5 Rules of Engagement to Reduce Money Stress

Well, hello! It’s Diane. Diane Money. Did saying my name make you wince? Shake
uncontrollably? Run for cover? Yeah. It does that to people. But it doesn’t have to. There’s
nothing in the SOPs that says money has to be stressful. In fact, I have a set of 5 ROEs that can
turn all that around for you and reduce—or even eliminate—money stress.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not, but you be the judge. Because what I’m about to tell you can
change almost everything about what happens to your blood pressure when you hear, see, smell,
touch, or even think about money. (I left out taste because nobody does that, do they? Yuck!)
Number One: Stop. Stop caring about what other people think about who you are, who you
aren’t, what you have, what you don’t have, where you live, what you like, what you don’t like,
how you look, how you talk, how you feel, and everything else. Literally everything else.
Remember, there’s only ONE of you and the world is more beautiful, exciting, and interesting
because you’re in it. Let them be them. Don’t let them keep you doing (being or loving) you.
Number Two: Money is something we need to keep, so put the card back in your wallet and no
one will get hurt. Before you spend money, ask yourself 3 important questions. First, will
THIS THING help me make money? Second, where could I use this money to make me more
money? And third, will THIS THING improve my life? Not everything we want to spend money
on is bad. But too much spending will leave you more stressed than ever. And that’s usually not
worth the temporary happiness THINGS can bring us. Keep your money, use your money to
make more money, or spend your money. Those are pretty much the only choices we have.
Number Three: Set some big and long-term goals. Don’t settle for a plethora (remember that
word?) of small financial goals that don’t matter much to you. Those yawners aren’t enough to
motivate you to keep your money on track. Want to save up for an RV or a house? That will take
five to ten years. But it’s doable! And more, focusing on a goal like that will change not only
how you handle your money for the next five to ten years, but also how you feel about it.
Number Four: Give your money a purpose. This brings something else into the picture: core
values. The point of earning money isn’t just to, well, have money. It’s a vehicle we can use for a

purpose. For example, if the purpose of your money is to make a difference in the world, you’ll
measure the financial decisions you make against that standard and find ways to give generously.
If the purpose of what you earn is to provide for your kids’ education, or travel extensively, or
give you freedom from debt… see what I mean? Money can be for something bigger than itself.
When it’s there for a reason, the brain kicks in and the emotions calm down.
Number Five: Understand what is important to you. There are all kinds of options when it
comes to money. But we each have the power and the freedom to determine our priorities.
Maybe you don’t care what kind of car you drive. Or maybe taking that convertible out on the
scenic highway is a dream you aren’t willing to give up on. So, go ahead: buy the used Buick
with 101,000 miles on it or save up for that BMW. It’s up to you. Maybe you think that having a
whole house standby generator would make your life better. Or maybe, you just have to see the
lights of Paris for yourself. (Ça c’est bon!) These choices are yours to make. And when it comes
to determining what’s important, there are no wrong choices. Realizing that can lower the stress
we often connect to money.
Hey, we all have to deal with money. (I mean, you’re dealing with me right now…) But now,
you can tackle the task with Rules of Engagement that make it a less stressful and more
successful experience.

Remember who loves you, ;-)
--Diane

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