Date Night Club (August 2020): Motivated by Money?

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You’ve likely heard the question before, “Would you take a job you were really passionate about even if it paid less than you make now?” How would you respond? Some would say passion should always trump money. Passion is what will bring you happiness. But will it? For those who are more motivated by money taking that extra cash to meet their goals might just be worth the monotony. This month I'm going to help those of you who are motivated by money turn that desire into a financial strength.

Here's why this month's topic is so important ...

Take a Bite:

If you could do anything for a living what would you do and why? Would you be willing to do it for less pay than you are currently making? How much less?

DATE NIGHT MATERIALS LIST:

  • A copy of last month’s budget (if you plan to do a budget check-in)

  • Paper and pen or an electronic device where you can each take notes

__________________________________________________________________________________

15 MINUTE SNACK:
POP QUIZ

Take this little quiz to see if you are motivated by money. Keep track of your own points: Yes (1 point), No (0 points). Don’t overthink it — just go with your gut.

  1. I wouldn’t take a job I was more passionate about if it paid less money than I make currently. Yes/No

  2. It’s important to me that I make more money than my parents/guardians made when I was growing up. Yes/No

  3. I’ve asked for a raise and/or negotiated my salary. Yes/No

  4. I have a side hustle to bring in additional income. Yes/No

  5. I would be willing to work more hours if I could bring in more income. Yes/No

  6. It’s important to me that I can provide for myself and my family. Yes/No

  7. In an ideal world, I’d love to make so much money that I didn’t have to think about money anymore. Yes/No

  8. I have big financial goals like paying off debt, retiring early, starting my own business, or building up my emergency fund, I’m working toward so I'm focused on bringing in more income. Yes/No

  9. I have an expensive lifestyle or hobbies that I need to support. Yes/No

  10. The more money I make, the more motivated I am to do my work. Yes/No

Results:

7-10 points: “Show me that green!”

You’re working hard to bring in as much money as you can to help meet your family’s goals. You know how much your work is worth and you won’t settle for less. You likely have a diversity of income sources so you’re protected even if one option dries up. Money is a high motivator for you. The more you can bring in the better.
 

4-6 points: “I’d rather have my cake and eat it, too”

Money is important but it’s not everything. You’re looking for a good balance between doing the things you love and bringing in enough money to support your vision of a fulfilling life. You’re willing to make some compromises to put a little extra money in your pocket.
 

0-3 points: “Don’t worry, be happy” 

There are so many things in life that are more important than money. You feel satisfied and grateful for your current income and don’t feel a need to ask for more.

Ask each other: How do those results fit you? Would you consider yourself to be someone who is motivated by money?__________________________________________________________________________________

If you like, you can take this month's topic deeper ...

MAKE IT A MEAL: APPLY WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED TO YOUR CURRENT BUDGET

Are you or your spouse motivated by money? Use the tips from this week’s blog post to turn that desire into a strength.

MONTHLY BUDGET CHECK-IN

Take a moment to look back at last month's budget together.

  • Did you stay on track?

  • If you got off track, what 1-2 steps can you each take to get back on track again?

  • Did any surprises come up - positive or negative?

  • Take a look over the expenses, did the way you used your money align with your values?

  • What changes will you make for next month?