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Are Your Career and Financial Fears Holding You Back? A Financial Advisor's Perspective on Overcoming Common Money Worries
- Alajahwon Ridgeway
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
Written By: A.B. Ridgeway, EA, MBA, CPWA®️
In our rapidly changing world, it's common to feel overwhelmed by career and financial concerns. You might be pondering whether your job truly reflects your passions or if you earn enough to feel secure. These worries typically boil down to two fundamental fears: the fear of being cut off from your social circle and the fear of an unpredictable future.
Understanding how these fears shape your financial choices is essential. Often, the struggles we face regarding money are less about the money itself and more about how we manage it to achieve peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll assess these core fears, their influence on your career and financial decisions, and practical strategies to help you overcome them.
The Fear of Being Kicked Out of the Group
A deep human instinct is the need to belong. In your career, this can drive a desire to blend in with your colleagues and friends. You may avoid certain financial decisions that could jeopardize your social standing.
Financial Decisions Driven by Social Pressure
When it comes to money, the impulse to keep up with peers can be strong. This pressure often leads to overspending on items not aligned with your financial goals. For instance, if friends boast about their latest vacations or luxury cars, you might feel compelled to spend beyond your means to fit in, even if it puts a strain on your budget.
In my opinion, most people feel unhappy or anxious about their finances, largely influenced by social comparisons. This isn't just about the money; it reflects a deeper fear of isolation or feeling insignificant.
I heard a wonderful quote by Judith Martin
One should not be assigned one's identity in society by the job slot one happens to fill. If we truly believe in the dignity of labor, any task can be performed with equal pride because none can demean the basic dignity of a human being.
Too many times, we are trying align our worth as a human to the type of labor we perform. And those two things are not synonymous.
Your worth as a person has nothing to do with the type of job you have, or the money you make.
Some of my best clients are regular 9-5 workers, who worked, prayed, and saved so they can live their own life authentically.
We don't talk about how much money they have. We talk about the events they attended, their new dance class they are attending, or the new non-professional recreational club they joined.
Recognizing the Impact on Your Career
The fear of exclusion may also affect your career choices. You could find yourself staying in a job that fails to excite you simply for the sake of reputation. For example, someone may remain in a high-status role that lacks fulfillment because they fear what others might think if they change paths. This hesitation can hinder your professional development and lead to a sense of stagnation.
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The Fear of the Future
Uncertainty about tomorrow can be paralyzing for many. This anxiety profoundly impacts how you handle money, often leading to stress over financial stability and career security.
Understanding Financial Anxiety
Many people mistakenly equate a high salary with happiness and security. While financial stability plays a crucial role in well-being, it isn't the only determinant of a fulfilling life. Financial anxiety can cause you to make rash decisions, such as investing in volatile stocks without sufficient research.
So ask yourself, are you saving for retirement, or are you building wealth to engage in your true passions? By shifting your focus, you can reduce the associated fears.
Creating a Financial Plan for Peace of Mind
Developing a comprehensive financial plan can serve as your roadmap through uncertainty. Identify your financial goals, whether it's saving for a home or setting aside money for a child's education. Establish a clear budget that gives you a safety net while allowing some flexibility.
Working with a financial advisor can be instrumental in breaking down your goals into manageable parts. A sound financial plan can help reduce money-related worries and clarify your financial future.
Beyond Money: Finding Peace of Mind
What if the issues surrounding your career and finances extend beyond just money?
Redefining Success
Success means different things to different people. You might find fulfillment not in a hefty paycheck but in having a balanced life that aligns with your values. Maybe success for you means striking a balance between following your passions and meeting financial responsibilities or contributing to your community. Whatever your definition, ensure your career and financial choices reflect what you truly value.
Practical Strategies for Overcoming Career and Financial Fears
Recognizing these fears is just the first step. Here are some actionable steps to help you overcome them:
Assess Your Financial Behavior
Reflect on your spending habits. Do they mirror your values, or are they influenced by the pressures of those around you? Start a journal to capture your motivations and chart your progress.
Set Clear Financial Goals
Create specific, achievable financial goals—like saving for a family vacation, preparing for retirement, or launching a side business. Having defined objectives gives you control over your financial future.
Seek Guidance from a Financial Advisor
Partnering with a financial advisor can provide clarity and reassurance. They can help you devise strategies that address your fears and align with your goals.
Embrace Vulnerability
Acknowledging your fears can be liberating. Remember, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about your finances. Talk openly with trusted friends or mentors about your concerns. You may gain new insights and perspectives that help alleviate anxiety.
Engage in Continuous Learning
Invest in your financial literacy. Learning about budgeting, investing, and financial planning empowers you. The better you understand your options, the better positioned you are to make informed decisions.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Your career and financial decisions should support you, not be burdened by fear. While concerns about money and status can be daunting, recognizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.
By examining the fear of exclusion and the anxiety of the future, you can understand how they influence your financial choices. Implementing strategies like setting clear goals, seeking professional guidance, and committing to continuous learning will lead you to greater peace of mind.
It’s time to move beyond these fears. With this approach, you can find fulfillment in your career and achieve financial stability aligned with your unique values and aspirations.
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, EA, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
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