Navigating the Financial Path of Wellness: A Veteran’s Guide to Mindful Money Management
By Michael Mason, M. Ed., LPC, NCC.
Introduction
As a veteran and lead therapist specializing in trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, I understand the unique challenges my fellow service members and women face as they transition back into civilian life. Financial wellness, a crucial but often overlooked aspect of our well-being, is more than just about budgets and savings; it's about aligning our economic decisions with our values and creating a sense of security and peace of mind.
Financial Planning with a Veteran's Perspective
Partnering with Max Boone, a fellow veteran who has dedicated his post-service career to financial planning, we explore the concept of the 'money shadow.' This term describes the often-unacknowledged fears and anxieties we hold about money, which can include fear of not having enough, worries about future financial security, or stress over managing large sums from pensions or benefits after service. Recognizing these hidden aspects of our financial psyche is the first step toward illuminating and managing them effectively.
Trauma-Informed Financial Strategies
Our experiences in the military can leave a lasting impact on how we handle stress, uncertainty, and risk—factors that heavily influence financial decision-making. Trauma-informed financial planning takes these unique backgrounds into account, prioritizing strategies that promote financial security and minimize stress. This approach might involve setting up emergency funds, insurance to protect against unexpected life events, or investment strategies that account for potential triggers related to financial risk.
Mindfulness and Money
A Symbiotic Relationship
Incorporating mindfulness into financial practices means more than watching where each dollar goes; it means understanding the why behind each financial decision and its impact on our current emotional state and future financial health. Mindfulness encourages us to pause before making purchases, to reflect on our financial goals, and to act with intention rather than impulse. This heightened awareness can transform our financial habits, leading to more thoughtful spending and saving.
The Eight Paths of Wellness
The eight paths of wellness include physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and financial well-being. Each path interacts with the others, with financial health playing a pivotal role. For example, financial security can reduce stress (emotional), allow for better medical care (physical), and foster a sense of community through philanthropy (social). Understanding these interconnections can help veterans see financial planning as an integral part of their overall wellness.
Veteran Self-Care and Support
Managing finances is a significant form of self-care for veterans. At Safe Harbor Counseling, we offer support that helps veterans tackle financial stressors head-on, giving them tools to manage their money confidently and securely. This support includes one-on-one counseling, workshops on financial literacy, and connecting veterans with financial advisors who specialize in working with military personnel.
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
Navigating the financial waters can indeed be daunting, but you're not alone. Whether you're seeking counsel for your financial well-being or looking to address broader wellness challenges, we at Safe Harbor Counseling are here to support you. Explore our veteran support services and book your free 15-minute consultation today. For a tailored financial plan that aligns with your wellness goals, visit Max Boone’s Northwestern Mutual page.
Remember, your financial path is an integral part of your journey to wellness. Share this blog with someone in your veteran community who might need this support and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more resources.
