Is Financial Trauma Shaping Your Business Bank Balance?

There’s a lot of talk about trauma and how it impacts our everyday decision making, but one that’s often left off the list is financial trauma. It’s a thing. And yeah, it may not be as life-threatening as some other traumas, but it still packs a punch in shaping how you handle money in your business. 

Maybe you grew up watching your parents scrape by, or maybe you’ve had a stint of instability yourself. However it happens, it leaves its mark.

Female and small child siting at a table with colouring pencils and a pink calculator.

So, how does this trauma play out in your business? Here are the signs to watch out for:

Financial Avoidance

If money triggers you, it makes sense to avoid it right? But here’s the thing: dodging finances can lead to late fees, fines, and stalled growth. Financial avoidance can look like ignoring your business bank account, ghosting your bookkeeper, and avoiding any or all conversations around finances. 

Overspending

The second cousin of financial avoidance is overspending. Why? Ignoring your true financial position in favour of short-term thrills is a form of avoidance. That need can show up as buying too much stock, spending what you need to cover your business liabilities and even signing up for programs/courses you know you can’t afford.

5 Australian currency notes scrunched to fit inside a white watch with gold coins scattered around.

Underspending

On the flip side, chronic underspending is limiting too. Growing up without the basics can make you wary of spending, even when you’ve got cash to spare. 

In business, this can look like hesitation to spend on key growth drivers even when you have more than enough financial backing.  

Undercharging

Scared to increase your prices? Trauma might be the culprit. Maybe you’ve internalised messages about your worth or seen loved ones struggle financially. 

The problem here is undercharging leads to under earning which drives you to overwork. This is a recipe for burnout and is robbing you of your future.  

But lowballing your rates only leads to burnout.

A bird's eye view of a person seated at a white table showing their hands, counting gold coins with a laptop to the left and a stack of pink and white notebooks the the right.

Bookkeepers Can Help

Don’t worry, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Acknowledge the trauma, shake off the shame, and lean on your bookkeeper for support. We’ve seen it all and trust us, we won’t bat an eye. 

Together, we can develop a game plan that eases your money woes! You probably haven’t considered how we can make the money situation calmer for you. 

Here are just a few ways we can customise how we work with you:

  • Stress-Free Communication: Let’s find a way to chat about finances that won’t send you into a tailspin.
  • Customised Reporting: We’ll tweak those reports to make them less anxiety-inducing, swapping out red ink for a gentler approach.
  • Invoice Management: Leave the chasing to us. We’ll handle the invoices and debts so you can breathe easy.
  • Automated Liabilities: Say goodbye to money worries by setting up automatic payments for those nagging expenses.

Bottom line? Your financial triggers don’t have to rule your business. Let’s kickstart a journey towards healthy finances and less stress together!

*Disclaimer: I’m a bookkeeper, not a psychologist. But I’ve got your back when it comes to navigating your business finances! As a Mental Health First Aider, I’m also here for a confidential chat if you need one. Whether it’s applying some first aid to get you back on track, or connecting you with specialists, I’ve got plenty of band aids and panadol in my kit. Remember, there’s zero shame in reaching out for help with your finances. Talking to someone and asking for help, is a strong, positive step.

Lisa x

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