E12 Course Correcting Your Relationship with Money

In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Jeff Miller to discuss achieving financial wellness at an individual level. While the podcast often delves into tactical elements like tax and estate planning, as well as spiritual perspectives informed by the Bible, the focus today is on the practical side of money management. Many people struggle silently or subconsciously with finances, which can ultimately cause significant personal turmoil. They aim to help people develop financial health by examining the genesis of their relationship with money and the other subtle factors that may have been causing destruction for years without them knowing it.  They make the challenge to get one’s priorities right and take the leap of faith God is calling them into.   Here are some topics from today’s discussion: Where our relationship with money originates The concept of “strongholds, vows, lies, and wounds” Money isn’t the solution to relationship problems Quality time vs. quantity of time The first step to getting healthy with money The most important gift you can give your kids Why wounded people have a hard time receiving   Episode Highlights: [03:03] Where Our Relationship with Money Originates  From as early as childhood, our relationship with money is shaped by our family dynamics. If we grew up in a family where money was the center of everything, whether it was about dad's career, keeping up with the Joneses, or accumulating wealth, it can set a certain parameter for how we value money and assign worth and value to it. On the other hand, if our family prioritized relationships, serving the Lord, and tithing, it can also influence our relationship with money. Ultimately, how we see our parents manage and view money plays a significant role in shaping our own outlook on finances. This process begins at a very early age and can have a lasting impact on our lives.   [04:43] The Concept of “Strongholds, Vows, Lies, and Wounds” Our relationship with money can become a stronghold that controls and imprisons us. This can manifest in actions like staying in an unfulfilling job out of fear of losing the income needed to maintain a certain lifestyle. As we believe lies, make vows, and get stuck in these patterns, we may seek external validation through accumulating wealth or material possessions to anesthetize the pain of our wounds. These wounds can stem from feeling rejected, abandoned, or unloved in childhood, leading us to seek love through external means. By addressing each of these elements - strongholds, vows, lies, and wounds - individuals can develop a healthier perspective on finances.   [18:24] Getting Healthy With Money It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that money alone can solve our problems, but the truth is that true health and well-being come from within. Money may be a symptom of the deeper issues we face, but it cannot provide a real solution on its own. Too often, we get caught up in focusing on the surface-level issues in our lives without taking the time to dig deeper and address the root causes of our struggles. This is where true healing begins. It can be difficult to confront the emotional wounds and challenges that have been holding us back, especially for men who are more comfortable operating in a linear and cognitive world. Sometimes it takes a crisis or a wake-up call to force us to slow down and face these issues head-on. But by doing so, we open ourselves up to a deeper level of healing and growth that ultimately leads to true health and success in all areas of our lives.