Creating financial wellness does more than secure your livelihood—it also strengthens your sense of belonging, a critical tier in Maslow’s Hierarchy. When you’re part of a supportive community and share financial clarity with loved ones, you’re not only building economic stability but also reinforcing emotional bonds and social resilience.
1. Discuss Financial Goals with Your Family
Sharing your financial aspirations—like saving targets, budget plans, or investing ideas—with family members or close friends brings them into your journey, fostering mutual understanding and emotional support. Psychologically, openness around money builds trust and aligns your personal and professional lives, easing the loneliness many solopreneurs feel. Moreover, a UK study found that people experiencing financial stress but who were socially connected were better able to regain life satisfaction compared to isolated individuals (SpringerLink). Being heard, seen, and supported through financial conversations enhances your sense of belonging and reinforces relationships.
2. Join a Financial Literacy Group
Connecting with peers who share your financial challenges and goals can be deeply empowering. Whether it’s a local meetup or an online forum, these groups offer encouragement, accountability, and camaraderie. Research shows that strong social connections can buffer against life’s financial stresses—“weak ties” (acquaintances) combined with close relationships enhance subjective well-being, even during hardship (SpringerLink). For solopreneurs, this means finding kinship beyond family—people who understand the ups and downs of managing your own business and finances.
3. Teach Children about Money
Whether you’re actually teaching your own children or mentoring youth through educational initiatives, sharing financial wisdom creates meaningful intergenerational bonds. Teaching kids about money models responsibility, trust, and shared values. It fortifies your sense of purpose and connects you emotionally to your legacy—another pathway into the “belonging” realm. Moreover, this act reinforces your identity as a coach and guide, fostering deeper community ties and strengthening social capital.
Why Financial Wellness Feeds Belonging
When financial stress is alleviated—through planning, support, or education—you’re more present, confident, and better able to cultivate relationships. A University College London study found that financial strain disrupts physical and mental health via dysregulation of immune, nervous, and endocrine systems (University College London). Reducing this stress through shared strategies and connections helps you show up fully, both professionally and personally.
To sum up, financial wellness isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. When you:
- Discuss your financial goals with family,
- Join supportive financial literacy groups, and
- Teach money skills to children,
you’re building emotional anchors and expanding your social network. These steps nurture belonging, bolster resilience, and give you a stronger foundation not only for your business but for a fulfilled, connected life. Keep investing in both your finances and your relationships—they thrive together.
References:
Richards, L. For Whom Money Matters Less: Social Connectedness as a Resilience Resource in the UK. Soc Indic Res 125, 509–535 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-014-0858-5