I am OBSESSED with the Anti-Work forum on Reddit. I can’t believe how some people are treated by their employers! I think it’s good these stories are shared, so that people can support each other and be treated humanely. Sort of can’t believe I need to say that… but the forum will SHOCK you.

I see this as being in total alignment with a good money mindset. This is about being the “real” YOU out in the world. If you’re able to say everything you like and don’t like, and communicate clearly about those things, you save lots of time and money that might otherwise be wasted because you kept your mouth shut, maybe to avoid offending others (or getting fired).

Makes sense, right? And that can have a big impact on your finances.

Speaking your truth

It can be tough to live from a place where we don’t speak our truth as often as we ought to, especially as women. We tend to be the people-pleasers, the family members doing the emotional labor, and it can be exhausting. Sometimes it’s easier to keep quiet, keep our truth to ourselves, and don’t rock the boat. But when you keep that truth bottled up, it can translate into money problems.

Back in my days with my old broker-dealer, I had to keep my mouth shut ALL OF THE TIME.  I felt like I couldn’t be myself and be accepted in the company culture — or, really, the industry culture. It was a strong misalignment of values and beliefs, and it showed up for me in money problems. I was earning a lot, but I was also spending a lot in ways that weren’t really in alignment with who I wanted to be…and giving away a lot too, for no good reason!

By the time I realized it, the stress of keeping my mouth shut started manifesting as health issues, too. Only when I started to be real about who I was, consequences be damned, did my health and finances improve.

If you find that you:

• Can’t ask for a raise you deserve, or can’t speak your mind in salary/price negotiations
• Can’t say “no” when someone asks to borrow money (even if you don’t want to give it)
• Can’t ask for money that others owe you
• Can’t seek financial help from a professional when you need it
• Can’t communicate with your partner or loved one about money issues

Then you probably need help speaking your truth.

Freeing your voice

It may seem simple, but the solution to improving your mindset is speaking up. I know, I know: easier said than done. But you could speak anonymously in the anti-work forum, or, if speaking your truth has to do with the more personal side, Reddit has forums like that too (I also check AITA regularly). Take a few moments to write down your deep personal truths about money and finances. Or even about life in general, because money can be a symptom of bigger issues.

• What is your time worth, and how does that differ from what you’re being paid? 
• What do you deserve to be paid for your work? 
• Where does discomfort arise with a financial situation you’re in? 
• What do you want to tell your significant other?

Write it all down, and then practice saying it out loud. Get in front of a mirror and have a (awkward? probably) conversation with yourself. Practice what you would say if the other person was standing in front of you. If you still can’t have the conversation face to face, what else can you do? Write a letter or email? Get a message through an intermediary?

How can you make your voice be heard?

And you can also do what you want. Don’t ask…just do something that feels empowering. You might be asking for permission for something you don’t need to ask permission for. Just do it. Baby steps are fine.  

And check out my library of mindset resources. One way to help you speak your truth is to get super clear on what you want to happen going forward!  You can get it here.