Money and Mindset: Financial Empowerment for Moms

Hi Mama!

Welcome to the inaugural instalment of an exciting blog series where we revisit insightful conversations with exceptional mothers. This series promises to be a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration, offering a chance to relive the remarkable stories that have graced our platform. Today, we begin this journey with the indomitable Lynda Moore, affectionately known as the Money Mentalist, as we delve into her extraordinary path through 30 years of motherhood lessons and the connection between money and mindset.

From Numbers to Money Psychology

So, let’s rewind a bit and dive into Lynda’s journey. She kicks things off by telling us about her background as an accountant. Now, accountants are typically known for crunching numbers and dealing with financial statements. 

Still, Lynda was always intrigued by something more profound—why do we make our financial decisions? Why do some businesses thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? And why, oh why, does money seem to vanish into thin air when we’re under stress? It’s like a psychological magic trick is happening right before our eyes!

Lynda realized that the answers to these questions lay in the realm of psychology, not just plain old numbers. But here’s where things get really interesting. Lynda, the seasoned accountant, found herself facing a colossal personal financial crisis. 

Her marriage didn’t work out, and to make matters worse, she was buried under a staggering $600,000 in debt. You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t she supposed to be an expert at managing finances?” Well, that’s exactly the question that got Lynda thinking.

In a moment of revelation, she decided to take a leap of faith and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Lynda returned to university, studying psychology to unravel the mysteries of money psychology. But she didn’t stop there. Lynda went all in and trained under the renowned Professor David Krueger in the United States. 

Before she could start working with clients, she had to put herself through the wringer, going through Professor Krueger’s program to dissect her own money mindset, beliefs, and behaviours. It was like a deep dive into the recesses of her own financial psyche.

As a result, Lynda got her money matters sorted and became certified to help others on their money mindset journeys. So, in a nutshell, she took her number-crunching prowess and combined it with her newfound psychology knowledge to create something truly unique and transformative.

Conversations with Money

Money—it’s a ubiquitous and elusive topic, isn’t it? We all deal with it, but we often keep it locked away in a vault of secrecy. It’s like that long-term relationship with yourself, but you never really sit down for a heart-to-heart conversation. Why is that? Why is talking about money such a touchy subject, especially for us women?

I throw this question to Lynda, and she gets into it. She points out that numbers aren’t just digits on a page; they’re the story of our lives. But here’s the kicker—there’s often a heap of shame and guilt tied to those numbers. When our financial reality doesn’t match what we think it should be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and pretend it doesn’t exist. Even in relationships, money is a touchy subject, like the elephant in the room that no one wants to acknowledge.

But Lynda? She’s on a mission to change that. She gets people talking about money, even when it’s uncomfortable. So, how does she do it, you might wonder? I ask her just that. I mean, she’s an accountant, right? Shouldn’t she be all about the numbers and not so much about feelings?

Lynda’s response is fascinating. She admits that being the accountant is often an afterthought because when people find her, they’re fed up with the financial frustration. They know they can do better, but they’re stuck and don’t know where to begin. Lynda hands them the key to unlock their financial potential, and what she sees, especially with women, is nothing short of empowering.

In Lynda’s world, whether you’re a single parent or in a relationship, it’s all about stepping into your financial power. She breaks down the stereotypes about women and money, emphasizing that we’re not just about buying fluffy cushions. Women, she asserts, are amazing investors, but we’ve bought into society’s money myths for far too long.

I couldn’t help but reflect on my own family’s relationship with money during our chat. Many of the women in my family are accountants or the go-to money managers. But here’s the kicker: I’ve always felt like I can handle money, yet there’s still a nagging feeling that maybe I can’t. It’s a curious paradox that I’m sure many of us can relate to.

For single parents, this paradox can be even more pronounced. Balancing the roles of provider, nurturer, and financial decision-maker can be overwhelming. But Lynda’s approach to money psychology can provide you with the tools to navigate these challenges and make smart choices that bring peace of mind.

Positive Money Mindset: Lynda and Amy’s Journey

Our attitude towards money is a powerful force, shaping our lives in countless ways. It’s crucial to instil a positive money mindset in the younger generation.

I couldn’t help but ask Lynda about her approach when it comes to teaching her daughter, Amy, about money. Does she give her financial advice or tell her what to do with her finances? After all, it’s a topic many parents find tricky to navigate.

Lynda understands the importance of fostering a positive money mindset in children. When she transitioned from an accountant to a money mentalist, Amy was stepping into adulthood, finishing her university years.

But Amy’s response was unexpected yet totally relatable. She humorously pointed out that, at 20, her only expense category was “fun.” Kids will be kids, right?

Now, let’s talk about Lynda and Amy’s shopping adventures, a vivid example of how their attitude towards money has evolved over time. Fifteen years ago, their shopping sprees were all about the thrill of the purchase, without much consideration for the consequences. Lynda vividly remembers one shopping trip where she splurged a jaw-dropping $ 5,000, only to experience a financial hangover the next day. Ouch!

As time passed and Amy matured, she started seeking her mom’s advice on money matters. Here’s where Lynda’s approach shines—she’s cautious not to overwhelm her daughter with directives. Instead, she gently guides Amy, sharing insights and knowledge without imposing her decisions. It’s all about balancing and respecting Amy’s financial autonomy while offering valuable guidance when needed.

Today, their approach to shopping is markedly different. It’s less about extravagant spending and more about spending quality time together. They meet up for coffee, enjoy trying on outfits for fun, savour leisurely lunches and dinners, and occasionally make a purchase or two. Their focus has shifted from material possessions to the priceless bond they share.

Now, let’s connect the dots with Children and Money. Lynda’s story with Amy highlights the importance of teaching children about money, not just as a means of spending but as a tool for building connections and creating memories.

As Lynda aptly puts it, recognizing what’s truly important and prioritizing social connection over material possessions is a powerful shift. It aligns with their shared love languages, craving quality time, further strengthening their bond. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of our relationship with money, something we should all consider as we guide the next generation to develop a positive and balanced attitude towards money.

The Unconventional Beginning: Single Motherhood

Lynda takes us back to the beginning, sharing that Amy was actually an unplanned surprise. In fact, when Amy first started daycare at the tender age of 3, she introduced herself by saying, “Hello, I’m Amy, and I’m a Whoops.” Talk about candid honesty! But despite the surprise, Lynda knew from the moment she learned about the pregnancy that she would be a parent, whether she would be doing it alone or with her partner. It was a shift from her career-focused life to embracing motherhood at 25.

The journey was a rollercoaster, to say the least. While Lynda was all in for parenthood, it was a major interruption for her partner, who was uncertain about becoming a father. The uncertainty led to intense conversations, adding stress to what should have been a joyful pregnancy.

They did decide to stay together, even getting married, but Lynda admits it was a massive mistake. They struggled through their first wedding anniversary and eventually separated when Amy was around eighteen months old. Lynda found herself navigating single parenthood, especially when her partner went overseas.

During this tumultuous time, Lynda made a significant decision. While pregnant, she began her own accounting practice. It was a bold move, considering she had been in the corporate world and was on maternity leave. But as she puts it, that entrepreneurial spark ignited within her. She decided that she could go into business for herself and never looked back.

The decision had its challenges. She was building a house, studying to establish her accounting practice, and, oh yes, she was pregnant at the time, too! Talk about a full plate.

But as Lynda’s journey shows, sometimes life takes you on unexpected paths, and it’s how you navigate those twists and turns that define your story.

Lynda’s Story Continues.

Tune in next month for the continuation of this series, where we delve even deeper into Lynda’s remarkable journey. In our next instalment, we’ll explore her experiences as a single mom for 30 years, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s used those lessons to inspire and guide others on their own unique paths to financial empowerment.

Lynda’s story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and power that moms possess, and we can’t wait to share more of her incredible journey with you. Until then, stay tuned, and keep the spirit of empowerment alive, Mama!

Watch the Full Podcast with Lynda

For an immersive experience and to hear Lynda’s story in her own words, watch the full podcast episode at this link. https://link.empowermums.co.nz/HJYx