Exploring Money & Different Cultures With Amida Wealth

August is National Wealthness Month with Amida. It is all about building financial knowledge, and then understanding how to bring that financial knowledge into living a wealthy life. In honor of national wealth, we explore what money broadly represents throughout different culture & cultures.

At Amida, our Sunday blogs are now shifting into Sunday Wealth Thoughts. Every week, we will create blogs that challenge our way of thinking to help us expand, experience, and shift. This is how we transform our vision of wealth the Amida way. Let’s begin!

What is Your Money Story?

What is your first memory of money? Was it the handful of change from your lemonade stand? Asking your parents for a few dollars to try your chance at a claw machine? Or was it more direct – sensing stress in the household when bills were due, having financial values hammered home by fears and anxiety? 

Money stories are, as put by The Journal of Financial Planning, “core beliefs about money that drive financial behaviors”. Your Money Story is fundamentally shaped by your childhood experience. It is your introduction to, depiction of, and relationship with money from a young age. Often without realizing, these emotions transfer into adulthood and your financial wellbeing, relationships, career, and growth as a person.

As we begin to gather knowledge, we first need to understand what has influenced our money story. In other words, if we want to consider other thoughts we need to know where our beliefs come from first. For example, when we become present to how money makes us feel, we can navigate necessary shifts in-order to let go of beliefs that no longer serve us. For instance, money beliefs that have been passed on from generation to generation that never truly evolved. To learn more about this topic, check out our Amida blog about: Money Story.

Spirituality, Money, & Culture

The spiritual meaning of money can be traced back to various cultural and philosophical beliefs. As an illustration, the origins of the spiritual significance of money can be found in the following aspects:

• First, Religious Texts: Many religious texts and scriptures reference money or wealth, and how it relates to spirituality and ethical conduct. For example, in Christianity, the Bible contains teachings on money, such as the parable of the talents and admonitions about the love of money being the root of all evil. In Islam, there are guidelines on zakat (charitable giving) and the prohibition of usury (interest).
• Second, Ancient Beliefs: Ancient civilizations often ascribed spiritual or divine attributes to certain forms of money or precious metals. For example, gold and silver were not only seen as valuable for trade but also held religious or symbolic significance in various cultures.

Throughout history, various spiritual leaders have shared insights on money and its connection to the human spirit. These teachings continue to influence the way people view money in relation to their spiritual journey, and personal values. All things considered, there is no right answer. Perhaps, simply consider the energy that money holds in your life today.

Culture & What Money Represents

Cultural beliefs and religions can influence how money is viewed in spiritual or ethical contexts. For example, some cultures may emphasize the importance of charitable giving, while others may focus on the ethical use of money in business transactions. For that reason, there is no right answer!

• First, in Chinese culture, money symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money are often given during holidays and special occasions. They bring luck and blessings to the recipients.
• Second, the United States: In American culture, money is often linked to the idea of the American Dream.
• Lastly, Latin America: In many Latin American cultures, money is connected to family support and unity. There is a strong sense of responsibility to provide for one’s family, even extended family members.

These are just a few examples. It’s important to remember that these are generalizations. Above all, cultural attitudes towards money are multifaceted. In other words, it is important to use this knowledge, to recognize our own money beliefs. All in all, why do we think about money the way that we do?

Amida Wealth Family Conversations

At your next family or friends gathering, share this blog! Encourage those around you to become curious about their money story. Get comfortable discussing the topic of money, and expand the conversation at the table. Above all, remember that there is plenty of wealth to go around for everyone – there is no lack. All in all, share the Amida love!

Final Thoughts

The concept of money is incredibly vast. In other words, Amida reminds all of our clients that there is no right way. There is only a right way for you. Be sure to check out our blog about Your Money Story. Get curious about culture & different money beliefs. Become open-minded, and expansive to new perspectives. Above all, become present to how money makes you feel, and the energy it brings into your life. Remember that wealth is subjective. What life do you want to create for yourself? Above all, remember that Amida is always one phone call and email away! Let’s expand more next Sunday!