2 Attitudes About Money

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INCHARGE DEBT SOLUTIONS • WWW.INCHARGE.ORG
DEVELOPING A FINANCIAL ATTITUDE
The key to creating a positive financial attitude is to remain open to learning and 
putting new behaviors into action. The following are simple steps you can take to 
get started: 
• Go to your bank and talk about your accounts with a bank representative. 
Ask questions. Go to financial seminars hosted by the bank. Don’t purchase 
or utilize costly bank services until you’ve compared against other banks.
• Have an open discussion with a family member about what you have learned 
in class. 
• Balance your checkbook. 
• Have lunch with a friend and discuss a financial product such as savings 
accounts. 
• Watch a financial show on TV.
• Start using an online budgeting tool, like the one provided at mint.com or 
thro ugh your banks online checking.
• Find someone you trust who appears to manage money well. Ask them to 
be your financial mentor.
By taking action, you will develop a better understanding of finances. 
THE JONES FAMILY ACTIVITY
Maria took your advice and has now saved $2000 in an interest-baring (no fee) 
savings account. She rests easy now knowing that she has several months’ rent put 
away “just in case.”
Maria is confused about her money attitude. “If I actually had some money, I might 
know what my money attitude was…” she tells you in your financial planning 
session. “But the fact of the matter is that I’ve never had money and I don’t think 
I ever will.”
“Is there a box for pessimist?,” she asks.
How can you help encourage Maria to envision a future with money in it? What 
advice can you give her to believe in her own abilities to improve her financial 
situation? As a financial planner, you need to motivate and inspire your client.
List five strategies for helping Maria envision a positive money future.
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