It’s fair to say I would never be mistaken for a fashionista. Most of my wardrobe reflects my career in financial services, except when I break out and rebel. This year I bought a fun pair of flowery shoes for spring and summer. While running around New York City one day, three different men came up to me and said “I really like your shoes”. No joke.  Then two more men came up to me another day. This never happens to me. (BTW my shoes were only $70, see the picture).

Comparison & Peer Pressure

This got me thinking. What makes a nice shoe? Well, someone sees a lot of shoes, mentally compares them, and decides that one is superior to others. The point is this – they see them – compare them – and reward you by saying you have good taste.  It’s kind of flattering, and encouraging. It reinforces your choice.

We Don’t Value What We Can’t See

What if we were rewarded for having sexy bank accounts the same way? “Hey! Nice bank account! You’ve clearly been working on it for a while!”.  How many of us would feel the peer pressure to seek those same compliments?  Most people don’t know how they are faring in the savings department because we don’t see hundreds of bank accounts every day do we?  And we don’t receive much reinforcement because it’s taboo to talk about money.

The trick is to set up your own reward mechanism. Say, for every $2,000 you save, you get to buy a fabulous purse or pair of shoes for $200. Make the rule work for you so that it combines an inward focus, and the type of outward recognition you need. No cheating!

Your Personal Money Coach,

Carrie

Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment, legal or tax planning advice. Please consult a financial adviser, attorney or tax specialist for advice specific to your financial situation. Behavioral Cents, LLC and any third parties listed, linked to or otherwise appearing in this message are separate and unaffiliated and are not responsible for each other’s products, services or policies.

Carrie Rattle is a Master Money Coach & Founder of Behavioral Cents. She is a 30-year veteran executive of financial services. Behavioral Cents helps women achieve independence, freedom, and a bigger voice in the world. With a fatter bank account women can confidently walk away from a bad job, build a business to change the world, or live their own dreams. We work in a private, non-judgmental atmosphere with a program tailored to change your money behaviors for the better – without deprivation. Thoughts always welcome: carrierattle@behavioralcents.com.