Ellen Rogin

BOOK ELLEN

Moms and Money – Best Lessons from Mom + Yummy Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe!

“Thank you for my mommy.” This is what I read from the Sunday school paper our daughter Amy threw in the front seat of my car when I picked her up at age 7. I turned to the back seat and said, “Oh, Amy, this is so sweet of you!” She gave me that look. The look I hoped she wouldn’t learn until she was a teenager that said, “What are you talking about!?” I read the sheet again and it actually said, “Thank you for my money.”

Oh. Was this a good thing or not?

What was I actually teaching my kids about money?

I was glad Amy was picking up how important gratitude is for building wealth. Yes, she did have money at age 7 as we had started allowance when she began kindergarten and she was a great saver even back then. (More on that in this interview I did on the Art of Allowance podcast.)

What did you learn from your mom about money? Before you answer ‘not much’  think again. In my family although my dad handled most of the finances, I learned plenty from my mom. Mostly through seeing what she did. As Mother’s Day is coming up, I’ll focus on the awesome things I learned here. Yes, there were other things I’ve realized that on the surface might not have been so supportive but they have become growth opportunities for me so they are good too.

Ellen and her mom — the learning began early

Here are some of the best money lessons I received from mom:

  • Be generous – my mom was always involved with non-profits. She volunteered, she ran fundraisers and she donated. Over the years I’ve learned that generosity proceeds prosperity – the roots of this started early.
  • Be a smart spender – there was never overspending in our house. It was like there was an internal thermostat for spending. When my dad’s business did well, we did a bit more. When it didn’t, we didn’t. No drama, just flexibility.
  • Communicate with your partner about money – this sounds so old fashioned (which it was) but my mom would say, “I need to ask your dad for a check.” Kids interpret things they see and hear all different ways. Instead of seeing this as ‘oh men should control the money,’ I took this as a lesson in talking about money with your partner. I’m grateful for this and it plays out well in my 33-year marriage.
  • Focus on the positive – my mom didn’t complain. Not in the martyr-y kind of way. She didn’t focus on what was challenging, she focused on what could make things better. She once said that I was Pollyannaish. I’m not sure she meant it as a compliment, but I chose to take it as one. This is the foundation of an abundance mindset. 
  • Baking makes life sweeter – This has nothing to do with money, but I love that my mom taught me to bake. She baked with love and always had a freezer stocked with cookies and brownies. I’m getting ready to bake my chocolate chip cake for Mother’s Day – it’s the most requested dessert by my family.

What did you learn from your mom about money?

Oh wait, you want the cake recipe? Here you go!

Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Cake
1/4 pound butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream (I usually use yogurt as that’s what I have in the house)
2 tablespoons milk (non-dairy milk works great like almond or coconut)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs until mixture is light and fluffy. Sift together flour and baking soda. Combine milk with sour cream. Into the butter-sugar-egg mixture beat in part of the flour, then beat in some of the sour cream-milk mixture. Alternate until all are well combined. Add vanilla, then fold in chocolate chips. Pour half of the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube (or Bundt) pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle half the mixture onto the batter in the pan. Gently pour remaining batter, then sprinkle remaining cinnamon and sugar. Look at the batter and send some love into it (my secret ingredient). Bake 45 minures. Allow to cool in the pan for about 2 hours before removing cake.

Most of this recipe is from The Complete Chocolate Chip Cookie Book, by Bob and Suzanne Stat.
Enjoy!

Every good wish,

 

 

Whenever you’re ready …
+ The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is out! If you want to learn how to turn your visions into reality – grab your copy.

+ Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.

+ Keynote and corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.

+ Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Even the Wealthy have Scarcity Thoughts…

As I was finishing a YouTube workout the other day and stretching out I saw this Alicia Keys video pop-up as a suggestion. Instead of getting creeped out that YouTube’s AI has me totally figured out I like to tell myself the story that the Universe is sending me messages I need to hear or in this case need to share.

I loved hearing Alicia Keys talk about scarcity and abundance. She has a different spin on what I’ve talked about in previous posts, but one that resonates just the same.

Take a look and let me know what you think…

 

Scarcity can show up in so many ways. I’m reading a really interesting book called The Trance of Scarcity that I’m loving and learning from.The author, Victoria Castle, talks about how we not only can think scarcity thoughts but also embody them.

Here’s to moving from scarcity to abundance and creating prosperity on purpose!

Every good wish,

 

 

Coming up …
Discover ways to make that shift to more abundance and prosperity in your life – register for this virtual, interactive webinar with Ellen. Think Your Way to Prosperity Wed. April 28th @12noon central time. There’s no cost to attend.

Whenever you’re ready …
+ The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is out! If you want to learn how to turn your visions into reality – grab your copy.

+ Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.

+ Keynote and corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.

+ Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Could this be Your Secret Weapon for Marketing?

My hope for you is that you didn’t start out in business like I did where your primary method of attracting new clients was cold calling. For me it was awful.
 
Thank goodness I quickly found other ways to grow my business that were less tedious and less painful. These new methods weren’t just not awful, they were actually enjoyable. I learned early in my career to give what I most wanted to get. For example, if I wanted more referrals, I gave more referrals. I did this without an expectation from the person I referred to except that they do a great job. The more I gave the more business that came to be, and from unexpected sources.

Generosity became my marketing strategy.

When I would give a speech, I’d share valuable information to help each audience member take some helpful action. I never really worried about giving away too much information. I trusted that the people who would be a good fit for me would want help with this anyway.

There are lots of ways you can be generous in business. Click for my list of 25 ways to build your business through generosity.  

One of my core beliefs (backed by results) is that generosity is a powerful currency in business. Here’s a short video on how to up your giving and boost your business. And, by the way, you’ll feel great in the process.

Let me know how you add generosity into your practice.

Every good wish, 

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Let’s Start Allowances for Grown-ups!

Did you get an allowance as a kid? If yes, wasn’t it so cool and exciting?! You might have gotten it for doing chores around the house (I don’t think they call them chores anymore…) Or, maybe like we did with our kids you got an allowance each week as a way to learn about money. If you received an allowance you likely got to decide how to spend, save, or maybe share it. It was fun, right?

Our kids got an allowance to teach them about spending, saving, and giving. They loved it, and why wouldn’t they! (If you want more resources on kids’ allowances check them out here.)

As we grow older somewhere along the way the idea of an allowance goes from feeling like an abundant flow of money to feeling restrictive like a budget. The feeling of only so much for you…

I think we should bring back the good parts of allowances for grown-ups. The joy of spending. The learning and sense of accomplishment that comes with saving and not spending all at once. The glow of being a generous giver with your money.

There is a freedom and expansiveness that comes with structure. I know for me having a morning routine makes my day flow more smoothly even when unexpected things come up. (More on that in an upcoming blog.) Creating a joy-filled routine around your income can be a helpful reframe. What if you added some excitement and gratitude whenever you get a paycheck or paid by a client? Maybe even do a little happy dance – no one needs to see you! Then deliberately plan, with enjoyment and lightness, how you will spend, save, and give this money.

I remember the fun of counting the money in my piggy bank. My dad also saved his pennies in a big jar.

Hmmm … do you think this might have been a clue that I might lean into being an accountant early in my career? I loved counting money! It can be fun as a grown-up too.

Even if there’s not as much money to count as you’d like, focusing on what you do have is a great way to grow your wealth.

I say, let’s start allowances for grown-ups! But only the fun, expansive, and generous kind.

Every good wish,

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Can Gratitude make You more Money?

Whether it’s been about money, health or family many of us have had our share of worries, uncertainty, inconvenience, and things just-plain-going-wrong lately. Have you felt stressed, unsettled, frustrated, out of control, or even freaked out?

Well here’s the antidote –

        Stop and notice what you are grateful for

Any time at all you can center on what’s working great in your life which keeps your attention on what you want as opposed to what you don’t want. There is amazing power in this. Learn why in this video… 

Daily I am thankful for my family, my health and my business. I also love focusing my gratitude on things I often enjoy but fail to notice… like a hot shower, a sunny day, or seeing our puppy Honey’s tail wag.

What you think, say, and believe makes a huge impact on the life you want to live, including your finances.

        Develop your own habit of gratitude

You have everything available to create more prosperity!

Every good wish,

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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7 Ways Women are Better with Money than Men

Did you know women are great with money and do better than men in many financial areas?

If you didn’t, you’re not alone.

Money has a PR issue with women.

Many have believed that men are just better at managing and investing than women.

I’m a believer in focusing on strengths and what is going well, as opposed to worrying about the prevailing headwinds, when it comes to money. This positive approach helps build resilience and confidence for anyone.

Here are 7 ways women are rocking it in their financial lives:

  1. Women carry less debt than men – We know that credit card debt can be a drag on your financial security over the long run. Turns out women are doing better than their male counterparts in having slightly lower balances. They also have lower personal debt balances and car loans. Women do have higher student loan balances but if you are taking on debt then it seems like investing in your education might be a good place. Women also manage their debt better, with women having slightly higher credit scores.
  1. Women save more than men – A Fidelity Study found that women save a higher percentage of their income into retirement accounts and added more to their investment accounts outside of work too.
  1. Women spend less money than men – Perhaps one of the reasons they save more is that women spend less money than men. This is particularly impressive given that men earn on average $10,000 more per year than women according to the bureau of labor statistics Consumer Expenditure Study. Women are also better at finding sales and deals as they are more price conscious.
  1. Women give more to charity than men – A US trust study of high-net-worth women found that 93% gave to charity compared to 87% of high-net-worth men. They also were more likely to volunteer their time with 56% compared to 41% of men. During Covid women’s giving has been impacted (as we know they have been disproportionately affected) but giving is still alive and well. Why does women’s generosity make them better with money? Well, generosity precedes prosperity.
  1. Women’s investment results are better than men’s – Women aren’t necessarily more confident investors than men, but they should be. A Fidelity study found that women achieve better investment returns than men. The difference might not seem great, but over time this compounds to be significant. Why? Well, it could be that women are more patient investors, take more time before making their decisions, and take less risks (see #6). All of the reasons that they have typically been criticized in their investment approach … by men.
  1. Women are more patient investors – Men can be over confident in their investment prowess and this can lead to bad decision making according to a Money Crashers study. They looked at a University of California-Berkeley study which found men traded 45% more than women. Why is this detrimental? Well, this behavior hurt the men’s returns because it caused overtrading and brought on higher transaction costs.
  1. Women are more likely to get professional advice than men – You know how the old saying goes – men won’t stop for directions? Why not? Don’t say because they have GPS on their phones … I said it was an old saying! Because, it makes them feel dumb. Why do women ask? Because they know it will make them smarter. Women look for professional advice more often and this may help in all areas of their financial lives.

What you think, say, and believe about your money makes a huge impact in your financial life. You have everything you need to be great with money!

Every good wish,

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Do You Expect Lavish Abundance?

Years ago, after reading Catherine Ponder’s book The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity, I started expecting lavish abundance. Seriously, each day I’d look for ways that prosperity was showing up in unexpected ways. I created this phrase to remind me to be on the lookout:

Interesting things started to happen. Upgrades at hotels, winning raffles, getting new clients. It was super fun to notice all the good flowing into my life.

Somewhere along the way I stopped saying this on a daily basis. Why? Who knows why we stop doing things that work for us? My latest thing that was working – but I stopped – is doing 2 minutes of plank every day. Go figure…

But by saying this phrase on a regular basis I did build muscles for noticing prosperity. Whenever we get an unanticipated check I smile and say “lavish abundance!”

It feels so much more expansive to be expecting lavish abundance rather than worrying about financial problems. I’m not saying to be pollyanna-ish, but it’s definitely easier to see opportunities in front of you wearing rose-colored glasses than when you are wearing poop-colored ones.

Give it a try. Say this phrase every day for a week and notice what shows up. Whether you’re getting a stimulus check, a rebate or refund, or even find a coin on the street – recognize the lavish abundance flowing your way. Please let me know what happens.

Every good wish,

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Ever Set Goals & Not Achieve Them?

You may have heard that only 9% of people actually hit their new year’s goals. Do you then beat yourself silly about it? Or are you just resigned to believing goal setting doesn’t really work?

Think about your financial goals… Often people spend a lot of mental energy on wishing they had made a financial move and didn’t or regretting a decision they made with their money. Weirdly it’s as if we think being hard on ourselves will help us achieve the goals we really want. That’s like if I constantly yelled at our puppy about what she was not doing while expecting her to know what I really want her to do (like leaving the dog park)!

Research has shown that a practice of self-compassion is very effective in goal achievement. When I learned this, I realized it’s just what people need more of to meet their financial goals – being more kind to themselves.

Why is self-compassion helpful in hitting your goals? Well, the research points to this practice helping us regulate our emotions and boost the belief in our ability to change.

How do you apply self-compassion?

Here is a three-step process outlined by researcher Dr. Kristin Neff, which I have added to for a financial focus:

  1. Practice Mindfulness: be aware of but do not “over-identify” with your thoughts or emotions and feelings of suffering. With your money this might show up as worry that you won’t be okay down the road. Or a feeling in the pit of your stomach relating to a financial decision.
  2. Acknowledge Common Humanity: recognize that suffering is part of being human – and not just that “there’s something wrong with me.” It is really common for people to worry about their money. One study showed that 77% of Americans are worried about their finances.
  3. Offer Self-kindness: meet yourself with kindness, rather than self-criticism. Imagine having a dear friend or trusted advisor talking to you about the situation you are worried or upset about. What would they say? How would they try to make you feel better? This is the way you can talk to yourself about your financial situation.

Reducing financial stress is crucial to building prosperity.

Please try more self-kindness when it comes to your money!

Every good wish,

Whenever you’re ready …

  • The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is just out! If you want to learn how to turn your vision into a reality – grab your copy.
  • Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
  • Keynote & corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
  • Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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How to Woo Your Money — (hint) it’s not with candy and flowers!

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? It’s my favorite holiday!

For me it is not just a day – as many see it – solely about romantic love. It’s also a holiday that revels in all types of love and caring. Inspired by my mom and dad who always made a big deal about getting me fun Valentine’s Day cards, and sometimes even a little gift, I like to use this day as motivation to build on the love in all relationships.

What if we give a little love and caring to your money?

Play with this idea a little bit with me, and imagine what it would take to build your relationship with money by “romancing it.” What might that look like for you? Keep your imagination cap on as I share an interview I had with “Money.”

I asked Money:

‘What it would look like if people romanced you?’

Here’s what I learned:

1.  Show Your Money You Care – What would it look like if you paid more attention to your money? Relationships flounder if one party feels ignored. Showing more care might include:

  • Spend some time with your money. Some people go out of their way to avoid dealing with their money. The thought of it makes them anxious, confused and maybe even ashamed. If “Money” were a person how do you think this would make them feel? Would they want to hang around you if you avoided them?
  • Know what you’ve got.  Reviewing at least quarterly what you actually own and owe.
  • Know where it goes. Track your spending to make sure you’re spending money on things you value. Creating a values-based spending plan can help. Oh, and budgets don’t really work for most people. Click here for what you should do instead. 

 2.  Don’t be controlling – Money doesn’t like to be used as a weapon or a way to control others.

  • Talk to your partner about money. Money disagreements can be a driver of division for couples. A big dose of honesty can help. If you keep things secret from your honey about spending, it’s time to come clean. Understanding your partner’s money upbringing can help as well. In this clip I make more suggestions…
  • You’re not better than others just because you have more money. This one may take some personal reflection. I don’t think that most people will admit that they think they are better than others in their life because they have more, but do a check-in on this one. Do you ever silently judge people based upon where they live, their job title, or the car they drive?
  • You’re not better than others because you have less money. This is the other side of the same coin. Do you judge people with a lot of money? Have you made assumptions about their honesty, morals, and priorities just because they have more money?

 3.  Have some fun with your money!  For some people they are so afraid of not having enough money they hang on too tightly. Clinging is bad for all relationships. Money likes to have fun with you!

  Let’s grow together –

4.  All relationships flourish when each partner grows. How are you helping your money to grow?

  • Money hates being left in a low (or no) interest bearing bank account. Bankrate can give you some ideas to boost the earnings on your cash.
  • Money loves when you save it! Putting your savings on automatic pilot is fabulous. If you have a retirement plan at work you know that having savings taken out of your paycheck every time makes savings easier. Why not show your money some love and boost the amount you’re contributing to your retirement plan? Money promises you won’t be sorry.
  • Money appreciates you reviewing where you’ve invested it. Have you reviewed your portfolio lately? How’s it doing? Is your allocation still in line with your risk tolerance and goals? Not sure? Maybe it’s time to visit with your financial advisor or get one.

 5.  Don’t take your money for granted – Everyone, including your money, wants to feel appreciated. Saying thank you and focusing on financial gratitude will make you and your money feel good. Here are some easy ways to do this:

  • Write “Thank You” on your checks/e-payments – In the memo or under your signature write or type ‘thank you’ as a way to acknowledge your gratitude for having money to cover the check.
  • Take 5 minutes each day to note what you are grateful for – This will reduce stress and boost feelings of abundance.
  • Need more ideas? Check out this video on how gratitude can increase wealth.

 6.  Communicate with kindness and caring – Relationships need healthy communication. How are you talking about money? Do you catch yourself saying critical comments (to yourself or out loud) such as: There’s never enough. I’m so stressed dealing with money. I wish I didn’t have to deal with money. Or, instead are you more often saying: I’m so grateful for what money provides. I’m getting better with my money. It’s important to me to be a good steward with my money. You get the idea. Which do you think Money would like more? This makes a big impact on how often Money will show up for you. It doesn’t enjoy hanging around people who talk disparagingly about it.

 7.  Be a good sharer – Money loves when you use it to make things better for not just you, but others too. Nothing would make money happier than you using it as a force for good in the world. What if you decided to give like a billionaire even if you aren’t one? Money’s willing to bet that you’d not only feel great, but maybe even see your prosperity grow. 

8.  Build a future together – Creating a clear vision of your future gives your money something to work towards. Dream a little. Add yummy details to your vision. Create a Prosperity Picture and you’ll be giving money a goal to help you achieve.

So if you’d like money to want to hang around with you more –

Consider being more caring, loving and generous in your relationship with money.

Not just on this Valentine’s Day, but all during the year.

Every good wish,

P.S. And when you’re ready and the time is right, let me know if you want to have a conversation about how to listen to and understand your own thoughts and beliefs when it comes to money. Email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com and put “money thoughts” in the subject line.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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Puppies or Money – Which Would You Choose?

Did you know that generosity is contagious?

When you experience the generosity of others, you’re more likely to pay it forward to someone else.

Being generous makes us happier and maybe even more attractive to others.

When people learn of the generosity of others they are more likely to be generous themselves. Here is a short video of an experiment with people deciding between sharing the goodness of puppies or taking money for themselves.

Would you pick puppies or the money?

No doubt I’d pick sharing the puppy love. Honey – our new pup – wouldn’t have it any other way!

So, the question is…

How can you inspire more generosity in those around you?

This is the type of contagion worth sharing.

Every good wish,

P.S. And when you’re ready and the time is right, let me know if you want to have a conversation about how to listen to and understand your own thoughts and beliefs when it comes to money. Email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com and put “money thoughts” in the subject line.

Click    to subscribe to the Prosperity Tips newsletter.

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