Do you suck with money?
So you’re (usually) on the verge of being broke, but does that mean you’re a hopeless case? Rethink your relationship with money.
It's broke o clock again, isn’t it? I’m thinking wistfully about my Christmas bonus, and it’s not even October yet.
“I am so terrible at money,” I said to our lovely Meagan. Again. (I say this pretty often. It’s a failing etched deeply into my sense of self.)
She gave me a slightly exasperated look.
“You always say that,” she said, “but I never hear you say that your boys had to eat dinner at your brother's all week because you ran out of groceries. Or that you can’t pay the school fees or – heaven forbid – your mortgage. And those are the big things, right? So... how bad with money can you be?”
I had a little “stop” moment. You know those, when you have to stop and quickly re-frame something you’ve felt long done and dusted.
Because Meags is right, I’m never properly broke. Skirting the edges of my credit hole sometimes, perhaps, but never completely stuffed.
Could I just be throwing the ‘I’m bad at money’ phrase around like so many use the ‘Oh, I am bad at maths’ fall back?
If so, why? And this is the hard to ask question. If I’m just naturally ‘bad’ at money, then obviously ‘being good’ at money is beyond me. Which means I don’t have to really budget and I can let the bank statements pile up unopened, because... well, that’s just who I am.
See how nefarious this line of thinking can be? I’m feeling a little exposed myself.
So what to do? First... do our quiz to uncover your real money personality.
And then... tell me: If you could have one online tool to help you manage your money (other than an accountant spouse) - what would it be?
- Women24