>> Ai Westly: Welcome in, everyone. Today we're diving deep into a
fascinating perspective on wealth. And I think this might
be especially interesting for you because we're looking at it a little differently. We're
going beyond the typical how to get
rich advice and exploring how to
actually experience wealth in a whole new way. Um,
the inspiration for this deep dive comes from
Elizabeth Hussell's work, especially her book the Power of
Enough. And her interview on the about
that Wallet podcast just really blew me away.
Uh, she has such a unique approach.
>> Ai Sarah: Oh, yeah, she really does. I think what resonates with me the most is how Hussle
encourages us to. Well, to kind of shift our
whole mindset around money. Instead of constantly chasing more,
she focuses on cultivating a sense
of enough and how powerful that can be.
>> Ai Westly: Absolutely. And, you know, it's not about settling or
denying ourselves things. It's more about recognizing that true
wealth isn't just about the numbers in our bank account.
One of the things that really stood out to me was her idea of the money story.
She says we all have this narrative running in the background, shaped
by our earliest experiences with money.
>> Ai Sarah: Oh, that's so true. And it's incredible how those
early experiences, often from childhood, can have such
a lasting impact on our financial habits
even decades later. You know, it's like we're
carrying around this invisible financial blueprint that
influences everything from our spending habits to
our investment decisions.
>> Ai Westly: Right. Like, how much of our current relationship with money is really
ours. And I. It's actually coming from our family history or our
cultural background. It really makes you think. Hussle talks about, for
example, uh, how she used to spend her entire allowance on candy
as a kid.
>> Ai Sarah: O.
>> Ai Westly: And that actually taught her about budgeting and making choices
from a very young age.
>> Ai Sarah: Wow. That's a great example of how these early money lessons can
be so powerful. And it makes me wonder about you, actually. What are
some of your earliest memories related to money?
>> Ai Westly: Hmm. M. That's a good question. Let
me think. I remember being really fascinated by the stock
market as a teenager. I would spend hours
poring over the financial news, tracking
stock prices. I think it gave me a sense of possibility, you
know, that anyone could build wealth through
investing. But looking back, it probably also
instilled a bit of overconfidence in my ability to
predict the market.
>> Ai Sarah: It's interesting how those early experiences can have both
positive and potentially challenging aspects to them.
And that's where I think Hussvral's work gets really interesting,
because she doesn't stop at just Analyzing those money stories,
she actually encourages us to have a conversation with
money.
>> Ai Westly: I'll be honest, when I first heard that, I was a little skeptical, like, am
I really supposed to sit down and talk to my money? But then I heard
how she uses this technique inspired by gestal
therapy to actually engage in a dialogue with her
finances. She describes, for instance, sitting down and having
a conversation with a credit card debt, which led to some pretty
profound realizations about her relationship with money.
>> Ai Sarah: It might sound a little unconventional, but there's something
really powerful and actually giving a voice to
those underlying emotions we often project onto money.
It can help us uncover those hidden fears and those limiting
beliefs that might be holding us back.
Would you be open to trying something like that? Maybe
not a full blown therapy session, but even just
journaling, reflecting on your feelings about your money
as if it were a separate entity?
>> Ai Westly: You know, I think I would be willing to give that a shot. After all, that's
what this deep dive is all about, right? Exploring new ways
of experiencing wealth and maybe even getting a little
bit uncomfortable along the way. One thing I find
fascinating is how Hussl suggests that this
talking to money exercise can help us break
free from something she calls the abundant scarcity loop.
>> Ai Sarah: Oh, yeah, that constant cycle of striving for
more, more, more, but never quite feeling like we
have enough. It's such a common trap, and it can be
incredibly draining.
>> Ai Westly: It's like running on a treadmill, always moving, but going
nowhere. Hussl's point, I think, is that true
wealth is not just about accumulating money. It's
about fulfilling a wider spectrum of human needs.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. It's about recognizing that we have needs beyond
just the financial ones, like connection,
purpose, creativity. And often when
we hyperoc on money, we neglect those other areas of
our lives which can lead to a sense of emptiness.
>> Ai Westly: I've definitely been there, focused so much on hitting
those financial targets that I let other things
slide a bit. Have you ever experienced that where the
pursuit of financial success came at the
expense of other important parts of your life?
>> Ai Sarah: Oh, absolutely. I think it's a really common experience,
especially in a society that often equates net worth with self
worth. But what if true wealth lies in finding
that balance? That balance between nurturing all
aspects of ourselves, not just the financial
ones?
>> Ai Westly: That's such a great point. I'm really curious to dig deeper into
how Hustle suggests we find that balance. What are those
specific steps we can take to break free from that scarcity
loop and start experiencing a more holistic Sense of
wealth.
>> Ai Sarah: Well, one of the key things Husserl emphasizes is
shifting our perspective on money. Instead of seeing
it as a source of stress or a measure of our
worth, she suggests we view it as a
companion, a guide that can help us achieve our goals.
>> Ai Westly: I love that analogy. It's like having a personal trainer for our
finances.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And just like a good trainer, money can
push us outside of our comfort zone. It can challenge us to grow
and help us achieve things we never thought possible.
But it's important to remember that money, like any good trainer,
it has its limits. It can't solve every problem, and
it can't buyia us happiness or true fulfillment.
>> Ai Westly: So how do we actually cultivate this money as a
companion mindset? How do we move away from feeling controlled
by money and instead see it as a partner in our
journey towards a more fulfilling life?
>> Ai Sarah: That's a great question and one that we'll definitely explore
further as we delve deeper into Hussl's work.
But for now, I want you to consider this. If you were
to greet money each day as a welcomed guest
rather than a source of anxiety or stress, how
might that change your interactions with it?
>> Ai Westly: It's like inviting money to the table as an
equal partner instead of viewing it as
this demanding boss. Uh, we're a scarce
resource that we have to constantly fight for. I'm really
intrigued to see where this idea leads us.
>> Ai Sarah: It really is about shifting that perspective, isn't it? And thinking
about boundaries with this money partner. Um, not
just accepting whatever comes our way, but making
conscious choices, Choices that actually align with our
goals and our values.
>> Ai Westly: Oh, that makes a lot of sense. It's like setting some ground rules
right for how we interact with money. But how do we actually
do that? Especially when we have these ingrained
habits and beliefs that sometimes seem to
work against us.
>> Ai Sarah: Well, you know, it goes back to that idea of the money story we were
discussing earlier. Husserl suggests we can actually rewrite those
stories, even if they've been passed down to us through
generations.
>> Ai Westly: Even that sounds incredibly empowering, but honestly,
also a little daunting. Is it really possible to
change those deeply ingrained beliefs and patterns?
>> Ai Sarah: It takes effort, for sure, but I do believe it's
possible. Think about it this way. Just because
our family history might be marked by a certain way of relating to
money, like scarcity or overspending,
doesn't mean we're destined to repeat those patterns. We
have the power to choose a different path.
>> Ai Westly: So how do we begin to rewrite those stories? Do we just,
like, sit down with a pen and paper and imagine
a new narrative.
>> Ai Sarah: That could be one way to approach it. But Husserll actually
suggests something a bit more introspective. She encourages us
to really examine those inherited beliefs
and ask ourselves, is this belief still
serving me? Does it align with the values I
hold and the vision I have for my life?
>> Ai Westly: That's a really powerful question. It makes me think of that
story Husshold tells about her grandfather, a Holocaust
survivor who achieved incredible financial
success, but could never truly shake that deep seated
sense of scarcity. It makes you wonder how much of our
financial DNA is actually influenced by
generational experiences like that.
>> Ai Sarah: Right. It's fascinating, isn't? It's like those past experiences, even
if they happen generations ago, become encoded in
our financial DNA, influencing how we view money,
how we earn it, how we spend it, even how we feel about it on
a gut level.
>> Ai Westly: So if we identify a belief that's no longer serving us, uh,
like that fear of scarcity or a tendency to
overspend, how do we actually go about changing it?
>> Ai Sarah: Well, Husserl emphasizes awareness,
becoming truly aware of those patterns, and
then consciously choosing to shift our thinking. It's
about replacing those old limiting beliefs with
new, empowering ones.
>> Ai Westly: Can you give us m an example of what that might look like in practice?
>> Ai Sarah: Sure. Let's imagine someone who grew up in a household where money
was always tight. There was a constant fear of
not having enough. And as an adult, even if
they're now financially secure, they might find that they're
still clinging to that scarcity mindset.
>> Ai Westly: Oh, I can totally relate to that. It's like those early experiences
create a kind of default setting in our brains.
>> Ai Sarah: Yeah, exactly. But the good news is, by
becoming aware of that default setting, you can start to
challenge it. So instead of dwelling on what you lack, you can
make a conscious choice to focus on what you have. You
can practice gratitude for the abundance that already
exists, even if it's not always in the form of
money.
>> Ai Westly: So it's about making that shift from a scarcity
mindset, uh, to an abundance mindset. Even if our
past experiences might make that feel like a real uphill
battle at first.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And remember, it's a process. It's not about
achieving some perfect state of abundance overnight.
It's about those small, consistent steps,
day by day, to cultivate a more positive
relationship with money.
>> Ai Westly: Which brings us back to that idea of money as a companion.
If we're trying to rewrite these money stories and shift our
mindset, how do we start working with money instead of
feeling like we're constantly at war with it. Uh, Husser
talked about money as a personal trainer, right?
>> Ai Sarah: She did. And that's where things get really practical.
Just like a personal trainer helps us set those fitness
goals and create a plan to achieve them,
money can be that guide to help us reach our financial
goals.
>> Ai Westly: I love that analogy. It's so true. We wouldn't just show up at the
gym and start randomly lifting weights. We'd have a plan, a
strategy, and we'd work with our trainer to stay on
track. Mhm.
So how do we apply that same kind of thinking to
money?
>> Ai Sarah: Well, just like with fitness, it starts with setting
clear goals. What do you want to achieve with
your finances? Are you saving for a down payment on a
house? Paying off debt? Investing for
retirement?
>> Ai Westly: Having those specific goals in mind makes a huge
difference. I've definitely noticed that when I have a clear
financial goal, I'm much more motivated and focused with my
money.
>> Ai Sarah: Absolutely. And once you have those goals in place,
you can start to create a plan like your financial workout
routine. This might involve creating a budget, tracking your
spending, or maybe exploring different investment options.
And just like a trainer might adjust our workout routine as we
progress, we need to regularly check in with
our finances and make adjustments as needed.
>> Ai Westly: It's like having that ongoing feedback loop. Right?
But what about those times when we feel like we're veering
off track, slipping back into old habits, or
feeling overwhelmed by our finances? Where does
money as a companion fit into those
situations?
>> Ai Sarah: That's where that idea of open communication becomes
so crucial. Remember, we're treating money as a
partner, and any good partnership is built on
trust and honest communication. So if you're feeling stressed
about money, don't just brush those feelings under the rug. Talk
to your money partner.
>> Ai Westly: I have to admit that sounds a little strange at first. Like, how do you actually
have a conversation with money?
>> Ai Sarah: It might feel awkward initially, but trust me, it
can be incredibly helpful. You could try journaling about your
financial concerns, or even just speaking out loud to
yourself about your money goals and challenges. The
important thing is to bring those feelings to the surface and
acknowledge them.
>> Ai Westly: It's about becoming more conscious and intentional with our
finances. Not ignoring our emotions or pretending everything
is fine, but actually acknowledging those feelings
and working with money to find solutions.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And remember, just like a good
trainer motivates us to push ourselves and reach
our full potential, money, when viewed as
a companion, can also inspire us to grow and achieve
that true financial well being.
>> Ai Westly: Its not just about Crunching numbers and creating spreadsheets.
It about cultivating a relationship with
money that feels supportive,
empowering, and maybe even, dare
I say, enjoyable.
>> Ai Sarah: Absolutely. And you know that enjoyment can come from
celebrating those financial wins, no matter how small they might
seem. Did you manage to stick to your budget this month?
Awesome. Did you pay off a credit card? Thats fantastic.
Celebrate those little victories. They deserve to be acknowledged
and they help us build momentum.
>> Ai Westly: Thats such a good point. It's easy to get caught up in what we haven't
accomplished yet, but celebrating those small wins,
it helps us stay motivated and keeps us moving towards those bigger
financial goals.
>> Ai Sarah: It does. And remember, money,
just like a good trainer, can help us push past our comfort
zones, achieve things we might not have thought possible.
Maybe it encourages you to try a new investment strategy or
start a side hustle or even negotiate a raise.
But it's also crucial to remember that money isn't the answer
to everything. It's a tool, a
companion, but not the ultimate source of
HAC/iness or fulfillment.
>> Ai Westly: So it's about finding that balance, right? Between using
money's power as a tool and a guide,
but also recognizing its limitations.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And that balance will look different for everyone. It's
about figuring out what works for you, for your
values and your unique circumstances.
>> Ai Westly: This conversation is really challenging me to think about money
in a completely different light. It's not just about the numbers.
It's about the relationship we have with it, the stories we tell
ourselves about it, and the choices we make in partnership with
it.
>> Ai Sarah: And that's really the essence of what Husserl is trying to convey.
We have more agency, more power in our financial
lives than we often give ourselves credit for. We don't have
to be victims of circumstance or slaves to those
past experiences. We can choose to rewrite those
money stories, cultivate a more positive relationship
with money, and create a financial reality that truly
supports our dreams.
>> Ai Westly: I love that. But I also know how overwhelming
and isolating those financial challenges can feel.
Sometimes we might feel ashamed or embarrassed to even
talk about our money struggles, even with those closest to
us.
>> Ai Sarah: You're absolutely right. It can feel very isolating. And that's
precisely why it's so important to remember we're not alone
in this. Countless people face similar challenges, and there's
a wealth of support available if we're willing to reach
out.
>> Ai Westly: So where can we turn for help if we're feeling stuck or
overwhelmed?
>> Ai Sarah: Well, there are amazing financial advisors who can
provide guidance, help us create a solid plan,
manage investments and navigate those complex
financial decisions. There are therapists who specialize
in money related anxiety, helping people develop
healthier financial habits. And there's an abundance of
books, podcasts, online communities
offering valuable insights and practical advice.
>> Ai Westly: So it's okay to ask for help whether it's from a
professional, a trusted friend, or even tapping
into that collective wisdom through books and online communities?
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. Seeking guidance and support is
not a sign of weakness. In fact, it often takes a lot of strength
and self awareness to do so. And remember,
there'no one size fits all solution. It's about
exploring what works for you and your unique situation.
>> Ai Westly: This conversation has been eye opening. Really. Im'already seeing
how I can apply these ideas to my own life. As we wrap
up this part of our deep dive, is there anything else you'd like to
highlight before we move on to the final part?
>> Ai Sarah: Yes, there is one more crucial piece I want to touch upon.
Hussell makes it very clear that financial well being isnt
just about reaching some dist and goal. It's also
about finding joy in the journey itself.
>> Ai Westly: I love that it's easy to get so fixated on those
financial goals that we forget to appreciate where we
are right now and acknowledge the progress we've already made.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. It's about finding ways to bring joy and
gratitude into our financial lives, even when we're facing
challenges or setbacks.
>> Ai Westly: So how do we actually do that? How do we find joy in something
that can often feel stressful and overwhelming?
>> Ai Sarah: It starts with a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing
money as a source of anxiety, what if we started
seeing it as a tool for creating experiences,
building relationships, pursuing our passions?
>> Ai Westly: I like that shift, focusing on the
possibilities that money can unlock rather
than the limitations it might seem to impose.
>> Ai Sarah: Precisely. It's about using money to enhance
our lives, not letting it control us.
And that might mean making choices that prioritize
experiences over possessions, spending time with loved
ones, overwork, working those long hours, or pursuing creative
endeavors that light us up even if they don't bring in a
huge income.
>> Ai Westly: It's about remembering that money is a means to an end,
not the end in itself.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. And when we start to view money in that
light, it can actually become a source of joy and
fulfillment rather than a constant burden of
stress and worry.
>> Ai Westly: This is really making me think differently about wealth.
It's not just about the external stuff, the numbers, but
about that internal experience of abundance and
fulfillment.
I'm excited to move on to the final part of our deep dive
and explore what a truly fulfilling and Abundant life
can live like beyond just the balance in our bank accounts.
So we've covered a lot of ground, haven't we? Money stories, reframing
our relationship with money, treating it like a personal trainer.
It's a lot to take in. But I keep coming back to this
idea of what a fulfilling and abundant life really looks
like, beyond just the financial aspect. What
did Husserell have to say about that?
>> Ai Sarah: Well, she doesn't give us a one size fits all answer, which
I appreciate. Instead, she challenges us to define
abundance for ourselves. It's about asking,
what are the things that make you feel truly
alive and content?
>> Ai Westly: It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Sometimes we get so caught up
in chasing financial success. Mhm. That we forget to
even ask ourselves those questions. What truly
matters? Is it spending time with family,
pursuing creative passions, making a difference in
the world?
>> Ai Sarah: I think that's a really important point. We can easily fall into
that trap of thinking, if I just had X amount of money, then I'd
be happy. But Hussler's argument is that real
abundance comes from aligning our financial goals with
our deepest values and aspirations. And those are
unique to each of us.
>> Ai Westly: Right? It's not about following some external formula. It's about
figuring out what truly resonates with us as
individuals. So if we understand our money story,
rewrite those parts that aren't serving us, and start seeing
money as a tool to support those values,
then we can actually use it to build a life that feels
fulfilling regardless of how much we earn.
>> Ai Sarah: Exactly. Wealth is an experience, not just
a number. It's about feeling whole and
satisfied in all areas of your life.
>> Ai Westly: Have you ever had a moment where you realized you were
pursuing a financial goal that didn't actually align with what
you truly valued?
>> Ai Sarah: Oh, definitely. There was a time when I was
completely focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I thought
reaching a certain position and salary would bring me happiness and
security. But along the way, I realized I was sacrificing
my health, my relationships, my creativity. It
was a real wake up call to reevaluate what really mattered
to me and redefine what success meant on a personal
level.
>> Ai Westly: That's such a powerful story. It shows how easily we can get
caught up in those external measures of success.
Husserl encourages us to step back and ask what brings em
me joy? And it might be something simple. Spending time
in nature, volunteering, learning a new skill.
>> Ai Sarah: And it's about finding ways to incorporate those things into our
lives. Even if it means making some adjustments to our
financial goals or our career paths. Maybe it means
downsizing to free up more time or taking a
calculated risk to pursue a passion project.
>> Ai Westly: That's what I find so empowering about this concept
of enough. It's not about deprivation. It's about
making conscious choices about what we want to prioritize
and then using money as a tool to support those.
>> Ai Sarah: Choices and recognizing that those choices
might change over time. What feels fulfilling at one
stage of life might look different later on. The key
is to stay connected to your values and be willing
to adapt as needed.
>> Ai Westly: I love that it's not about finding the perfect formula, it's
about being mindful and intentional.
As we wrap up this deep dive, what's one final thought
you'd like to leave our listeners with?
>> Ai Sarah: I think I Id go back to Hustl's words. It's never too late to
start cultivating a healthier and more joyful relationship with
money. It's a journey, not a destination. Be
kind to yourself along the way and remember you have the power
to create a life that feels truly abundant and meaningful
to you.
>> Speaker C: That's such a great reminder. Financial well being is within reach for
all of us. It starts with awareness,
curiosity and that willingness to embark on
this journey of self discovery. So as you continue
exploring your relationship with money, remember youre not
alone. Theres support out there and you have the
power to shape your financial reality in a way that supports your
dreams and your values. Thanks for joining us for this
deep dive. Well see you next time.