These questions are adapted from “Your Money Autobiography” in the Financial Recovery Workbook, by Karen McCall. Spend some time writing your answers. Clarity alone often generates change.

What were your early memories of money?

Were you given an allowance growing up?

Were you paid for chores or grades?

What was your experience being paid (or not being paid)?

How old were you when you first started to earn money?

What did you do?

How did you feel?

What’s the most you’ve ever made? The least?

How was money handled in your family?

What messages were you given about work and money?

Was there any emotional trauma around money?

What was your biggest fear about money when you were younger?

What were your parents’ fears?