Money isn’t just a number on a screen or a bill in your wallet, it’s woven into almost every single decision that we make. From how we spend our weekends to how we define security and success, money touches it all. Yet for most Canadians, the relationship we have with money isn’t straightforward. It’s emotional, shaped by memories, values, fears, and dreams that reach far beyond a spreadsheet.
At Campbell Saunders, we see it every day. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we don’t just help people with debt, we help them rebuild their relationship with money. Because true financial health isn’t just about balance sheets and payment plans. It starts with understanding the deeper “why” behind your financial habits.
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Your Money Story
Every Canadian has a money story, a past that quietly influences how they save, spend, and worry about finances today. Maybe you grew up hearing “we can’t afford that,” and learned early to hold on tight to every dollar. Or perhaps money was abundant but never discussed, leaving you unsure how to manage it when real life began.
These early experiences can echo for decades. They shape how we feel when the credit card bill arrives, or whether we see saving as empowerment or pressure. Taking time to reflect on your money history isn’t self-indulgent, it’s the first step toward rewriting it.
The Values That Guide You
Your financial choices are a reflection of your personal values, even when you don’t realize it. For some, money means freedom, the ability to travel, make choices, or support loved ones. For others, it represents responsibility, stability, or legacy.
Understanding what money truly means to you helps bring alignment between your day-to-day spending and your deeper priorities. If you value security, for example, building an emergency fund might bring you far more peace than splurging on something fleeting. When your money choices mirror your values, financial planning stops feeling restrictive and starts feeling purposeful.
Beliefs That Hold Power
Our beliefs about money often operate in the background, shaping decisions quietly but powerfully. Maybe you were taught that debt is shameful, or that wanting wealth is selfish. Maybe you believe money always runs out, so you rush to spend it before it disappears.
The truth is, none of these beliefs are fixed. Challenging outdated or negative money beliefs can completely transform your financial path. It can mean shifting from fear to curiosity, or from avoidance to action.
And if you’ve been avoiding facing your finances because of those beliefs, that’s where professional support can make all the difference. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you separate emotion from fact, creating a clear plan that replaces anxiety with structure and control.
Setting Goals That Actually Work
Financial goals often fail because they’re built on pressure, not clarity. “Save more,” “spend less,” “get out of debt”, all good intentions, but without purpose, they fade fast.
Start instead by connecting your goals to your why. Maybe you want to pay off debt because you crave freedom, not perfection. Maybe you want to save because you want to model stability for your kids. When your goals reflect your values and beliefs, motivation follows naturally.
Even during uncertain times, like the economic challenges many Canadians have faced in recent years, clear goals offer direction. Whether it’s saving for retirement, paying off high-interest debt, or building an emergency cushion, goals give you something solid to reach for when everything else feels uncertain.
(Learn how one BC resident reduced her debt by more than 60% through a consumer proposal, proof that change is possible.)
Triggers and Turning Points
We all have moments that set off emotional reactions around money. Maybe it’s an unexpected bill, a conversation about spending, or even seeing someone else’s success. These “money triggers” can push us toward stress, avoidance, or impulsive decisions.
When those feelings appear, pause before reacting. Ask yourself where they’re coming from, fear, comparison, old patterns? Awareness is the antidote to reactivity. The more you notice your triggers, the more control you have over your responses.
Remember, talking about money doesn’t have to feel awkward. Read more here.
The Path to a Healthier Financial Relationship
Understanding your relationship with money isn’t about judgment, it’s about compassion. It’s seeing that your financial habits make sense once you understand where they came from.
At Campbell Saunders, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians move from uncertainty to confidence. Whether you’re facing overwhelming debt, trying to rebuild after a setback, or simply wanting to feel more in control, our team is here to help. We don’t offer quick fixes. We offer honest conversations, personalized plans, and real relief.
Because when you understand your relationship with money, and start making decisions from clarity instead of fear, everything changes. Your finances stabilize. Your stress eases. And for the first time in a long time, your money starts to work for you.
If you’re ready to take that first step toward a healthier financial future, we’re ready to walk it with you. Book your free consultation here, and take a deep breath. Together, we’ve got this.
