“No man but a blockhead ever wrote – except for money.” – Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson’s witty remark might paint writers and content creators as “blockheads” driven by financial incentives, but the reality is far more nuanced, especially in today’s digital age. If Johnson’s view holds true, then countless individuals, including myself and many others in the creative fields, proudly wear the “blockhead” badge. However, when it comes to Wild Money, even the most brilliant creative minds and seasoned professionals can sometimes find themselves lost in a financial wilderness.
Throughout my experience working with creative individuals, I’ve observed a recurring theme: a complex, often detrimental, relationship with money. Many creatives grapple with financial anxiety, while others tend to neglect their finances, hoping for the best without a clear strategy. This is where the concept of wild money comes into play – a way to reframe our financial interactions and cultivate a healthier, more empowered approach.
Today, we delve into the heart of this matter, exploring crucial questions about your personal finance and how to transform your mindset:
- What is your current relationship with money?
- How can you develop a balanced approach to money that is both soulful and financially savvy?
- In what ways can this relationship be described as “wild money“?
To guide us on this journey, we turn to Luna Jaffe, a renowned financial consultant and the author of “Wild Money: A Creative Journey to Financial Wisdom.” Luna’s unique background as both a talented artist and a certified financial planner, holding an MA in Depth Psychology and accreditation as a management specialist, provides her with unparalleled insights into the intersection of creativity and finance.
Full disclosure, I had the privilege of collaborating with Luna in shaping her groundbreaking book, “Wild Money.” We worked together to transform her initial ideas and drafts into a cohesive and compelling guide, along with its companion workbook, Zelda’s Financial Guide.
In our discussion, we explore Luna’s accidental journey into financial consulting, the captivating essence of “wild money,” and the crucial role of receptivity in financial well-being. We also unpack the art of harmonizing your creative spirit with practical financial know-how to foster a healthy and empowering relationship with your finances.
Furthermore, we touch upon the dynamics of collaborative projects and the often-underestimated costs associated with even successful ventures like Kickstarter campaigns.
This conversation is rich with valuable insights. You can engage with the content through various formats: watch the video discussion, listen to the audio mp3, or access the free PDF transcription provided below.
Download a .pdf of the transcription here
Wild Money Book Cover by Luna Jaffe
Key Discussion Points:
00:00 Introductions
10:00 Uncovering the “Wonder Spots” of Wild Money
Luna delves into the core principles of wild money, exploring the surprising and often overlooked aspects of our financial lives. She highlights that understanding wild money is not just about budgets and spreadsheets, but about recognizing the emotional and psychological currents that influence our financial decisions. For creative individuals, this is particularly relevant as their relationship with money can be deeply intertwined with their artistic identity and self-worth.
15:00 The Collaborative Journey of Book Creation
Luna shares her experience collaborating with editors and designers on bringing “Wild Money” to life. This segment offers valuable insights into the often-unseen collaborative efforts behind creative projects, especially book publishing. It underscores the importance of teamwork and the diverse skills required to transform an idea into a tangible product. For aspiring authors and creatives, this provides a glimpse into the realities of the creative industry and the value of collaboration.
20:00 Examining Our Relationship with Money
This section dives deep into the complexities of our individual relationships with money. Luna encourages listeners to reflect on their own money mindsets, exploring how past experiences, beliefs, and emotions shape their financial behaviors. Understanding this personal narrative is the first step towards cultivating a healthier and more empowering approach to wild money.
22:00 The Six Mandates of Wild Money
Luna introduces the foundational principles of “wild money,” outlining six key mandates that serve as a roadmap for financial well-being. These mandates are not rigid rules but rather guiding principles designed to foster a more conscious and intentional relationship with finances. They provide a framework for individuals to navigate the often-turbulent waters of personal finance with greater clarity and confidence.
24:00 Addressing the Challenges of Impulsive Spending
Impulsive spending is a common pitfall for many, and Luna addresses this challenge head-on within the context of wild money. She offers practical strategies and insights for managing impulsive financial decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and conscious spending habits. This section is particularly relevant for those seeking to gain control over their spending and align their financial actions with their values.
30:00 Making Money Feel Visceral
Luna explores the concept of making money more tangible and emotionally resonant. Often, finances can feel abstract and disconnected from our daily lives. Luna discusses techniques to bridge this gap, helping individuals develop a more visceral and engaged relationship with their wild money. This could involve practices like mindful spending, visualizing financial goals, and connecting financial decisions to personal values.
35:00 The Real Costs of a “Free” Kickstarter Campaign
This segment offers a realistic perspective on crowdfunding, specifically using Kickstarter as an example. Luna and the interviewer discuss the hidden costs and efforts involved in running a successful Kickstarter campaign, debunking the myth of “free” funding. This is crucial information for creatives considering crowdfunding as a financial avenue, highlighting the importance of planning and understanding the full scope of such endeavors.
To further explore the concepts of wild money, be sure to check out Luna’s ebook, Zelda’s Financial Field Guide: A Wild Money Glossary, available at Zelda’s Financial Field Guide. And stay updated on the release of “Wild Money” by visiting LunaJaffe.com.
<img alt="Luna Jaffe Financial Consultant Logo" src="https://trackingwonder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/luna-logo-150x150.jpg"></img> <a href="http://www.lunajaffe.com/wildmoney" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.lunajaffe.com/wildmoney</a>Join the Conversation:
Do you believe that creative individuals typically face unique challenges in developing a healthy relationship with money? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Thank you for exploring the realm of wild money with us.
Jeffrey
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