The Art of Money by Bari Tessler

Last updated: Sep 5, 2023

Summary of The Art of Money by Bari Tessler

The Art of Money by Bari Tessler is a comprehensive guide to transforming your relationship with money. Tessler, a financial therapist and coach, offers a holistic approach to money management that goes beyond traditional budgeting and financial planning.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of money: money healing, money practices, and money maps.

In the first part, Tessler explores the emotional and psychological aspects of money. She encourages readers to examine their money stories and beliefs, and to identify any negative patterns or traumas that may be affecting their relationship with money. Tessler provides practical exercises and tools to help readers heal their money wounds and develop a healthier mindset towards money.

The second part of the book delves into money practices, which are the day-to-day actions and habits that shape our financial lives. Tessler emphasizes the importance of conscious spending, saving, and earning. She offers guidance on creating a personalized money system that aligns with your values and goals. Tessler also addresses common money challenges such as debt, overspending, and underearning, providing strategies to overcome these obstacles.

The final part of the book introduces the concept of money maps, which are visual representations of your financial landscape. Tessler guides readers through the process of creating their own money maps, which help to clarify their financial goals and priorities. She also explores the role of money in relationships, offering advice on how to navigate financial conversations with partners and family members.

Throughout the book, Tessler emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-compassion in the realm of money. She encourages readers to approach their finances with curiosity and kindness, rather than judgment and shame. Tessler also emphasizes the interconnectedness of money with other areas of life, such as career, health, and relationships.

In summary, The Art of Money is a comprehensive guide to transforming your relationship with money. It offers practical tools, exercises, and strategies to help readers heal their money wounds, develop healthy money practices, and create a financial life that aligns with their values and goals.

1. Understanding Your Money Story

In "The Art of Money," Bari Tessler emphasizes the importance of understanding our money stories. Our money stories are the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors we have developed around money throughout our lives. By exploring our money stories, we can gain insight into why we make certain financial decisions and how we can change our relationship with money.

Tessler encourages readers to reflect on their upbringing, cultural influences, and past experiences to uncover their money stories. By doing so, we can identify patterns and beliefs that may be holding us back from financial abundance. This self-awareness allows us to challenge and rewrite our money stories, ultimately leading to a healthier and more empowered relationship with money.

2. The Importance of Financial Self-Care

Financial self-care is a concept introduced in "The Art of Money" that highlights the need to prioritize our financial well-being. Just as we take care of our physical and emotional health, Tessler argues that we should also prioritize our financial health.

This involves setting aside time to review our finances, create a budget, and set financial goals. It also means practicing self-compassion and forgiveness when we make financial mistakes or face challenges. By prioritizing financial self-care, we can develop a sense of financial empowerment and security.

3. The Power of Money Dates

Tessler introduces the concept of "money dates" as a way to cultivate a positive and intentional relationship with money. Money dates involve setting aside dedicated time to engage with our finances, whether it's reviewing our bank statements, tracking expenses, or setting financial goals.

By treating our financial tasks as dates, we can shift our mindset from a chore to an opportunity for growth and connection. Money dates also provide a space for open and honest conversations about money with our partners or loved ones, fostering financial transparency and alignment.

4. Exploring Our Money Archetypes

In "The Art of Money," Tessler introduces the concept of money archetypes, which are patterns of behavior and beliefs we have around money. By identifying our dominant money archetypes, we can gain insight into our financial strengths and challenges.

Some common money archetypes include the Innocent, the Warrior, the Martyr, and the Magician. Each archetype has its own unique characteristics and tendencies when it comes to money. By understanding our dominant archetypes, we can leverage our strengths and work on transforming our limiting beliefs and behaviors.

5. The Role of Body Awareness in Financial Decision-Making

Tessler emphasizes the importance of body awareness in making financial decisions. Our bodies often hold physical sensations and emotions related to money, and by tuning into these sensations, we can make more aligned and conscious choices.

For example, if we feel a tightness in our chest when making a financial decision, it may indicate fear or resistance. By acknowledging and exploring these sensations, we can uncover underlying beliefs or fears that may be influencing our choices. This body awareness allows us to make decisions that align with our values and long-term financial well-being.

6. The Connection Between Money and Values

Tessler highlights the connection between money and our values. Our financial choices should align with our core values, as this leads to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

By identifying our values and incorporating them into our financial decisions, we can create a more meaningful and intentional relationship with money. This may involve aligning our spending with our values, supporting causes we care about, or making conscious choices that reflect our priorities.

7. The Impact of Shame and Guilt on Our Finances

Tessler explores the impact of shame and guilt on our financial well-being. Many of us carry shame and guilt around money, whether it's from past financial mistakes, societal expectations, or cultural beliefs.

By acknowledging and addressing these emotions, we can release the hold they have on our financial decisions. Tessler encourages readers to practice self-compassion and forgiveness, allowing us to move forward with a healthier and more empowered relationship with money.

8. The Importance of Community and Support

Tessler emphasizes the importance of community and support in our financial journeys. Money can be a sensitive and challenging topic, and having a supportive community can provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement.

Whether it's joining a financial support group, seeking out a financial coach, or engaging in open conversations with trusted friends or family members, having a supportive network can help us navigate our financial challenges and celebrate our successes.