In the Signal East framework, we recognize that money is not just a tangible piece of paper; it is Freedom.
Ask any stay-at-home wife who has been trapped in an abusive marriage, an employee unable to quit a soul-crushing job because of a toxic culture, or a person forced to spend holidays with toxic relatives because they can’t afford a flight out. To them, money isn’t about shoes or takeout; it is about Choices.
Align your money to your vision and use it as fuel to reach your desired destination.
The Psychology of the Spend: Why Emotions Override Logic
Have you ever wondered why you can “logically” know you need to save, yet find yourself tapping your card on a whim?
It’s because emotions will always override logic.
This frequency is often rooted in childhood. We carry the stories our parents told us, through their words and their actions.
• The Scarcity Mirror: If you grew up in a household where money was a source of constant stress, you may treat it like something that “doesn’t stay,” spending it as fast as it arrives.
• The Hoarder Mirror: If they hoarded every cent out of fear, you might find yourself unable to enjoy the fruits of your labour, even when you are safe.
The good news? You do not need to remain at that frequency. You can recalibrate.
Identifying Your Money Personality
To navigate toward your destination, you must first understand your “Money Personality.” Think of these as the different “sailors” on your ship. Are they steering you toward a storm, or are they helping you turn the ship in the right direction?
The 5 Money Personalities
The five money personality types developed by Olivia Mellan, a psychotherapist & money coach are: –
- The Hoarder: You are a squirrel putting away nuts. You are uncomfortable spending and take pride in saving, but you often deny yourself the joy of the journey.
- The Spender: The quintessential spendthrift. You find pleasure in the “now,” but you lack the discipline of delayed gratification.
- The Money Monk: You believe money is “unimportant” or even “dirty.” You put everyone else’s needs first and feel uncomfortable with large sums in your account.
- The Avoider: You hide from the numbers. Checking your balance gives you anxiety, so you simply don’t do it. You lack the data needed to navigate.
- The Amasser: You love the “win” of accumulating wealth. At the root, however, may be a fear of not having enough, leading to a lack of spontaneity.
Take our Signal East Money Personality Quiz to find out what your money personality is.
Financial Signal Alignment
The goal is not to be just one; it is to even out your scores.
• Wear the Amasser Hat to build generational wealth for your family.
• Dial in the Hoarder when you need to build that emergency fund.
• Embrace the Spender to create beautiful memories with those you love.
• Channel the Money Monk to ensure your spending is ethical and socially responsible.
You cannot have an abundant mindset overnight; you have to pay the Growth Tax of inner work.
8 Steps to Financial Mindset Reset
1. Learn Your Money Emotion
Be a scientist. Observe how you spend when you are sad vs. when you are happy. Do you spend to “feel in control”? These are cues to your mental programming.
2. Audit the Data
Record your weekly expenses. Do you plan, or do you buy on a whim? You cannot manage what you do not measure.
3. Attract, Don’t Chase
Change your mindset. Believe that money works for you, not the other way around.
4. Change the Story
Go back to that little girl on the back porch. Tell her money is her friend. Tell her she is a good steward who attracts plenty.
5. The Evidence Jar
Every time you use money for something that genuinely brings you pleasure or gets you closer to your signal, drop a note in your Jar detailing how it made you feel.
Create new emotions around money and also thank the money for the experience it provided.
6. Take Control of the Wheel
Take control of the “Static.” Know exactly what comes in, what goes out, and what is put away. Being a good steward of what you have is the only way to ensure more follows.
7. Stop the Leak
Identify the “Emotional Spend.” If your wardrobe is full of unworn clothes (still with the tags on), dial in your inner Monk and stop making decisions based on temporary feelings.
8. Educate Your Navigator
De-mystify the world of finance. Learn about investing, leverage, and wealth-building. Empower yourself to make a big impact with small, 1% shifts.
Redefine your Coordinates. 🧭
In conclusion, money is a frequency. If you think it is scarce, it will be. If you approach it as a tool for your vision, it will become your greatest ally in reaching your True North.
Take the money quiz, audit your pillars, and start paying the growth tax on your financial mindset today. Your destination is worth the investment.
Maintain course.
Your Next Course Correction:
📍 [Download the Signal East Money Personality Quiz]
📖 [Join the Eat That Frog Book Club]
