The Limitations of the Financial Trauma Conversation

We are all together again. Today we discuss Lawrence’s controversial tweet on Twitter about “the lack of money is not financial trauma.”

So I finally get to post the show notes for this. For anyone new to reading this, the podcast show notes come out late. Often very late since I have a day job and other things that I write about. This gives us a unique opportunity to provide audio commentary as well as additional supplemental information.

Ironically, this information is not stale and likely won’t ever be as “trauma bonding porn” and “poverty porn” gain traction. In this episode, I quipped about the perversion of the term financial trauma and its commoditization.

Like all things that start from a pure space, it seems like people are losing the plot and self-diagnosing themselves and society.

Table of Contents

Try not to listen to too much financial trauma

First, let’s start with the AI definition.

Financial trauma is a term used to describe the emotional, cognitive, relational, and physical symptoms that can result from financial stressors. These stressors can include Poverty, Homelessness, Food insecurity, Unemployment, Financial codependency, Divorce, and Sudden loss of assets. This can have lasting impacts throughout our lives from mental to even physical ailments. To cope with the trauma (known or unknown), many dive into self-medication through spending or even other self-destructive impulses.

With that said, I do believe that we all have to face challenges and trauma along the path of life. Some of that trauma may be financial. I caution that we don’t self-diagnose based on social bonding and/or consider a myriad of solutions.

Some solutions may involve taking action

When it comes to finances and struggling with debt, it’s ok to meet that challenge by paying your bills on time. In this way, we find that it’s not always this debilitating exercise, instead, it’s an opportunity to grow. People who sell financial trauma porn, are often not interested in its resolution. I am.

To quote the Wolf of Wall Street movie, “I want you to solve your problems by becoming rich.” Well technically wealthy. There is a difference.

When you are truly wealthy and financially secure, watch how your “problems” melt away. Not all issues are solved by endless years and recurring monthly payments to a therapist. There might be a way to tackle your issues directly instead of constantly running from the truth.

You need to work for more income, to pay your bills, and to invest in a manner that suits you. This will involve you creating a financial plan while budgeting for what you need. The goal is to instruct your money to work for you in the long run. No matter if you came from money or not.

Other ways to cope include staying physically active (body confidence), not abusing alcohol or other substances (staying clear of mind), and creating a daily routine that works. To cut down periods of financial instability by saving more than you spend. Keep an emergency savings of 3-6x monthly expenses. Cut back on activities that don’t refuel you.

If you need therapy, get it. In the end, it won’t exclude the real work you have to do.

Stories that Lead to Action

The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. We tell the stories that others don’t. Stories about growth, opportunity, and embracing changes. Beyond that, we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporate actionable steps, and ultimately build generational wealth.

By doing so, we hope to help you identify, review, and overcome financial trauma in your lifetime.

The goal is to keep you moving in the right direction. We don’t want you to fly away from challenges. Nor do we want you to FREEZE. Instead, we implore you to FIGHT through and take bold ACTION.

Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less? Yeah, it’s possible. 80% of millionaires are the first generation. That means they didn’t come from wealth. We teach you how.

The Financial Griot hosts were able to amass over $3.5 Million in wealth in about eight years and are on track to retire early. We gladly share financial secrets if you want them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.

Connect with the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram

Alainta Alcin – Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @alainta_alcin
Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
Lovely Merdelus – Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus