Financial Consultant, Trainer and Speaker on Psychology of Money, Financial Counseling for Couples

It’s hard to listen to the news these days. Once stable financial institutions are needing government bail outs. A loaf of bread and a gallon of milk each cost about $5. Auto fuel is at an all time high. The times we are living in are challenging. It’s easy to get caught up in the drama of it all. Many of my clients who lived during the Great Depression tell me that today’s happening are reminiscent of the economy at that time. It is scary. A few days ago, I heard a woman call into NPR and ask the guest speaker if one third of her retirement was in Lehman’s stock, if she would be able to recover any of it, as social security doesn’t cover all her expenses. The speaker told her to “consider it lost.”

During these times, it’s natural to hold your money tighter and to be more careful about where it’s spent. There is less of it to go around.

Barbara Stanny, one of my favorite money guru’s, tells us to get our money house in order. This is especially important in the times we are in. She touts 4 rules of money.

Spend less, Save more, Invest wisely and Give generously. Stanny says these rules must be followed in this order, otherwise giving is an act of self sabotage and diminishes the impact you can make with your money. So, the act of giving must be an act that is a win-win for both the giver and receiver. It’s not going to help you if you give to others and can’t pay your mortgage. That would be inappropriate giving, because in your giving, you are hurting yourself in not being able to meet your own basic needs.

In Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth, he speaks about the Universal Laws of Abundance, staying in the flow of giving and receiving. He says, “Outflow determines inflow.” He suggests we ask ourselves the question, “What can I give here? How can I be of service to this person?” One of the most profound statements for me in his book is this: “Whatever you think people are withholding from you, praise, appreciation, assistance, loving care and so on…give it to them. Soon after you start giving, you start receiving.”

So, no matter how tight your pocketbook, can you find ways to give to keep your flow going? If money is tight for you right now, give other things, maybe things that aren’t tangible but are deeply felt with the heart. Give with the intent of extending a blessing to those around you. A smile, a listening presence, a prayer, a flower, a wish of well being, are all non-monetary ways to give.

Experiment with giving of your most precious resources, your time, money and/or energy. Be conscious with intention about what you are giving. Make sure your giving reflects your values. This will bring you great joy!

Last year, my husband was unemployed and it was challenging to do our normal donations to charity. Instead, I gifted 4 women my services, who could otherwise not afford them. It felt really good to be able to do this. It was a win-win for me and them.

A friend of mine, when traveling over the Golden Gate Bridge, likes to pay the toll for the car behind her. This brings joy into her heart. She experiences excitement in surprising another with an unexpected gift and imagining their delight!

One of my favorite memories of my grandmother is that she used to send all of her grandchildren a card on their birthday with a 5 dollar bill. It’s what she could afford and she made sure everyone got the same. It wasn’t the money that mattered. There was a sweetness in getting a real card from the U.S Post Office, with her hand writing and feeling her wish.

How can you keep the flow of abundance going in your own life? Are you equally skilled at being a healthy giver and a good receiver? Keep your joy flowing!