To find out if you practice magical thinking to ease concerns about money, ask yourself the following questions

• Are you a gambler?
• Do you expect to win if you buy a lottery ticket?
• Do you believe it’s just as easy to find a rich spouse as a poor spouse?
• Do you believe you can influence your financial situation, or do you think that thingswill eventually “just work out”?
• Do you avoid discussions about money?
• Do you feel financially secure, even if you don’t have money put away?
• Do you still feel nervous about your future, even though you are financially prepared?
• Do you believe that appearances let you know whether a person you are dating does or doesn’t have money?
• Do you find yourself daydreaming about a sudden scenario that will change your financial picture (for better or worse)?
• Do you believe that if a bank is willing to give you a loan, you are capable of repaying it?
• Do you pick pennies up from the sidewalk because you believe you will be able to save for a vacation that way?
• Do you believe a college degree is a guarantee of a good income?
• Do you believe that as long as you are working at a responsible job you can afford a new car or other major purchase, regardless of your balance sheet?
• Do you believe colleges will give you or your children significant financial aid because you have large amounts of debt?
• Do you believe bankruptcy is a way to get out from under your personal debt with no real consequences?
• Do you believe it’s okay to carry high personal debt because “everyone else does”?
• Do you believe that if you don’t open a bill, you don’t have to pay it that month?
• Are you late with bills, even though you have the money to pay them on time?
• Do you believe that you should always stretch yourself to have the best house, car, or personal technology available?
• Do you purchase status items because they make you feel “rich”?
• Do you put high-ticket items you really can’t afford on your credit card because it’s not like spending “real” money?
• Are you “keeping up with the Joneses” even if it puts you in debt?

Practicing magical thinking when it comes to finances can put a strain on your relationship. Seek counseling to help you establish more realistic financial thinking.

To learn more about Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, visit www.DocBon.com.

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