Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Have truer words ever been spoken when it comes to your money decisions?

Spend less than you make.

Build up a cash cushion.

Save for college and retirement.

The math itself might be simple but things get complicated quickly when you add in all of the emotions these money decisions stir up.

So how can you make good money decisions amongst a minefield of your own emotions?

I find it helps to start by acknowledging that your emotions are what complicates your money decisions and accept that they will continue to complicate your money decisions.

Math might not care about your feelings around money — but you certainly should. 

To move beyond the numbers, try structuring your money decisions to work with your emotions, not against them. 

For example…

Rather than beating yourself up about overspending, let’s unpack the reasons behind your current spending. Are you overspending? Or have you made a conscious decision to prioritize spending more today even if that means having less down the road?

Maybe you’ve stressed yourself out over failing to save enough for retirement while you’re paying for college. Is that stress you’ve put on yourself doing anything to help? Or would you be better served by accepting that ramping up retirement savings after you’re done paying for college might just be your best bet?

So remember that your numbers only tell part of your money story. And the more you practice unpacking your emotions around money, the easier your money decisions tend to become.