Let’s face it; most people don’t have access to a financial advisor. And if they do, those financial advisors may not consider the human side of managing money – like how spending, saving, and stressing about it actually makes us feel. Cue the Nav.it money coaches.* We’ve long been answering money questions in the app, but now you can write into our money coaches.
Money coaches are here to answer your money questions, including how to deal with people throwing you shade for your financial successes.
Dear Erin,
After college, I was lucky to land a really well-paying job and return to my hometown.
Though I am only 29, I’m single, settled in my career, and happy with my life. The only problem is I keep getting snarky comments from a few family members and friends. I bought a home that might be more than what I need, but it’s one I can totally afford.
I’m receiving a lot of shade for being successful.
Now that I’ve started remodeling it, I can’t get my sister to stop saying things like “must be nice” or “you don’t even have kids.” This home is an investment for me, a major milestone, and something I would hope to celebrate. Do I just stop sharing with them?
I’m so tired of feeling guilty, but I’m tired of all the shade.
-Successful and Single
How to deal with the haters when you’re a financial success
Dear Successful and Single,
First of all, congratulations! You have taken care of yourself. You’ve fought to create stability and are focused on building a life free of fear. You’re focusing on wealth, health, and happiness. Nobody else’s unhappiness can take that away from you, even if it can feel like they’re impacting your relationship with money.
Second, it sounds like it’s time to evaluate who you regularly spend time with. Are your friends (and family) adding value to your life, or are they draining your energy?
Maybe it’s time to don some hater blockers.
The world’s happiest people focus on their journeys by looking inward instead of outward. They don’t compare themselves to others, and they don’t blame other people for their own issues. If the people in your network haven’t realized this yet, then you have a choice. Do you spend time with people who deplete you or bring you joy?
Why should you evaluate who you spend time with?
The people you surround yourself with directly impact your mental and physical health; a two-decade-long study at Harvard Medical School shows it. The study found that “a friend who’s happy improves your likelihood of being happy by 15 percent, having one who’s unhappy lowers your chances by just [7 percent]).” This also matters when it comes to physical health outcomes. Research has shown that a “person’s chance of becoming obese increases by 57% if a close friend is obese, 40% if a sibling is obese, and 37% if a spouse is obese…”
Being weighed down by others’ opinions or negative habits only distracts you from focusing on your own goals.
This is true about your finances, life, and the things you can control. You can’t control the misery of others, but you can surely control how it affects you and how much time you spend with them.
Finally, do you have a good therapist?
A referral may be the best holiday present for your dear friends and family this year. If you don’t feel like telling them to back off, maybe a professional can guide them towards self-reflection and healing.
Takeaways from dealing with the haters:
- Nobody can take your wins away from you.
- The people around you directly impact your mental and physical health.
- It’s time to re-evaluate boundaries and who you spend your precious time with.
- Ignore the haters; it usually means you’re on the right track.
In health and wealth,
Erin
Related Reads
Ask the Money Coach: How to Get my Husband to Talk about Money
How to Talk About Money (And Why You Should)
List of Mental Health Resources Online
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*Just remember, we are NOT your financial advisors, tax advisors, or legal advisors by simply accessing this site. Â Everything that you read or interact with on the site is for informational purposes only. You should contact a professional before taking action.
