Money—some say it’s the root of all evil, others claim it’s the ultimate key to happiness. But what if I told you that money isn’t your enemy or your goal? Instead, it can be your best friend, your reliable buddy who’s always there when you need it.
Sounds crazy? Not really. It’s all about your mindset and relationship with money. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to befriend your bucks and make them work for you!
The Love-Hate Relationship: Why Do We Fear Money?
Before we can make money our best friend, we need to address why many of us treat it like a frenemy. Money is a tricky subject—it’s taboo, elusive, and often associated with stress. But why?
- Cultural Conditioning:
Growing up, you may have heard things like:- “Money doesn’t grow on trees!”
- “Money is the root of all evil!”
- “Rich people are greedy!”
- Fear of Mismanagement:
You’ve worked hard to save a decent amount, but one wrong investment, and poof! It’s gone. The fear of losing money often makes people hesitant to take risks, even calculated ones. - Guilt and Morality:
Sometimes, you feel guilty for wanting more. Society often praises those who live simply while subtly condemning ambition and wealth accumulation. - The Never-Ending Chase:
You feel like you’re always running after money, but it never stays. Chasing money can make you feel like a cat trying to catch its own tail—exhausting and pointless.
Step 1: Change Your Mindset – Money Isn’t a Foe
Before you can make money your best friend, you need to break up with your old mindset.
A Mindset Shift:
Stop seeing money as something you need to chase or something that’s always slipping through your fingers. Instead, treat it like a loyal friend who’s always by your side—when treated well.
Imagine this: If you constantly worry that your friend will betray you, wouldn’t that relationship be stressful? It’s the same with money. You have to trust it and treat it with respect.
Step 2: Understand Money’s Personality – Know Your Buddy
Just like any good friend, money has its quirks and characteristics. Understanding these makes the relationship smoother.
1. Money Likes Respect:
If you mismanage, neglect, or waste it, money will leave you faster than a bad Tinder date. Respecting money means budgeting, saving, and investing wisely.
2. Money Enjoys Attention:
Do you even know where your money goes every month? If your cashflow is as mysterious as a magician’s trick, it’s time to pay attention.
- Track your expenses.
- Set goals.
- Check your savings regularly.
3. Money Values Security:
Would you leave your best friend without shelter? No, right? Money feels safe when you invest in secure and growth-oriented avenues.
- Think of savings as a safety net.
- Investments are like vacation plans—some risk, but usually rewarding.
Step 3: Set Relationship Goals – Money Dates!
Who says you can’t have a date night with your finances? Regularly reviewing your money situation keeps the friendship healthy.
Budget Date Night:
Once a month, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) and sit down with your budget.
- Are your expenses aligned with your goals?
- Did you splurge too much on non-essentials?
- Can you allocate more to savings or investments?
Investment Check-In:
Take a quarterly look at your investments. Are they growing as planned? Should you make changes?
- Diversify to minimize risk.
- Set new financial goals based on your life changes.
Step 4: Be Generous – Treat Your Friend Well
A great friendship works both ways. Sometimes, money likes to be given away—in the form of charity, helping loved ones, or funding a passion project.
- Generosity creates a positive relationship with your finances.
- It shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
Step 5: Communicate Openly – No Secrets!
Money hates secrets, just like any friend. If you’re in a relationship or managing family finances, talk about money openly and honestly.
- Discuss goals.
- Plan joint expenses.
- Be clear about debts and future plans.
Step 6: Be Grateful – Appreciate the Little Things
If you only count the big paychecks, you’ll miss out on appreciating the small wins.
- Did you save on groceries this month? Celebrate!
- Did your investment give a modest return? That’s progress!
- Managed to put aside a little more in your emergency fund? Fantastic!
Gratitude strengthens your relationship with money and keeps the friendship positive and rewarding.
Step 7: Stop Comparing Your Friendship with Others
Your relationship with money is unique. Comparing your financial status to someone else’s is like comparing your introverted buddy to someone else’s extroverted pal.
- Social media often shows highlight reels, not financial realities.
- Focus on your own growth rather than someone else’s perceived success.
Step 8: Money Mantras – Affirm Your Friendship
Ever heard of daily affirmations? They work wonders in solidifying positive mindsets. Here are a few money mantras to start with:
- “Money flows to me effortlessly.”
- “I manage my finances with ease and grace.”
- “I am open to wealth and prosperity.”
- “My relationship with money is positive and fulfilling.”
Step 9: Be Realistic – Money Isn’t a Genie
Let’s be clear: Money won’t solve all your problems. Like any good friend, it can support and uplift you, but it can’t fix every issue.
- Don’t romanticize wealth as the solution to happiness.
- Focus on what money can realistically achieve: security, opportunities, comfort.
Step 10: Make Money Work for You – Partnership Goals!
A good friend doesn’t make you do all the heavy lifting. Likewise, your money should work for you, not the other way around.
- Invest in assets that generate passive income.
- Build a diversified portfolio that grows while you sleep.
- Create multiple income streams—like freelancing, rental income, or side hustles.
Final Thoughts: A Best Friend for Life
Making money your best friend doesn’t mean chasing it relentlessly or being obsessed with it. It’s about building a healthy, respectful, and sustainable relationship where money works alongside you, not against you.
Like any friendship, it takes time, effort, and a little bit of love. Treat money well, and it will stick around, providing comfort and support when you need it most.
So, stop treating your finances like a bitter ex and start treating them like a loyal companion. After all, a true friend is one who sticks around during the tough times—and who wouldn’t want money as that kind of friend?
