In the latest episode of Bartelle's Money Talk, we had the privilege of sitting down with Julia Carlson, a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and author of the powerful book, Money Loves You. Julia’s insights on building a healthy relationship with money, overcoming self-sabotage, and redefining self-worth have inspired thousands to take control of their finances and achieve true financial freedom.
Whether you’re striving to get out of debt, save for the future, or simply improve your financial habits, Julia’s wisdom offers practical and transformative guidance.
The Importance of a Healthy Relationship with Money
Money is more than numbers in a bank account—it’s deeply tied to our emotions, beliefs, and sense of self-worth. Many people grow up with harmful money stories, such as:
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“We can’t afford that.”
“Money hates me.”
These beliefs shape our habits and can lead to self-sabotage, overspending, or a fear of managing finances. Julia emphasized that cultivating a healthy relationship with money begins with self-awareness and forgiveness.
Ask yourself:
What’s my earliest memory of money?
How do I talk about money in my daily life?
Do I equate my self-worth with my net worth?
Inner Wealth Fuels Outer Wealth
One of Julia’s most impactful lessons is the idea that your self-worth must be bigger than your net worth. She explained that many people tie their sense of value to financial success, which can create a cycle of burnout and dissatisfaction.
Instead, she encourages us to:
Cultivate inner wealth—the innate sense of worthiness and fulfillment.
Treat money as a tool, not a measure of success.
Focus on being rather than doing.
When you develop inner wealth, the external results—better financial habits, reduced stress, and improved relationships—naturally follow.
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage
Julia identified self-sabotage as one of the biggest barriers to financial success. This happens when we create plans, like a budget or a debt repayment strategy, but fail to stick to them. The result? Guilt, regret, and a sense of defeat.
Julia’s advice for overcoming self-sabotage:
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of aiming for long-term perfection, commit to actionable steps for 30 days. For example:
Unsubscribe from promotional emails.
Log out of online shopping apps.
Audit and cancel unnecessary subscriptions.
Rebuild Self-Trust: Celebrate small wins. Following through on even minor commitments builds confidence and trust in your ability to manage money.
Forgive Yourself: Guilt and shame about past financial mistakes only keep you stuck. Instead, acknowledge what you’ve learned, forgive yourself, and move forward.
Practical Strategies to Transform Your Finances
Julia shared several actionable tips to start building financial freedom today:
1. Align Spending with Values
Money should reflect what matters most to you. Take time to identify your core values and adjust your spending accordingly. For example, if travel is important, plan for it in your budget—but not at the expense of paying off debt or saving for the future.
2. Set Intentional Goals
Visualize your ideal financial future. Where do you want to be in one year? Five years? Use this vision to make intentional decisions today that align with your goals.
3. Use the “Anti-Budget”
Instead of restrictive budgeting, try Julia’s “anti-budget” approach:
Decide what percentage of your income goes to savings, investments, and debt repayment.
Spend the remainder guilt-free on your priorities.
4. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins
Whether it’s paying off a credit card or sticking to a 30-day plan, recognize and celebrate your progress. Small wins add up to big results over time.
Bonus Content: Exercises for Inner Wealth
Here are some extra tools inspired by Julia’s philosophy to help you transform your relationship with money:
1. Inner Wealth Journal Prompt
Write down three things you’re grateful for about your current financial situation.
Reflect on how you’ve grown from past financial challenges.
Finish with an affirmation: “I am worthy of financial freedom, and I trust myself to make wise decisions with money.”
2. Visualization Exercise
Close your eyes and picture yourself one year from now. You’ve achieved your financial goals. How does it feel? What habits did you build to get there? Write down the steps you need to take today to move toward that vision.
3. Forgiveness Ritual
Write a letter to yourself about any past financial mistakes. Acknowledge the lessons learned and forgive yourself. Keep the letter as a reminder of your growth.
Ready to take control of your finances? Start by transforming your mindset and relationship with money. For more insights, check out Julia Carlson’s book, Money Loves You, and take your first step toward financial freedom today!
Here's what you can expect from Bartelle's Financial Coaching:
Personalized Guidance: We understand that everyone's financial situation is unique. That's why our coaching adapts to your specific circumstances, ensuring that you receive customized advice and strategies tailored to your needs.
Inclusive and Respectful Environment: No matter your background, financial history, or current situation, you are welcomed here. We're committed to creating an inclusive and respectful space where everyone feels valued and supported.
Results-Oriented Approach: We're not just here to provide advice; we're here to help you achieve tangible results. Our coaching focuses on actionable strategies that lead to lasting change, empowering you to take control of your financial future.
Empowerment at the Core: We believe in empowering you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions and achieve financial success. Our coaching equips you with the skills and confidence to navigate any financial challenge that comes your way.
So whether you're looking to get out of debt, save for a major purchase, or plan for retirement, "Bartelle’s Money Talk" and Bartelle's Financial Coaching are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take the first step toward financial freedom? Schedule a free consultation with Theresa Bartelle today and start your journey to a brighter financial future.
Thank you for considering "Bartelle’s Money Talk" and Bartelle's Financial Coaching. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
Johnny and Theresa Bartelle
Founders of Bartelle’s Financial Coaching
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