolutely. And, you know, it's not about settling or 18 00:00:50,741 --> 00:00:53,621 denying ourselves things. It's more about recognizing that true 19 00:00:53,653 --> 00:00:56,549 wealth isn't just about the numbers in our bank account. 20 00:00:56,717 --> 00:00:59,621 One of the things that really stood out to me was her idea of the money story. 21 00:00:59,773 --> 00:01:02,771 She says we all have this narrative running in the background, shaped 22 00:01:02,803 --> 00:01:04,603 by our earliest experiences with money. 23 00:01:04,699 --> 00:01:07,675 >> Ai Sarah: Oh, that's so true. And it's incredible how those 24 00:01:07,755 --> 00:01:10,667 early experiences, often from childhood, can have such 25 00:01:10,691 --> 00:01:13,283 a lasting impact on our financial habits 26 00:01:13,419 --> 00:01:16,043 even decades later. You know, it's like we're 27 00:01:16,099 --> 00:01:19,035 carrying around this invisible financial blueprint that 28 00:01:19,115 --> 00:01:21,971 influences everything from our spending habits to 29 00:01:22,003 --> 00:01:23,331 our investment decisions. 30 00:01:23,443 --> 00:01:26,243 >> Ai Westly: Right. Like, how much of our current relationship with money is really 31 00:01:26,299 --> 00:01:29,291 ours. And I. It's actually coming from our family history or our 32 00:01:29,323 --> 00:01:32,223 cultural background. It really makes you think. Hussle talks about, for 33 00:01:32,239 --> 00:01:35,223 example, uh, how she used to spend her entire allowance on candy 34 00:01:35,279 --> 00:01:35,855 as a kid. 35 00:01:35,935 --> 00:01:36,295 >> Ai Sarah: O. 36 00:01:36,375 --> 00:01:39,231 >> Ai Westly: And that actually taught her about budgeting and making choices 37 00:01:39,263 --> 00:01:40,399 from a very young age. 38 00:01:40,487 --> 00:01:43,367 >> Ai Sarah: Wow. That's a great example of how these early money lessons can 39 00:01:43,391 --> 00:01:46,375 be so powerful. And it makes me wonder about you, actually. What are 40 00:01:46,415 --> 00:01:48,943 some of your earliest memories related to money? 41 00:01:49,039 --> 00:01:51,967 >> Ai Westly: Hmm. M. That's a good question. Let 42 00:01:51,991 --> 00:01:54,975 me think. I remember being really fascinated by the stock 43 00:01:55,015 --> 00:01:57,551 market as a teenager. I would spend hours 44 00:01:57,663 --> 00:02:00,583 poring over the financial news, tracking 45 00:02:00,639 --> 00:02:03,383 stock prices. I think it gave me a sense of possibility, you 46 00:02:03,399 --> 00:02:05,663 know, that anyone could build wealth through 47 00:02:05,719 --> 00:02:08,415 investing. But looking back, it probably also 48 00:02:08,455 --> 00:02:11,303 instilled a bit of overconfidence in my ability to 49 00:02:11,319 --> 00:02:12,351 predict the market. 50 00:02:12,543 --> 00:02:15,503 >> Ai Sarah: It's interesting how those early experiences can have both 51 00:02:15,559 --> 00:02:18,287 positive and potentially challenging aspects to them. 52 00:02:18,391 --> 00:02:21,207 And that's where I think Hussvral's work gets really interesting, 53 00:02:21,351 --> 00:02:24,343 because she doesn't stop at just Analyzing those money stories, 54 00:02:24,399 --> 00:02:27,321 she actually encourages us to have a conversation with 55 00:02:27,353 --> 00:02:28,001 money. 56 00:02:28,193 --> 00:02:31,153 >> Ai Westly: I'll be honest, when I first heard that, I was a little skeptical, like, am 57 00:02:31,169 --> 00:02:34,041 I really supposed to sit down and talk to my money? But then I heard 58 00:02:34,073 --> 00:02:36,713 how she uses this technique inspired by gestal 59 00:02:36,769 --> 00:02:39,553 therapy to actually engage in a dialogue with her 60 00:02:39,609 --> 00:02:42,505 finances. She describes, for instance, sitting down and having 61 00:02:42,545 --> 00:02:45,377 a conversation with a credit card debt, which led to some pretty 62 00:02:45,401 --> 00:02:47,769 profound realizations about her relationship with money. 63 00:02:47,857 --> 00:02:50,617 >> Ai Sarah: It might sound a little unconventional, but there's something 64 00:02:50,641 --> 00:02:53,537 really powerful and actually giving a voice to 65 00:02:53,561 --> 00:02:56,489 those underlying emotions we often project onto money. 66 00:02:56,617 --> 00:02:59,447 It can help us uncover those hidden fears and those limiting 67 00:02:59,511 --> 00:03:02,115 beliefs that might be holding us back. 68 00:03:02,695 --> 00:03:05,687 Would you be open to trying something like that? Maybe 69 00:03:05,711 --> 00:03:08,375 not a full blown therapy session, but even just 70 00:03:08,415 --> 00:03:11,031 journaling, reflecting on your feelings about your money 71 00:03:11,183 --> 00:03:12,847 as if it were a separate entity? 72 00:03:12,991 --> 00:03:15,983 >> Ai Westly: You know, I think I would be willing to give that a shot. After all, that's 73 00:03:15,999 --> 00:03:18,847 what this deep dive is all about, right? Exploring new ways 74 00:03:18,871 --> 00:03:21,767 of experiencing wealth and maybe even getting a little 75 00:03:21,791 --> 00:03:24,379 bit uncomfortable along the way. One thing I find 76 00:03:24,427 --> 00:03:26,923 fascinating is how Hussl suggests that this 77 00:03:27,059 --> 00:03:29,899 talking to money exercise can help us break 78 00:03:29,947 --> 00:03:32,891 free from something she calls the abundant scarcity loop. 79 00:03:33,003 --> 00:03:35,851 >> Ai Sarah: Oh, yeah, that constant cycle of striving for 80 00:03:35,883 --> 00:03:38,803 more, more, more, but never quite feeling like we 81 00:03:38,819 --> 00:03:41,435 have enough. It's such a common trap, and it can be 82 00:03:41,515 --> 00:03:42,435 incredibly draining. 83 00:03:42,515 --> 00:03:44,795 >> Ai Westly: It's like running on a treadmill, always moving, but going 84 00:03:44,835 --> 00:03:47,771 nowhere. Hussl's point, I think, is that true 85 00:03:47,803 --> 00:03:50,771 wealth is not just about accumulating money. It's 86 00:03:50,803 --> 00:03:53,537 about fulfilling a wider spectrum of human needs. 87 00:03:53,731 --> 00:03:56,517 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. It's about recognizing that we have needs beyond 88 00:03:56,581 --> 00:03:59,021 just the financial ones, like connection, 89 00:03:59,133 --> 00:04:02,133 purpose, creativity. And often when 90 00:04:02,149 --> 00:04:05,093 we hyperoc on money, we neglect those other areas of 91 00:04:05,109 --> 00:04:07,905 our lives which can lead to a sense of emptiness. 92 00:04:08,405 --> 00:04:11,197 >> Ai Westly: I've definitely been there, focused so much on hitting 93 00:04:11,221 --> 00:04:14,125 those financial targets that I let other things 94 00:04:14,205 --> 00:04:17,157 slide a bit. Have you ever experienced that where the 95 00:04:17,181 --> 00:04:19,869 pursuit of financial success came at the 96 00:04:19,917 --> 00:04:21,797 expense of other important parts of your life? 97 00:04:21,861 --> 00:04:24,669 >> Ai Sarah: Oh, absolutely. I think it's a really common experience, 98 00:04:24,837 --> 00:04:27,819 especially in a society that often equates net worth with self 99 00:04:27,867 --> 00:04:30,811 worth. But what if true wealth lies in finding 100 00:04:30,843 --> 00:04:33,539 that balance? That balance between nurturing all 101 00:04:33,587 --> 00:04:36,131 aspects of ourselves, not just the financial 102 00:04:36,163 --> 00:04:36,635 ones? 103 00:04:36,755 --> 00:04:39,611 >> Ai Westly: That's such a great point. I'm really curious to dig deeper into 104 00:04:39,763 --> 00:04:42,475 how Hustle suggests we find that balance. What are those 105 00:04:42,515 --> 00:04:45,115 specific steps we can take to break free from that scarcity 106 00:04:45,155 --> 00:04:47,947 loop and start experiencing a more holistic Sense of 107 00:04:47,971 --> 00:04:48,411 wealth. 108 00:04:48,523 --> 00:04:51,395 >> Ai Sarah: Well, one of the key things Husserl emphasizes is 109 00:04:51,435 --> 00:04:54,297 shifting our perspective on money. Instead of seeing 110 00:04:54,321 --> 00:04:56,705 it as a source of stress or a measure of our 111 00:04:56,745 --> 00:04:59,169 worth, she suggests we view it as a 112 00:04:59,217 --> 00:05:02,201 companion, a guide that can help us achieve our goals. 113 00:05:02,393 --> 00:05:05,121 >> Ai Westly: I love that analogy. It's like having a personal trainer for our 114 00:05:05,193 --> 00:05:05,857 finances. 115 00:05:06,001 --> 00:05:08,881 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And just like a good trainer, money can 116 00:05:08,913 --> 00:05:11,913 push us outside of our comfort zone. It can challenge us to grow 117 00:05:11,969 --> 00:05:14,657 and help us achieve things we never thought possible. 118 00:05:14,841 --> 00:05:17,761 But it's important to remember that money, like any good trainer, 119 00:05:17,833 --> 00:05:20,773 it has its limits. It can't solve every problem, and 120 00:05:20,789 --> 00:05:23,373 it can't buyia us happiness or true fulfillment. 121 00:05:23,549 --> 00:05:26,229 >> Ai Westly: So how do we actually cultivate this money as a 122 00:05:26,277 --> 00:05:29,205 companion mindset? How do we move away from feeling controlled 123 00:05:29,245 --> 00:05:32,221 by money and instead see it as a partner in our 124 00:05:32,253 --> 00:05:34,133 journey towards a more fulfilling life? 125 00:05:34,229 --> 00:05:36,949 >> Ai Sarah: That's a great question and one that we'll definitely explore 126 00:05:37,037 --> 00:05:39,885 further as we delve deeper into Hussl's work. 127 00:05:40,045 --> 00:05:42,901 But for now, I want you to consider this. If you were 128 00:05:42,933 --> 00:05:45,865 to greet money each day as a welcomed guest 129 00:05:46,325 --> 00:05:49,257 rather than a source of anxiety or stress, how 130 00:05:49,281 --> 00:05:51,025 might that change your interactions with it? 131 00:05:51,105 --> 00:05:53,961 >> Ai Westly: It's like inviting money to the table as an 132 00:05:53,993 --> 00:05:56,977 equal partner instead of viewing it as 133 00:05:57,001 --> 00:05:59,561 this demanding boss. Uh, we're a scarce 134 00:05:59,633 --> 00:06:02,505 resource that we have to constantly fight for. I'm really 135 00:06:02,545 --> 00:06:04,569 intrigued to see where this idea leads us. 136 00:06:04,697 --> 00:06:07,601 >> Ai Sarah: It really is about shifting that perspective, isn't it? And thinking 137 00:06:07,633 --> 00:06:10,617 about boundaries with this money partner. Um, not 138 00:06:10,641 --> 00:06:13,361 just accepting whatever comes our way, but making 139 00:06:13,513 --> 00:06:16,377 conscious choices, Choices that actually align with our 140 00:06:16,401 --> 00:06:17,505 goals and our values. 141 00:06:17,625 --> 00:06:20,349 >> Ai Westly: Oh, that makes a lot of sense. It's like setting some ground rules 142 00:06:20,397 --> 00:06:23,301 right for how we interact with money. But how do we actually 143 00:06:23,333 --> 00:06:26,157 do that? Especially when we have these ingrained 144 00:06:26,261 --> 00:06:29,213 habits and beliefs that sometimes seem to 145 00:06:29,269 --> 00:06:29,989 work against us. 146 00:06:30,037 --> 00:06:32,869 >> Ai Sarah: Well, you know, it goes back to that idea of the money story we were 147 00:06:32,917 --> 00:06:35,789 discussing earlier. Husserl suggests we can actually rewrite those 148 00:06:35,837 --> 00:06:38,765 stories, even if they've been passed down to us through 149 00:06:38,805 --> 00:06:39,357 generations. 150 00:06:39,461 --> 00:06:42,325 >> Ai Westly: Even that sounds incredibly empowering, but honestly, 151 00:06:42,405 --> 00:06:45,301 also a little daunting. Is it really possible to 152 00:06:45,333 --> 00:06:48,077 change those deeply ingrained beliefs and patterns? 153 00:06:48,181 --> 00:06:50,807 >> Ai Sarah: It takes effort, for sure, but I do believe it's 154 00:06:50,871 --> 00:06:53,783 possible. Think about it this way. Just because 155 00:06:53,799 --> 00:06:56,647 our family history might be marked by a certain way of relating to 156 00:06:56,671 --> 00:06:59,543 money, like scarcity or overspending, 157 00:06:59,719 --> 00:07:02,607 doesn't mean we're destined to repeat those patterns. We 158 00:07:02,631 --> 00:07:04,543 have the power to choose a different path. 159 00:07:04,639 --> 00:07:07,423 >> Ai Westly: So how do we begin to rewrite those stories? Do we just, 160 00:07:07,519 --> 00:07:10,351 like, sit down with a pen and paper and imagine 161 00:07:10,383 --> 00:07:11,327 a new narrative. 162 00:07:11,431 --> 00:07:14,127 >> Ai Sarah: That could be one way to approach it. But Husserll actually 163 00:07:14,191 --> 00:07:17,183 suggests something a bit more introspective. She encourages us 164 00:07:17,239 --> 00:07:20,063 to really examine those inherited beliefs 165 00:07:20,239 --> 00:07:22,887 and ask ourselves, is this belief still 166 00:07:22,951 --> 00:07:25,831 serving me? Does it align with the values I 167 00:07:25,863 --> 00:07:27,871 hold and the vision I have for my life? 168 00:07:27,983 --> 00:07:30,815 >> Ai Westly: That's a really powerful question. It makes me think of that 169 00:07:30,855 --> 00:07:33,567 story Husshold tells about her grandfather, a Holocaust 170 00:07:33,591 --> 00:07:36,111 survivor who achieved incredible financial 171 00:07:36,183 --> 00:07:39,159 success, but could never truly shake that deep seated 172 00:07:39,207 --> 00:07:41,991 sense of scarcity. It makes you wonder how much of our 173 00:07:42,103 --> 00:07:44,783 financial DNA is actually influenced by 174 00:07:44,919 --> 00:07:46,767 generational experiences like that. 175 00:07:46,871 --> 00:07:49,823 >> Ai Sarah: Right. It's fascinating, isn't? It's like those past experiences, even 176 00:07:49,839 --> 00:07:52,783 if they happen generations ago, become encoded in 177 00:07:52,799 --> 00:07:55,767 our financial DNA, influencing how we view money, 178 00:07:55,911 --> 00:07:58,847 how we earn it, how we spend it, even how we feel about it on 179 00:07:58,871 --> 00:07:59,855 a gut level. 180 00:08:00,015 --> 00:08:02,920 >> Ai Westly: So if we identify a belief that's no longer serving us, uh, 181 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:05,295 like that fear of scarcity or a tendency to 182 00:08:05,335 --> 00:08:07,863 overspend, how do we actually go about changing it? 183 00:08:07,919 --> 00:08:10,315 >> Ai Sarah: Well, Husserl emphasizes awareness, 184 00:08:10,695 --> 00:08:13,543 becoming truly aware of those patterns, and 185 00:08:13,559 --> 00:08:16,495 then consciously choosing to shift our thinking. It's 186 00:08:16,535 --> 00:08:19,315 about replacing those old limiting beliefs with 187 00:08:19,355 --> 00:08:20,963 new, empowering ones. 188 00:08:21,059 --> 00:08:23,859 >> Ai Westly: Can you give us m an example of what that might look like in practice? 189 00:08:23,987 --> 00:08:26,859 >> Ai Sarah: Sure. Let's imagine someone who grew up in a household where money 190 00:08:26,907 --> 00:08:29,827 was always tight. There was a constant fear of 191 00:08:29,851 --> 00:08:32,779 not having enough. And as an adult, even if 192 00:08:32,787 --> 00:08:35,691 they're now financially secure, they might find that they're 193 00:08:35,723 --> 00:08:37,843 still clinging to that scarcity mindset. 194 00:08:37,899 --> 00:08:40,851 >> Ai Westly: Oh, I can totally relate to that. It's like those early experiences 195 00:08:40,923 --> 00:08:43,019 create a kind of default setting in our brains. 196 00:08:43,107 --> 00:08:46,091 >> Ai Sarah: Yeah, exactly. But the good news is, by 197 00:08:46,123 --> 00:08:49,027 becoming aware of that default setting, you can start to 198 00:08:49,051 --> 00:08:51,987 challenge it. So instead of dwelling on what you lack, you can 199 00:08:52,011 --> 00:08:54,867 make a conscious choice to focus on what you have. You 200 00:08:54,891 --> 00:08:57,555 can practice gratitude for the abundance that already 201 00:08:57,595 --> 00:09:00,251 exists, even if it's not always in the form of 202 00:09:00,283 --> 00:09:00,835 money. 203 00:09:00,995 --> 00:09:03,763 >> Ai Westly: So it's about making that shift from a scarcity 204 00:09:03,819 --> 00:09:06,771 mindset, uh, to an abundance mindset. Even if our 205 00:09:06,803 --> 00:09:09,563 past experiences might make that feel like a real uphill 206 00:09:09,579 --> 00:09:10,379 battle at first. 207 00:09:10,467 --> 00:09:13,337 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And remember, it's a process. It's not about 208 00:09:13,361 --> 00:09:16,177 achieving some perfect state of abundance overnight. 209 00:09:16,361 --> 00:09:19,121 It's about those small, consistent steps, 210 00:09:19,313 --> 00:09:21,905 day by day, to cultivate a more positive 211 00:09:21,985 --> 00:09:23,193 relationship with money. 212 00:09:23,329 --> 00:09:26,313 >> Ai Westly: Which brings us back to that idea of money as a companion. 213 00:09:26,449 --> 00:09:28,937 If we're trying to rewrite these money stories and shift our 214 00:09:28,961 --> 00:09:31,897 mindset, how do we start working with money instead of 215 00:09:31,921 --> 00:09:34,769 feeling like we're constantly at war with it. Uh, Husser 216 00:09:34,817 --> 00:09:36,393 talked about money as a personal trainer, right? 217 00:09:36,449 --> 00:09:39,279 >> Ai Sarah: She did. And that's where things get really practical. 218 00:09:39,417 --> 00:09:41,875 Just like a personal trainer helps us set those fitness 219 00:09:41,915 --> 00:09:44,747 goals and create a plan to achieve them, 220 00:09:44,931 --> 00:09:47,715 money can be that guide to help us reach our financial 221 00:09:47,755 --> 00:09:48,219 goals. 222 00:09:48,347 --> 00:09:51,227 >> Ai Westly: I love that analogy. It's so true. We wouldn't just show up at the 223 00:09:51,251 --> 00:09:54,075 gym and start randomly lifting weights. We'd have a plan, a 224 00:09:54,115 --> 00:09:56,795 strategy, and we'd work with our trainer to stay on 225 00:09:56,835 --> 00:09:57,820 track. Mhm. 226 00:09:57,820 --> 00:10:00,731 So how do we apply that same kind of thinking to 227 00:10:00,763 --> 00:10:01,291 money? 228 00:10:01,443 --> 00:10:04,147 >> Ai Sarah: Well, just like with fitness, it starts with setting 229 00:10:04,211 --> 00:10:06,983 clear goals. What do you want to achieve with 230 00:10:06,999 --> 00:10:09,783 your finances? Are you saving for a down payment on a 231 00:10:09,799 --> 00:10:12,575 house? Paying off debt? Investing for 232 00:10:12,615 --> 00:10:13,359 retirement? 233 00:10:13,487 --> 00:10:16,191 >> Ai Westly: Having those specific goals in mind makes a huge 234 00:10:16,263 --> 00:10:19,135 difference. I've definitely noticed that when I have a clear 235 00:10:19,255 --> 00:10:22,223 financial goal, I'm much more motivated and focused with my 236 00:10:22,239 --> 00:10:22,535 money. 237 00:10:22,615 --> 00:10:25,439 >> Ai Sarah: Absolutely. And once you have those goals in place, 238 00:10:25,527 --> 00:10:28,327 you can start to create a plan like your financial workout 239 00:10:28,351 --> 00:10:30,751 routine. This might involve creating a budget, tracking your 240 00:10:30,783 --> 00:10:33,743 spending, or maybe exploring different investment options. 241 00:10:33,879 --> 00:10:36,495 And just like a trainer might adjust our workout routine as we 242 00:10:36,535 --> 00:10:39,287 progress, we need to regularly check in with 243 00:10:39,311 --> 00:10:41,575 our finances and make adjustments as needed. 244 00:10:41,655 --> 00:10:44,155 >> Ai Westly: It's like having that ongoing feedback loop. Right? 245 00:10:44,495 --> 00:10:47,279 But what about those times when we feel like we're veering 246 00:10:47,327 --> 00:10:50,247 off track, slipping back into old habits, or 247 00:10:50,271 --> 00:10:53,239 feeling overwhelmed by our finances? Where does 248 00:10:53,287 --> 00:10:55,783 money as a companion fit into those 249 00:10:55,879 --> 00:10:56,743 situations? 250 00:10:56,879 --> 00:10:59,775 >> Ai Sarah: That's where that idea of open communication becomes 251 00:10:59,815 --> 00:11:02,287 so crucial. Remember, we're treating money as a 252 00:11:02,311 --> 00:11:05,023 partner, and any good partnership is built on 253 00:11:05,079 --> 00:11:08,055 trust and honest communication. So if you're feeling stressed 254 00:11:08,095 --> 00:11:11,015 about money, don't just brush those feelings under the rug. Talk 255 00:11:11,055 --> 00:11:12,551 to your money partner. 256 00:11:12,623 --> 00:11:15,527 >> Ai Westly: I have to admit that sounds a little strange at first. Like, how do you actually 257 00:11:15,551 --> 00:11:17,031 have a conversation with money? 258 00:11:17,183 --> 00:11:20,167 >> Ai Sarah: It might feel awkward initially, but trust me, it 259 00:11:20,191 --> 00:11:22,975 can be incredibly helpful. You could try journaling about your 260 00:11:23,055 --> 00:11:25,863 financial concerns, or even just speaking out loud to 261 00:11:25,879 --> 00:11:28,771 yourself about your money goals and challenges. The 262 00:11:28,803 --> 00:11:31,547 important thing is to bring those feelings to the surface and 263 00:11:31,571 --> 00:11:32,427 acknowledge them. 264 00:11:32,531 --> 00:11:35,251 >> Ai Westly: It's about becoming more conscious and intentional with our 265 00:11:35,323 --> 00:11:38,195 finances. Not ignoring our emotions or pretending everything 266 00:11:38,235 --> 00:11:40,899 is fine, but actually acknowledging those feelings 267 00:11:40,947 --> 00:11:43,655 and working with money to find solutions. 268 00:11:43,995 --> 00:11:46,651 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And remember, just like a good 269 00:11:46,683 --> 00:11:49,467 trainer motivates us to push ourselves and reach 270 00:11:49,531 --> 00:11:52,403 our full potential, money, when viewed as 271 00:11:52,419 --> 00:11:55,355 a companion, can also inspire us to grow and achieve 272 00:11:55,395 --> 00:11:57,315 that true financial well being. 273 00:11:57,475 --> 00:12:00,403 >> Ai Westly: Its not just about Crunching numbers and creating spreadsheets. 274 00:12:00,499 --> 00:12:03,275 It about cultivating a relationship with 275 00:12:03,315 --> 00:12:05,043 money that feels supportive, 276 00:12:05,219 --> 00:12:08,067 empowering, and maybe even, dare 277 00:12:08,091 --> 00:12:09,099 I say, enjoyable. 278 00:12:09,187 --> 00:12:11,811 >> Ai Sarah: Absolutely. And you know that enjoyment can come from 279 00:12:11,923 --> 00:12:14,675 celebrating those financial wins, no matter how small they might 280 00:12:14,715 --> 00:12:17,187 seem. Did you manage to stick to your budget this month? 281 00:12:17,291 --> 00:12:20,219 Awesome. Did you pay off a credit card? Thats fantastic. 282 00:12:20,387 --> 00:12:23,235 Celebrate those little victories. They deserve to be acknowledged 283 00:12:23,275 --> 00:12:24,651 and they help us build momentum. 284 00:12:24,723 --> 00:12:27,457 >> Ai Westly: Thats such a good point. It's easy to get caught up in what we haven't 285 00:12:27,481 --> 00:12:30,321 accomplished yet, but celebrating those small wins, 286 00:12:30,393 --> 00:12:33,385 it helps us stay motivated and keeps us moving towards those bigger 287 00:12:33,465 --> 00:12:34,145 financial goals. 288 00:12:34,265 --> 00:12:37,137 >> Ai Sarah: It does. And remember, money, 289 00:12:37,281 --> 00:12:40,105 just like a good trainer, can help us push past our comfort 290 00:12:40,145 --> 00:12:43,049 zones, achieve things we might not have thought possible. 291 00:12:43,217 --> 00:12:46,209 Maybe it encourages you to try a new investment strategy or 292 00:12:46,257 --> 00:12:49,201 start a side hustle or even negotiate a raise. 293 00:12:49,393 --> 00:12:52,361 But it's also crucial to remember that money isn't the answer 294 00:12:52,393 --> 00:12:54,801 to everything. It's a tool, a 295 00:12:54,873 --> 00:12:57,417 companion, but not the ultimate source of 296 00:12:57,441 --> 00:12:59,047 HAC/iness or fulfillment. 297 00:12:59,111 --> 00:13:01,911 >> Ai Westly: So it's about finding that balance, right? Between using 298 00:13:01,943 --> 00:13:04,471 money's power as a tool and a guide, 299 00:13:04,663 --> 00:13:06,903 but also recognizing its limitations. 300 00:13:07,039 --> 00:13:09,855 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And that balance will look different for everyone. It's 301 00:13:09,895 --> 00:13:12,775 about figuring out what works for you, for your 302 00:13:12,815 --> 00:13:14,631 values and your unique circumstances. 303 00:13:14,703 --> 00:13:17,679 >> Ai Westly: This conversation is really challenging me to think about money 304 00:13:17,727 --> 00:13:20,551 in a completely different light. It's not just about the numbers. 305 00:13:20,623 --> 00:13:23,527 It's about the relationship we have with it, the stories we tell 306 00:13:23,551 --> 00:13:26,407 ourselves about it, and the choices we make in partnership with 307 00:13:26,431 --> 00:13:26,759 it. 308 00:13:26,847 --> 00:13:29,847 >> Ai Sarah: And that's really the essence of what Husserl is trying to convey. 309 00:13:29,991 --> 00:13:32,575 We have more agency, more power in our financial 310 00:13:32,615 --> 00:13:35,503 lives than we often give ourselves credit for. We don't have 311 00:13:35,519 --> 00:13:38,151 to be victims of circumstance or slaves to those 312 00:13:38,183 --> 00:13:41,015 past experiences. We can choose to rewrite those 313 00:13:41,055 --> 00:13:44,055 money stories, cultivate a more positive relationship 314 00:13:44,095 --> 00:13:46,823 with money, and create a financial reality that truly 315 00:13:46,879 --> 00:13:47,995 supports our dreams. 316 00:13:48,335 --> 00:13:51,151 >> Ai Westly: I love that. But I also know how overwhelming 317 00:13:51,183 --> 00:13:53,691 and isolating those financial challenges can feel. 318 00:13:53,723 --> 00:13:56,555 Sometimes we might feel ashamed or embarrassed to even 319 00:13:56,595 --> 00:13:59,363 talk about our money struggles, even with those closest to 320 00:13:59,379 --> 00:13:59,675 us. 321 00:13:59,755 --> 00:14:02,595 >> Ai Sarah: You're absolutely right. It can feel very isolating. And that's 322 00:14:02,635 --> 00:14:05,555 precisely why it's so important to remember we're not alone 323 00:14:05,595 --> 00:14:08,563 in this. Countless people face similar challenges, and there's 324 00:14:08,579 --> 00:14:11,211 a wealth of support available if we're willing to reach 325 00:14:11,243 --> 00:14:11,771 out. 326 00:14:11,923 --> 00:14:14,491 >> Ai Westly: So where can we turn for help if we're feeling stuck or 327 00:14:14,523 --> 00:14:15,195 overwhelmed? 328 00:14:15,315 --> 00:14:18,259 >> Ai Sarah: Well, there are amazing financial advisors who can 329 00:14:18,307 --> 00:14:20,899 provide guidance, help us create a solid plan, 330 00:14:21,027 --> 00:14:23,967 manage investments and navigate those complex 331 00:14:24,071 --> 00:14:26,919 financial decisions. There are therapists who specialize 332 00:14:26,967 --> 00:14:29,823 in money related anxiety, helping people develop 333 00:14:29,879 --> 00:14:32,711 healthier financial habits. And there's an abundance of 334 00:14:32,743 --> 00:14:35,359 books, podcasts, online communities 335 00:14:35,527 --> 00:14:37,839 offering valuable insights and practical advice. 336 00:14:37,927 --> 00:14:40,399 >> Ai Westly: So it's okay to ask for help whether it's from a 337 00:14:40,447 --> 00:14:43,303 professional, a trusted friend, or even tapping 338 00:14:43,359 --> 00:14:46,103 into that collective wisdom through books and online communities? 339 00:14:46,239 --> 00:14:49,055 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. Seeking guidance and support is 340 00:14:49,095 --> 00:14:52,055 not a sign of weakness. In fact, it often takes a lot of strength 341 00:14:52,095 --> 00:14:54,619 and self awareness to do so. And remember, 342 00:14:54,707 --> 00:14:57,403 there'no one size fits all solution. It's about 343 00:14:57,459 --> 00:15:00,455 exploring what works for you and your unique situation. 344 00:15:00,835 --> 00:15:03,755 >> Ai Westly: This conversation has been eye opening. Really. Im'already seeing 345 00:15:03,795 --> 00:15:06,707 how I can apply these ideas to my own life. As we wrap 346 00:15:06,731 --> 00:15:09,667 up this part of our deep dive, is there anything else you'd like to 347 00:15:09,691 --> 00:15:11,595 highlight before we move on to the final part? 348 00:15:11,715 --> 00:15:14,707 >> Ai Sarah: Yes, there is one more crucial piece I want to touch upon. 349 00:15:14,851 --> 00:15:17,595 Hussell makes it very clear that financial well being isnt 350 00:15:17,635 --> 00:15:20,375 just about reaching some dist and goal. It's also 351 00:15:20,415 --> 00:15:22,727 about finding joy in the journey itself. 352 00:15:22,831 --> 00:15:25,703 >> Ai Westly: I love that it's easy to get so fixated on those 353 00:15:25,799 --> 00:15:28,743 financial goals that we forget to appreciate where we 354 00:15:28,759 --> 00:15:31,759 are right now and acknowledge the progress we've already made. 355 00:15:31,847 --> 00:15:34,759 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. It's about finding ways to bring joy and 356 00:15:34,807 --> 00:15:37,663 gratitude into our financial lives, even when we're facing 357 00:15:37,719 --> 00:15:39,071 challenges or setbacks. 358 00:15:39,183 --> 00:15:42,167 >> Ai Westly: So how do we actually do that? How do we find joy in something 359 00:15:42,191 --> 00:15:44,807 that can often feel stressful and overwhelming? 360 00:15:44,911 --> 00:15:47,727 >> Ai Sarah: It starts with a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing 361 00:15:47,791 --> 00:15:50,575 money as a source of anxiety, what if we started 362 00:15:50,615 --> 00:15:53,335 seeing it as a tool for creating experiences, 363 00:15:53,495 --> 00:15:55,631 building relationships, pursuing our passions? 364 00:15:55,743 --> 00:15:58,271 >> Ai Westly: I like that shift, focusing on the 365 00:15:58,303 --> 00:16:01,215 possibilities that money can unlock rather 366 00:16:01,255 --> 00:16:03,495 than the limitations it might seem to impose. 367 00:16:03,655 --> 00:16:06,511 >> Ai Sarah: Precisely. It's about using money to enhance 368 00:16:06,543 --> 00:16:09,135 our lives, not letting it control us. 369 00:16:09,295 --> 00:16:11,975 And that might mean making choices that prioritize 370 00:16:12,095 --> 00:16:14,911 experiences over possessions, spending time with loved 371 00:16:14,943 --> 00:16:17,911 ones, overwork, working those long hours, or pursuing creative 372 00:16:17,943 --> 00:16:20,741 endeavors that light us up even if they don't bring in a 373 00:16:20,773 --> 00:16:21,453 huge income. 374 00:16:21,509 --> 00:16:24,373 >> Ai Westly: It's about remembering that money is a means to an end, 375 00:16:24,509 --> 00:16:25,957 not the end in itself. 376 00:16:26,061 --> 00:16:28,741 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And when we start to view money in that 377 00:16:28,773 --> 00:16:31,557 light, it can actually become a source of joy and 378 00:16:31,581 --> 00:16:34,397 fulfillment rather than a constant burden of 379 00:16:34,461 --> 00:16:35,541 stress and worry. 380 00:16:35,693 --> 00:16:38,253 >> Ai Westly: This is really making me think differently about wealth. 381 00:16:38,429 --> 00:16:41,421 It's not just about the external stuff, the numbers, but 382 00:16:41,453 --> 00:16:43,797 about that internal experience of abundance and 383 00:16:43,821 --> 00:16:44,577 fulfillment. 384 00:16:44,701 --> 00:16:47,241 I'm excited to move on to the final part of our deep dive 385 00:16:47,393 --> 00:16:50,225 and explore what a truly fulfilling and Abundant life 386 00:16:50,265 --> 00:16:53,129 can live like beyond just the balance in our bank accounts. 387 00:16:53,217 --> 00:16:56,217 So we've covered a lot of ground, haven't we? Money stories, reframing 388 00:16:56,241 --> 00:16:59,241 our relationship with money, treating it like a personal trainer. 389 00:16:59,433 --> 00:17:02,217 It's a lot to take in. But I keep coming back to this 390 00:17:02,241 --> 00:17:05,121 idea of what a fulfilling and abundant life really looks 391 00:17:05,153 --> 00:17:08,049 like, beyond just the financial aspect. What 392 00:17:08,057 --> 00:17:09,505 did Husserell have to say about that? 393 00:17:09,585 --> 00:17:12,553 >> Ai Sarah: Well, she doesn't give us a one size fits all answer, which 394 00:17:12,569 --> 00:17:15,329 I appreciate. Instead, she challenges us to define 395 00:17:15,377 --> 00:17:18,153 abundance for ourselves. It's about asking, 396 00:17:18,289 --> 00:17:21,041 what are the things that make you feel truly 397 00:17:21,113 --> 00:17:22,425 alive and content? 398 00:17:22,545 --> 00:17:25,457 >> Ai Westly: It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Sometimes we get so caught up 399 00:17:25,481 --> 00:17:28,457 in chasing financial success. Mhm. That we forget to 400 00:17:28,481 --> 00:17:31,105 even ask ourselves those questions. What truly 401 00:17:31,145 --> 00:17:33,545 matters? Is it spending time with family, 402 00:17:33,705 --> 00:17:36,577 pursuing creative passions, making a difference in 403 00:17:36,601 --> 00:17:37,265 the world? 404 00:17:37,425 --> 00:17:40,353 >> Ai Sarah: I think that's a really important point. We can easily fall into 405 00:17:40,369 --> 00:17:43,287 that trap of thinking, if I just had X amount of money, then I'd 406 00:17:43,311 --> 00:17:45,991 be happy. But Hussler's argument is that real 407 00:17:46,023 --> 00:17:48,943 abundance comes from aligning our financial goals with 408 00:17:48,959 --> 00:17:51,631 our deepest values and aspirations. And those are 409 00:17:51,663 --> 00:17:52,871 unique to each of us. 410 00:17:52,943 --> 00:17:55,655 >> Ai Westly: Right? It's not about following some external formula. It's about 411 00:17:55,695 --> 00:17:57,967 figuring out what truly resonates with us as 412 00:17:58,031 --> 00:18:00,551 individuals. So if we understand our money story, 413 00:18:00,663 --> 00:18:03,495 rewrite those parts that aren't serving us, and start seeing 414 00:18:03,535 --> 00:18:06,223 money as a tool to support those values, 415 00:18:06,399 --> 00:18:09,055 then we can actually use it to build a life that feels 416 00:18:09,095 --> 00:18:11,445 fulfilling regardless of how much we earn. 417 00:18:11,525 --> 00:18:14,421 >> Ai Sarah: Exactly. Wealth is an experience, not just 418 00:18:14,453 --> 00:18:16,725 a number. It's about feeling whole and 419 00:18:16,765 --> 00:18:19,269 satisfied in all areas of your life. 420 00:18:19,397 --> 00:18:22,197 >> Ai Westly: Have you ever had a moment where you realized you were 421 00:18:22,221 --> 00:18:25,053 pursuing a financial goal that didn't actually align with what 422 00:18:25,069 --> 00:18:26,069 you truly valued? 423 00:18:26,157 --> 00:18:28,821 >> Ai Sarah: Oh, definitely. There was a time when I was 424 00:18:28,893 --> 00:18:31,741 completely focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I thought 425 00:18:31,773 --> 00:18:34,453 reaching a certain position and salary would bring me happiness and 426 00:18:34,509 --> 00:18:37,405 security. But along the way, I realized I was sacrificing 427 00:18:37,445 --> 00:18:40,413 my health, my relationships, my creativity. It 428 00:18:40,429 --> 00:18:43,411 was a real wake up call to reevaluate what really mattered 429 00:18:43,443 --> 00:18:46,003 to me and redefine what success meant on a personal 430 00:18:46,059 --> 00:18:46,467 level. 431 00:18:46,571 --> 00:18:49,347 >> Ai Westly: That's such a powerful story. It shows how easily we can get 432 00:18:49,371 --> 00:18:52,015 caught up in those external measures of success. 433 00:18:52,315 --> 00:18:55,283 Husserl encourages us to step back and ask what brings em 434 00:18:55,299 --> 00:18:58,267 me joy? And it might be something simple. Spending time 435 00:18:58,291 --> 00:19:00,715 in nature, volunteering, learning a new skill. 436 00:19:00,795 --> 00:19:03,715 >> Ai Sarah: And it's about finding ways to incorporate those things into our 437 00:19:03,755 --> 00:19:06,691 lives. Even if it means making some adjustments to our 438 00:19:06,763 --> 00:19:09,379 financial goals or our career paths. Maybe it means 439 00:19:09,427 --> 00:19:12,381 downsizing to free up more time or taking a 440 00:19:12,413 --> 00:19:14,837 calculated risk to pursue a passion project. 441 00:19:14,941 --> 00:19:17,701 >> Ai Westly: That's what I find so empowering about this concept 442 00:19:17,733 --> 00:19:20,605 of enough. It's not about deprivation. It's about 443 00:19:20,645 --> 00:19:23,485 making conscious choices about what we want to prioritize 444 00:19:23,605 --> 00:19:25,949 and then using money as a tool to support those. 445 00:19:25,997 --> 00:19:28,613 >> Ai Sarah: Choices and recognizing that those choices 446 00:19:28,749 --> 00:19:31,725 might change over time. What feels fulfilling at one 447 00:19:31,765 --> 00:19:34,653 stage of life might look different later on. The key 448 00:19:34,709 --> 00:19:37,661 is to stay connected to your values and be willing 449 00:19:37,693 --> 00:19:39,001 to adapt as needed. 450 00:19:39,173 --> 00:19:42,161 >> Ai Westly: I love that it's not about finding the perfect formula, it's 451 00:19:42,193 --> 00:19:44,009 about being mindful and intentional. 452 00:19:44,177 --> 00:19:47,033 As we wrap up this deep dive, what's one final thought 453 00:19:47,089 --> 00:19:48,801 you'd like to leave our listeners with? 454 00:19:48,913 --> 00:19:51,793 >> Ai Sarah: I think I Id go back to Hustl's words. It's never too late to 455 00:19:51,809 --> 00:19:54,537 start cultivating a healthier and more joyful relationship with 456 00:19:54,561 --> 00:19:57,441 money. It's a journey, not a destination. Be 457 00:19:57,473 --> 00:20:00,465 kind to yourself along the way and remember you have the power 458 00:20:00,505 --> 00:20:03,385 to create a life that feels truly abundant and meaningful 459 00:20:03,425 --> 00:20:03,889 to you. 460 00:20:03,977 --> 00:20:06,881 >> Speaker C: That's such a great reminder. Financial well being is within reach for 461 00:20:06,913 --> 00:20:09,471 all of us. It starts with awareness, 462 00:20:09,623 --> 00:20:12,583 curiosity and that willingness to embark on 463 00:20:12,599 --> 00:20:15,551 this journey of self discovery. So as you continue 464 00:20:15,623 --> 00:20:18,463 exploring your relationship with money, remember youre not 465 00:20:18,479 --> 00:20:21,247 alone. Theres support out there and you have the 466 00:20:21,271 --> 00:20:24,095 power to shape your financial reality in a way that supports your 467 00:20:24,135 --> 00:20:27,127 dreams and your values. Thanks for joining us for this 468 00:20:27,151 --> 00:20:28,295 deep dive. Well see you next time.