📧 I got an email offering “Personal Finance for Dummies”...What a predatory load of crap! 💩
Here’s what it promised.
1 Become financially literate so you can minimize debt and set realistic goals
2 Learn the basics of investing and start making smart investment choices
3 Demystify insurance so you can protect your health and your assets
4 Control your spending and build better budgets so you can afford the big stuff
This is spam! 🤮
It promises to magically address challenges common to nearly all people, regardless of their experience and emotional relationship with money.
Let’s break it down.
First, for Dummies? I get it…it’s a cute way to pull you in, like “Automotive Repair for Dummies.” But when used for personal finance, it’s a cruel sucker punch. Most people feel insecure about their money and struggle their whole lives to improve their emotional relationship with it. It does not make them a dummy. It makes them human.
"Become financially literate,” Really?? The truth is…no one knows everything….that’s why I don’t believe in the term “literacy” as it relates to personal finance. If you’re aiming for it, give up. Do yourself a favor and aim for a healthy relationship with money instead….now that’s achievable!
“Learn the basics of investing to make smart investment choices.” To be fair, I have no idea what they offer in this course. Learning the basics of investing is reasonable…but it doesn’t promise confidence that you’ll make “smart investment choices.” Smart for whom? Smart is subjective. Investing in line with multiple constantly changing aspects about you and your life, values, and circumstances is smart. This promise is bologna.
“Demystify insurance,” - I have a sneaky suspicion this email came from someone selling insurance…which is always sold with a hefty dose of fear. It’s not a bad approach, but you will not come away from this program demystified…I promise. It’s a hella complicated industry. Find a certified financial planner who has a strong relationship with an insurance agent to help guide you toward your needs based on a holistic picture of where you are and where you need protection for the future.
“Control spending, budget better, afford big stuff.” How wild is it that they’re talking about spending on big stuff in the same line as they talk about budgeting. It’s a cupcake 🎂 as the draw to a dieting plan. Just how this is written screams RUN FOR THE HILLS! The big stuff is your future and you generally don’t categorize that as “stuff.”
This email induces shame. Feeling insecure about your money is not your fault. And you’re not a dummy. 🤗
You are empowered to build a better relationship with money, but not like this.
Start with you. Know YOU! No financial jargon required.
Speak the language of your future, your values, your fears, your attitudes.
This is the BEST preparation for the help and products you need.
That’s what we do if you need it. Always happy to help. No condescension here.
