Welcome to the 58th edition of Your Weekly Aura, a newsletter featuring must-read money and mindfulness tips and tricks from Courtney & Kelsey. This week we’re talking about why we’re all weird – and why it’s totally normal. If you like this newsletter, please share it with your friends and subscribe below.
When I grow up…
Happy Financial Literacy Month!
It’s that time of year again when we start packing up our winter coats, gathering our receipts, and reminding ourselves that we’re all weird – especially about money.
As a three-sport athlete, most of my Saturday mornings were spent on a field. My dad spent his mornings on the sideline running up and down at pace yelling offering strong suggestions for my next play.
Some days I felt like I should be the one offering him orange slices and water…
In exchange for his loyalty, support, and a ride home, I would spend my Saturday afternoons “running errands” with my dad.
Depending on his mood, we’d go “shop” for a new TV (RIP Radio Shack) or an antique rug. These visits went on week after week for years and the man never. bought. anything.
While it seemed like an odd way to spend your time, I honestly thought that maybe this was just an adult thing that I didn’t understand. Maybe visiting the same TV week after week for months, just for the fun of it, was a grown-up form of fun that I might eventually “grow into.”
One weekend, there was an open-box deal at Best Buy and my father finally did it. After 20 minutes of my dad convincing the sales guy he was serious, the clerk proceeded to execute our check-out process like he was hiding his secret identity as The Flash.
Maybe he knew what was coming…
As soon as we got home and unloaded the TV, my father looked at me with a frown.
He should have been so happy, he finally did it.
But as you probably guessed, it wasn’t about the TV at all, it was about the game.
24 hours later, he returned the TV.
I never “grew into” window shopping week after week, just like I never “grew into” understanding finance.
And yet, money-ing is a key part of adulting – something we’re rarely taught, but consistently expected to know.
I also don’t know how to play the piano because I never learned, but no one expected me to turn 18 and become Alicia Keys.
When it comes to money, we act as if everyone is gifted a free investing account and a subscription to the Wall Street Journal for their 18th birthday.
Why?
Because we all know that money matters, but we have no idea why it matters to us.
Instead of blaming ourselves for not knowing more and not “growing into” financial experts, what would it look like if we made space to congratulate ourselves for taking the first step.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is today.
It’s time to stop apologizing and seize the day.
P.S. The emergence of internet shopping has changed the game for my dad, who is having more fun than ever on his weekly calls with his BFF, Fred from Amazon’s Customer Service department.
For Your Aura
Want to learn more about your money story and discover your Aura? Take our quiz to find out your money personality today.
The Star: Wait, but why do I own taxes this year?
The Thinker: In times of economic turbulence, embrace doing nothing.
The Empath: Are babies becoming luxury items?
The Activist: The power of your money mindset.
Mindfulness Challenge of the Week.
Focus on what’s good.
Set aside a few minutes each day, preferably at the same time each day, to practice gratitude.
Find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be distracted.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Begin by reflecting on three things that you’re grateful for in your life. They can be anything, big or small, such as the infinite love of your puppy, a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, or a delicious meal.
As you reflect on each thing you’re grateful for, try to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Visualize it in your mind, and notice the positive feelings and sensations associated with it.
Express your gratitude for each thing in your own way, either silently or out loud. For example, you can say “thank you” or simply send a mental note of appreciation.
Repeat this practice of reflecting on three things you’re grateful for each day for a week, and notice how it affects your perspective and overall sense of empowerment.
As you go about your day, try to carry the attitude of gratitude with you, and consciously choose to focus on the positive aspects of your life, even in challenging situations.
MARKET NEWS
↗️ NATO membership. Finland officially becomes the 31st member of NATO; Russia warns it will take ‘countermeasures.’
↗️ S&P 500 futures and Treasury yields. Stocks and Treasuries posted gains today as March labor report shows resilient economy.
↘️ Tesla prices. The EV giant cuts prices on its vehicles again for the 5th time since January.
↘️ Nasdaq. The Nasdaq fell as rising rates continue to put pressure on the tech-heavy index.
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