Wealth & Debt. As we continue through the seasonal and elemental period of metal/autumn toward the return to earth transitional period around the upcoming winter solstice, it would be incomplete not to touch on the subject of currency, money and wealth. Here I share with you some questions, key concepts and influencers which have helped evolve my relationship healthier with money and currency exchange.

My relationship with money, abundance or poverty, is my responsibility.

In August of this year, I was wildly proud to reach debt-free status.  In my starry-eyed idealistic fashion of being in the world (we are all complex and complicated beings) I took out a student loan, only to cover tuition, at National University of Natural Medicine. That 6 year endeavor cost me around $135,000 plus $25,000 interest over then next 14 years in exchange for a skill set in holistic medicine (not business or entrepreneurship).  I took the 6 month grace period of non-payment after graduation and committed to a graduated 30 year payback.  During the economic downturn of 2008, I enrolled in IBR (income based repayment) in order to keep my business open, making minimal payments.  In 2013, when the economy, and out of pocket health services were again marketable, a financial advisor, Robert Cotton of Edward Jones, offered the following wisdom:  if you want to remain in poverty, stay in the IBR program.  If I wish to move out of poverty, pay off the upfront interest required to exit that program (wait for it……$5,550.01). 

The Envelope Method

He offered excellent advice, and I took it….. seriously.  Something shifted in me: the borrowed debt became a double dare ya endeavor to payoff the man and rid myself of the albatross of student loan debt.  During the downturn and recovery, I implemented Dave Ramsey’s envelope method.  It’s an eye opening process to divide your work compensation (in cash) into categories for all money spent:  housing, food, transport, insurance, entertainment, etc.  I learned a lot about myself.  I have always enjoyed cooking at home with whole food ingredients.  I found when I did go out to eat, with a friend, I was very quick (too quick) to pick up the check.  I balanced this by inviting friends over to cook together.  We could chop, cook, create with the best ingredients our town and gardens have to offer with no rush, no worries about the check!  I still listen to Dave Ramsey on Triumph during my work commutes to Mississippi and continue to be positively influenced by his tough love suggestions. I make decisions that create my financial situation. Life happens from birth to natural disasters that impact our economy. Institutional systems of money provide opportunity and suck at the same time.  Greed is real.  Generosity is more real.

Does my time spent and lifestyle reflect my value system?

This is a question that I ask my patients and myself frequently.

Other powerful influences for me have been: 

The Botany of Desire explores the relationship between our human desire and plants:  tulips, potatoes, apples and marijuana. Who influences who?? How do your desires, or hungry ghosts, direct your personal economy?

You can watch a video clip or even download a free audiobook of The Botany of Desire (or one of thousands of other titles) via Internet Archive: a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.

https://archive.org/details/BotanyOfDesire2009

Prosperity 2017 Film

While in Park City this fall, I was introduced to Pedram Shojai and immediately watched and wanted to share his work.  He was educated as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and shifted to documentary film making as he became disenchanted with our current system of health care.  He is making a big difference offering us insights and examples of healthy change that can repair and renew our broken and outdated systems.

Watch his film here (free) https://www.well.org/prosperity/

There have been several very good films regarding our financial systems as of late.  Be aware.  Invest in systems that reflect your values.  Do you big corporate bank or small local bank?  If you have a retirement portfolio, what are you supporting:  big tobacco, big pharma, emerging markets, municipalities, innovative technology?  Have you considered micro lending? Have you considered investing in preservation of lands for public or private use? 

Ask yourself the hard questions of how you are supporting a sick or healthy infrastructure. And further, how is this a reflection of yourself?

To dive in:  check out Garrett Gunderson and his wealth factory concept of conscious investing.

Do the work.

I watch many friends and family members struggle with money. From chronic low income earners with limitless possibility to those that have so much but still mire down in scarcity and greed, as well as those that blow through inheritances or paychecks like the wind.  I have family and friends that live well from the art they create, the music they make, the medicine, programs or companies they develop. Some resist the fact that our current economic system runs on money or stand strong that all money is evil. I have reflected, intentioned, acted and continue to make changes – mentally and emotionally – which provide freedom from this and other shackles that we wear. There will be highs and lows, financially, and otherwise. Such is life. 

Work only with those that have at least as much integrity as yourself.

Fortunately, I was raised by two parents with strong work ethics. I have always been very honest likely due to unsavory family dynamics.  Several years ago, frustrated with the work relationships that I was co-creating, I affirmed to work only with those that have at least as much integrity as I have.  Unhealthy relationships started falling away and healthier ones were established. I have to occasionally press the reset button on this one.  Give it a try.  You will be amazed with the results, and prepare to let go!  I have found and continue to find wholesome relationships with money.  I have also learned to rely on professionals from insurance agents, office staff and attorneys, financial advisers to accountants that can help our system thrive.  Several years ago, I started working with Steve Richardson, CPA in Tuscaloosa as my business became more complex.  He has helped me gain confidence as an entrepreneur, strategize taxes and plan for growth.  He has an insightful, practical newsletter to which you can subscribe and start using right away.  And if you are looking to grow your financial team they work local and non-local. Link to Steve Richardson, CPA newsletter.

Do we have the equanimity that we need to heal our suffering?

Strike a right balance between giving and receiving. Be radically generous with yourself, your love, your resources. It more than comes back to you.

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