About
Centering the human side of money…
If I were to give you a dollar today and ask you to come back in 30-days and tell me what you did with it, how would you answer?
You might say, you saved some or all of it. You might say you invested some or all of it.
You might roll your eyes and say, “Really, you gave me $1! What did you expect me to do with it; I spent it.”
Or, you might still have the very same dollar I gave you.
Here’s the thing, any of those choices are valid. Because you would have made your choices based upon the circumstances and the context at the time. This is an example of what makes money human.
If you dismissed this theoretical example because I “gave” you $1 instead of $100, believing you’d make a different choice with more money than you would with less, you’re wrong. Just ask any lottery winner who is broke a few years after their windfall.
How you treat the money you currently have is how you’ll treat “more.” This, too, is an example of what makes money human.
Here’s another: Your emotions.
Everyone reacts emotionally to money.
I first became aware of this on October 19, 1987 – aka “Black Monday.” I was just a year out of undergrad, still green behind the ears, and the stock market crashed. That day is as vivid in my memory as if it were yesterday, and here’s why:
I saw people who were so upset because of the money they lost (for themselves and/or their clients) they would have jumped out of the window if they could. Yet, there were others whose reaction was the exact opposite. They didn’t panic. Instead, they were quite calm.
This difference totally fascinated me.
Working in the Private Bank, managing money for high-net-worth individuals amplified my fascination and realization that money is never just about money.
I used to think people of wealth were different than others – different than me. What I discovered is that there is a difference, but not in the way many think. What we all have in common is this: Everyone wants to feel in control; confident about their choices; and financially safe and secure.
Over the years, what I’ve observed is that people who build and sustain wealth; people who remain calm in the midst of financial uncertainty have a vision, set goals, and create a strategy. In other words, they create a plan.
They also work the plan and use metrics to measure how well the plan is working in order to see results of the plan.
With a plan, you’re better able to react on the calm side when the stock market goes awry or when life throws you a financial curve-ball.
With a plan, you don’t just focus on the numbers; you also consider the non-financial factors of managing money.
With a plan, you define what wealth is to you – in all its dimensions.
With a plan, you’re better able to manage the emotions of money because your success with money is not just about the dollars and cents.
But I bet that’s not what you’ve been conditioned to believe. Even if you’re an advocate of having a plan, you’ve likely been told to focus on crunching the numbers to…
- meet your goals, dreams and obligations
- move beyond your current situation, find solutions to your money challenges and create the financial security you desire
- measure your progress and determine if you’re making the “right” life and money decisions
The problem with this approach is that numbers, alone, can’t account for how financially savvy you are.
Plus, it does little to give you certainty, increase your confidence and provide clarity.
I’m Jacquette M. Timmons and I’m slightly obsessed with getting you to focus on the human side of money, along with me. To embrace the idea that financial success isn’t just about the dollars and cents.
Identifying the underlying beliefs and behaviors that shape your results is key to your financial success.
I work as a financial behaviorist and am committed to getting you to see that you don’t manage money – you manage your choices around money. I provide behavioral-based financial coaching and advice to accomplished professionals – across the income and wealth spectrums. I also design and deliver workshops (and keynotes), and participate in fireside chats and panels for corporations, AM Law 200 firms, nonprofits and conferences that explore a variety of “money and…” intersections.
I provide answers to the money questions that have been nagging you for weeks, sometimes years.
I serve as a sounding board to help you gain insight and clarity you wouldn’t achieve on your own – because you’re not likely to ask yourself the questions I will.
I have an MBA in finance and an undergrad in marketing from a design school – a combination that helps me bring a designer’s mind-set to you and your situation. By blending creativity, analysis, and empathy, I help you align how you create, manage and finance your goals with the dynamics of the new economy.
Because success with money is about more than the dollars and cents…
Financial success is also about behavior, choices, and the motivations and emotions that drive them.
This is what I emphasize whenever I take to the stage (or screen) for a presentation, fireside chat or panel discussion. Or, when I work 1:1 with a coaching client.
Every chance I get, I will remind you that you need a plan of action where the numbers are respected and integrated with your money strengths, money style and money personality. And, your emotions.
I will remind you that it is never about judgment or blame. Rather it is about elevating your awareness of the behaviors you’re knowingly and unknowingly practicing – as well as the choices you’ve made, are making and may wish to make.
I will remind you that…
Crunching the numbers will get you results, but math alone won’t get you the “best” results.
For the “best” results you need to focus on the human side of money.
And if you’ve read this far, it’s probably safe of me to presume you want the “best” results possible, in every aspect of your life. (Or, in the lives of those you employ or serve.) And, you willingly do your part to make it so.
Especially as you endeavor to move beyond your current situation, find solutions to your challenges (money or otherwise) and create the financial future and security you desire.
If you book speakers and you want someone with a proven track record and an effervescent personality who creates a warm, engaging and accessible experience that helps to reduce your audience’s anxiety about money, you’re in the right place. Learn more here.
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner seeking a financial AND business coach — to help you get clear about your vision and goals, brainstorm your strategy and approach, and make sure the connection between your business’ success and the health of your personal finances is strong, you’re in the right place. Learn more here.
