Your Money Narrative: Understanding Your Story to Build a Stronger Financial Future

It’s not about the money.

Storytelling is a part of each one of us. We tell ourselves stories every day, based on our past encounters, and we mold them over time so they stay relevant with our growth. Our financial stories are no different than the plotlines in our personal lives, however; they can have a profound effect on how we manage our future.

Children of the Great Depression lived through a time of scarcity, which shaped how they viewed their money as adults and how they ultimately passed down their money narratives to their children. These same stories can run rampant for generations if they are not unpacked with curiosity and care. By asking the why, you can unlock the power you have over your finances and tackle the hidden meanings you attach to money.

• Why do you spend more than you have?
• Why do you feel guilty when you spend money on yourself?
• Why do you save and spend differently than other people?

It all comes down to your personal financial narrative and the steps you can take to build a stronger future and land on a lasting legacy.

So, what’s your money narrative?

AMY R. COOK is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional residing and working in San Mateo, California, serving clients nationwide from her local office. With twenty years of experience in financial services, Amy and her team help clients across varied industries and life stages, underscoring that strategic financial planning is integral to making informed decisions and achieving long- term objectives. In her free time, Amy loves working on her decorating projects, building small-scale dollhouses, and restoring vintage typewriters