The victim mode: Under earners believe their job limits them from making more money and that they have limited choices. They may even have a profession that pays them well, but their expenses eat up their earnings. An under earner will take a job that pays less, such as working at a non profit, when working in the private sector would pay more.

Money vagueness: Being unclear about where your money is going every month, how much you owe and how much you earn, is characteristic of the under earner. Along with this vagueness comes lack of direction and inability to take action.

Not knowing:

• Your check book balance
• Amount of your debt
• Where your money goes each month

The enabler: An enabler is anyone (or anything) that keeps you from experiencing the consequences of your actions. Search your soul, what keeps you from really doing something about your under earning? For some, it's the credit card or the equity line. Using credit when you run out of money half way through the month keeps you from seeing that you may not be earning enough. It also keeps you perpetually in debt! Or perhaps it's your parents, significant other or even a friend, buying the plane ticket so you can visit your family for Christmas. Without their generosity you would be home, facing the fact that you do not earn enough money to do what you want. Facing the consequences of your actions is necessary for the under earner to make positive changes.

Consciously choosing a job that pays less because of a lifestyle decision does not make you an under earner. For example, if you want to simplify your life you may decide to scale down your expenses and work at a less stressful job. Or maybe you're a mom who chooses to work only part time in order to be home with her children. The operative words here are conscious choice. The difference is that the under earner is forced into this lifestyle out of fear, low self-esteem and the other pitfalls of under earning.

First, you need to recognize that you are an under earner, Then, you must look at the way you earn and spend money.

Tools to break the cycle: 

1. Identify your enablers. Whether you rely on credit cards or allow others to   subsidize your shortfall, stopping this behavior forces you to look at creative ways to earn what you deserve.
2. Gain clarity. Tracking your income and expenses and create a spending plan (see prior newsletters for more)  will show clearly if you are under earning or merely over spending. Clarity leads to change.
3. Step out of your comfort zone.  Ask for a raise, apply for a better paying job or go back to school to get your degree.
4. Never take a job that does not pay you enough money.
5. Get support.  See a therapist, talk to a trusted friend, join a 12-step program or work with a Financial Recovery Counselor.   

Remember, it is ok to think about money in the context of earning enough to live the life of your dreams and do work you enjoy.  Take positive steps today to make that happen.