Loaded: Money, Psychology, And How To Get Ahead Without Leaving Your Values Behind

A majority (62%) of American adults are losing sleep over their finances, leading to stress-related health problems and lower life satisfaction. The common phrase, “Money is the root of all evil,” exposes a deep cultural distrust for money itself, as if currency has the power to corrupt otherwise good people. The belief that money is a necessary but corrupting force is sprinkled heavily throughout our cultural stories and public conversations. Feelings of personal desperation combined with negative beliefs about wealth can lead to a complex emotional relationship with money. Financial psychologists have observed for decades that the way that we think and feel about money has a powerful effect on how we handle – or mishandle – this resource in our own lives.

It takes more than financial advice to reach people who have a difficult relationship with money. It takes understanding and a validation of their experience and perspective. This book approaches money management from a fresh angle, beginning with the recognition that our experiences with money can often run counter to our core values.

Deeply researched, yet written in an approachable, conversational tone, this book offers insight into how the reader’s personal experiences have shaped their financial attitudes, and how they can have a healthier relationship with their own money. The book will first examine the roots and consequences of core money beliefs and then use a unique and personalized Values-Based approach to budgeting and money management. Worksheets and personal money psychology assessments supplement the text.

SARAH NEWCOMB, PhD, is a behavioral economist at Morningstar and HelloWallet (a personal financial wellness company owned by Morningstar). An interdisciplinary scholar, Sarah is well versed in consumer psychology, economic decision-making, personal money management, and cognitive and social psychology.