In addition to one-on-one meetings with people, I also do workshops about financial topics to groups in our communities. One of my favourite activities to do is a grounding exercise I’ve called 5 Fingers. It is a chance to reflect on our own ideas and beliefs, some of which we are not conscious of. Do it with me!

• Place your hand on a piece of paper and trace around it. (*I like having people do this because there is something personal about using a trace of your own hand for this.)
• Inside or beside each finger, write the first thing you think of for each of these statements:
  1. Something you learned about money from your family
  2. Something you worry about related to your money
  3. Something you are proud of related to your money
  4. Something you learned about money from a difficult experience
  5. The worst advice you ever got about managing your money
• Think about your answers and if there is something you want to learn or do differently. (*This is more interesting when you do it with others. Ask a family member or friend to do this with you, then talk about it together!)

If you want to speak with me, Caroline, about your finances, give me a call or text at 519-378-4773 or email at advice@unitedwaybg.com.