Your Net Worth
Isn’t Your Self-Worth

Does a higher income equal a higher status? Of course not, and yet our society places a high significance on how much a person makes, based on materialistic and financial factors. After all, money can open up doors, provide options and give us flexibility. But, judging a person’s “worth” based on these factors can be damaging to one’s self-esteem, self-perception and mental health.

Connecting self-worth to net worth is an automatic losing game, because the truth is, our financial lives are only a small piece of who we are. Those who base their self-esteem on financial success experience more stress and anxiety and are more likely to feel less in control of their lives.

The good news? We can overcome this wiring and mindset if you are struggling with it. It starts with shifting how you think, and actively seeking evidence that supports a new mindset. Try these four tips:

1. Find examples of where you feel good about yourself that are not connected to your money. What qualities do you have that you are proud of? Maybe you’re trustworthy, giving or non judgmental. Perhaps you’re a talented athlete or writer, or you’re proud that you take care of your family or help others. Whatever it is about you that you appreciate, embrace it. These are things that money can’t buy. 
2. Create more evidence of these qualities. Keep doing the things that fulfill you and make you happy. This strengthens your self-perception through positive things that aren’t attached to money.
3. Spend more time with people who have different money mindsets and don’t focus on money and material things. If you don’t have these people in real life, find communities to connect with online.
4. Create your own healthy money mantra that you can reaffirm to yourself daily. To start, try this one: my self-worth does not equal my net worth. 

Remember, you are not a reflection of your net worth. You are already worthy, and that comes from within. If your finances have taken a hit, give us a call at Bromwich+Smith and we can help you build your financial worth - and strengthen that self-worth that’s already inside you. Bromwich+Smith’s Debt Relief Specialists are available for initial consultation by phone at 1-855-884-9243.

By Taz Rajan Community Engagement Partner at Bromwich+Smith
Taz has been in the finance industry for nearly 2 decades and has always been passionate about education and empowerment.  Having declared bankruptcy herself, she intimately understands the shame, stigma surrounding matters of debt as well as the joy and relief that comes from restructuring.  Taz actively works to normalize the conversation of debt through blogs, media interviews, webinars, lunch & learns and through building relationship.