Crabs in a Bucket – re-evaluating our financial situations

Julie Murphy • February 3, 2010

In today’s financial economy, many of us are re-evaluating our financial situations and making increased efforts to spend less and save more. As you make these changes, you may find that there are people and obstacles in your life that keep you from meeting these goals…this is what I call your “Crabs in a Bucket.” Every time you try to make financial improvements, they reach up and pull you back into the bucket with them.

Some of the obstacles that can appear as “crabs in your bucket” are time, money, debt levels/interest rates and even yourself.

Time: We all wish there was more of it. As we run around complaining about how little time we have, or how late we are, we can often become distracted from our new financial goals. It’s important to devote time to simple tasks such as balancing that checkbook, checking in on our 401K plans or even transferring money into our saving accounts.

Money / Cash Flow: Think back to the time when you earned very little income. Remember how it seemed like you pinched every penny, but there still wasn’t enough? I’m going to bet that you feel pretty close to that today, despite the fact that you make much more money. It has become second nature to increase our standard of living in proportion to our income. It is important to keep your spending at a similar level and increase your savings as your salary increases in order to stay on track financially.

Debt Levels and Interest Rates: Having debt puts you on the hook for having to work. You have a responsibility to go to work and pay that debt down until it’s paid in full. This causes you to put money in the spotlight of your life which can create much emotional stress. If you are carrying debt, like most people are, take a look at the interest levels. As interest rates have increased over the years, many people have found themselves in a real cash flow crunch because their interest rates were variable instead of fixed. Too many people are paying triple what they used to which gets in the way of your savings goals.

Yourself: We’re all guilty of it. It can be hard to pass up that expensive dinner with friends, take a family vacation, or buy the newest pair of designer shoes. But once you’ve made a decision to improve your financial situations, you need to stick to it and not waive from your goal. Of course, set mini goals and reward yourself (very simply) along the way, but stay focused and you will be surprised at how quickly your savings account can grow!

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How to End the Year Like the Wealthy Do

By Julie Murphy • December 10, 2025

Reset Your Money Energy for 2026 Every December, we all feel that pull, the desire to “be better with money next year.” But here’s the secret I’ve seen again and again after nearly three decades of walking alongside people from all walks of life: Financially wealthy people don’t just plan their next year — they energetically complete the one they’re leaving. They close loops. They clear emotional residue. They realign their energy field before they set a single goal. And you can absolutely do the same. As I share in The Emotion Behind Money , wealth is never created by logic alone. It comes from managing the emotions behind your money and understanding that money itself is energy. And in Awaken Your Wealth , I remind readers that energetic shifts begin when you consciously picture yourself stepping into a new reality, while compassionately acknowledging the one you’re standing in now. So let’s walk through the simple year-end process I teach my clients — one that spiritually, emotionally, and financially resets your money field for a powerful 2026. 1. Review Your 2025 Wins & Losses With Compassion Before you step into the new year, look back with the most loving, nonjudgmental eyes possible. I call it neutral observation . Wealthy people don’t spiral into shame when something didn’t go perfectly. They get curious. Ask yourself: Where did I expand financially this year? Where did I contract emotionally or economically? What choices were truly aligned with my values? Which ones came from fear, scarcity, or old patterns? In Awaken Your Wealth , the “Accepting Reality and Awakening” step of PACT teaches that awareness without judgment is how we break old money patterns for good. So breathe. Notice. Write it down. No shame. No spiral. Just truth. 2. Forgive Any Money Mistakes Here’s a truth most people never consider: Every financial mistake carries emotional weight and emotional weight blocks money flow. From my work in The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money , we know that your heart’s energy is more powerful than your brain’s logic, and intention is what redirects energy back into alignment. Forgiveness, of yourself, your past self, or others involved, releases stagnant money energy. Try this: Write down any money decisions from 2025 that still feel heavy. Place your hand on your heart. Say: "I forgive the version of me who made this choice. She/he did the best they could with what they knew at the time.” Forgiveness isn’t about letting mistakes slide. It’s about resetting your emotional money field so you can co-create something new. 3. Create an Energetic Closing Ceremony for the Year This is where wealthy people truly separate themselves; they honor the transition. You can create your own year-end ceremony using whatever resonates from your spiritual toolkit. Here are a few ideas inspired by the intention-setting and clearing practices throughout my work: Light a candle Symbolize releasing the old year and calling in the new. Write a “completion list” Include everything you’re ready to release: debts you’re no longer carrying shame over, relationships you’re energetically cutting cords from, patterns you’re finished reenacting. Burn or bury the list This physical act tells the Universe: “I’m done living from this version of myself.” In The Emotion Behind Money , we explore how inherited beliefs and emotional patterns repeat until they are consciously released. This ceremony is your line in the sand. End with intention Close with one powerful intention for 2026, aligned from your heart: “I choose a new flow of abundance.” “I trust that money comes to me with ease.” “I allow myself to receive the wealth I’ve been working toward.” As The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money reminds us: “The Universe responds to action.” Your ceremony is your spiritual action. Ready to Step Into 2026 Aligned, Clear & Empowered? If you’re craving deeper support with your financial reset, join me for my Emotions Behind Money Workshop in January. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to recalibrate your relationship with money, this is your moment. Let’s make 2026 the year your inner wealth and your financial reality finally match. You deserve abundance and you’re closer than you think. With love, alignment & a whole lot of possibility, Julie ✨