With the Financially Smitten’s Big Reveal series I periodically interview money psychology and personal finance experts about their own relationship with money, using the same ten questions….a bit of a play on the infamous Proust Questionnaire.
My special guest for this post is one of my first mentors, Olivia Mellan. She is a dynamic therapist, money coach, speaker, author, and business consultant. One of the pioneers in the field of money psychology, she is an expert in couples communication, stress management, and conflict resolution. She has been a guest on Oprah, the Today Show, and ABC’s 20/20, and other nationwide media. She also speaks nationally to businesses, professional groups, and the general public. She is the author of the groundbreaking Money Harmony: Resolving Money Conflicts in Your Life and Relationships as well as Overcoming Overspending, Money Shy to Money Sure, and The Advisor’s Guide to Money Psychology. Olivia also provides ongoing individual consultation and supervision to therapists, counselors, and financial professionals. You can find out more about Olivia at MoneyHarmony.com.
If someone looked in your wallet right now, what would be the first thing that comes to their mind?
My money is well organized, but as for the other bank chits, time to call my “organizer!”
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I’m a recovering overspender, avoider and worrier, who’s been moving toward what I call “money harmony” for 25-plus years, and enjoying the journey.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger financial self?
To be more gentle on herself, and to stop rewarding herself with clothes as a sign of love, the way her mother did.
What is your personal philosophy regarding money?
Money is a tool to accomplish SOME of life’s goals.It’s not love, power, security, happiness, self-worth. If you use it in a way that reflects your values and your integrity, you’ll have money harmony in your life – and other kinds of harmony, and serenity, too.
If your relationship with money were an animal, what would it be?
Maybe a trusty, loyal dog.. this is a hard one!
What would you do with a million dollars?
Help pay for my kid’s grad school, set up college funds for my grandkids, give some of it to charity, save some of it for my future, and spend some on an exotic travel experience, probably.
What is your most prized possession?
My close relationships, and my health. If you mean “things” – hmmm…maybe our home.. that’s a hard one, too!
If you could buy one thing right now what would it be?
Next year’s plane ticket to Hawaii!
What’s your favorite activity that doesn’t cost a dime?
Cuddling with my husband, hugging and kissing grandkids. Also, playing Scrabble online.. that’s third!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Maybe frequent massages…doesn’t feel like an extravagance to me! Maybe spending money on the beads and findings to make my jewelry… Maybe buying expensive rouge and lipstick….. Having trouble with this one too…realizing that I’m not extravagant! Hmmmm!
Want more? Click here to read Big Reveal Interviews from other celebs in the financial world!
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Those are tough questions! Loved your answers!
Melody, there’s a reason it’s called the Big Reveal!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. xo
Hi Lora (and Melody – thanks!)
Reading what I wrote so spontaneously a few weeks ago was fun! I keep wondering about the “prized posession” question.. maybe it’s my health… and all my cherished relationships! (not possessions, exactly.. ) Olivia
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