Let’s get real for a second – the way you think about money directly impacts how you manage it. You can have the best budgeting apps, a killer financial plan, and all the right tools, but if your mindset around money isn’t right, it’s like trying to run a marathon in heels.
Most of us carry hidden money beliefs – stories we’ve picked up from family, society, or even past experiences. The problem? Some of these beliefs are quietly sabotaging our financial progress. The good news? Once you spot them, you can flip the script.
Here are five sneaky money beliefs that could be holding you back – and how to kick them to the curb.
1. “I’m Just Not Good with Money”
Sound familiar? This belief tends to creep in after a financial mistake (or two). Maybe you overspent on holiday gifts or dipped into savings more than you planned. Suddenly, you’re telling yourself you’re just “bad at money.”
The Reframe: Being good with money isn’t a talent – it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned. Managing finances isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Action Step: Pick one simple habit to start with – track your spending for a week, set up a small automatic transfer to savings, or read one finance article a day. Build confidence with small wins.
2. “I’ll Start Saving When I Make More Money”
It’s tempting to believe that once you hit that next pay raise or land a better job, you’ll finally be able to save. But let me break it to you – if you aren’t saving now, you probably won’t save then. Lifestyle inflation (spending more as you earn more) is real and sneaks up fast.
The Reframe: Saving isn’t about how much you earn – it’s about how consistent you are. Even if it’s just $5 a week, it’s the habit that matters.
Action Step: Set up an automatic transfer to savings for a small, non-scary amount – $10 or $20 a month. When you see how quickly it adds up, you’ll naturally want to save more.
3. “Debt is Just a Part of Life”
We live in a culture that normalizes debt – credit cards, car payments, and financing plans are everywhere. But just because debt is common doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Holding onto this belief can stop you from making a plan to pay it down.
The Reframe: Debt might be part of your life right now, but it doesn’t have to be forever. Small, consistent payments chip away at even the biggest balances over time.
Action Step: List your debts and choose a repayment strategy – either the snowball method (paying off the smallest first) or the avalanche method (targeting the highest interest). Watching those balances shrink is empowering.
4. “I Don’t Deserve Financial Success”
This belief often hides deep beneath the surface. Sometimes, it’s tied to past mistakes or guilt around money. Maybe you grew up hearing phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “rich people are greedy.” Over time, these messages can lead to feelings of unworthiness around wealth.
The Reframe: You deserve financial success – full stop. Being in control of your money allows you to take care of yourself and give back to others. Wealth isn’t selfish; it’s a tool that can improve lives.
Action Step: Start affirming your worth. Write down one positive money affirmation each day, like “I’m capable of building wealth” or “I deserve financial stability and freedom.” Repeating this regularly rewires your brain to believe it.
5. “It’s Too Late to Fix My Finances”
Maybe you’re in your 40s or 50s and thinking, “If I haven’t figured this out by now, I probably never will.” This belief keeps so many women stuck. But here’s the thing – it’s never too late. I’ve worked with women who’ve turned their finances around in just a year or two, completely transforming their future.
The Reframe: Every step you take today shapes your future. Whether you’re starting over post-divorce or just feeling behind, progress starts the moment you decide to act.
Action Step: Write down one financial goal for the next 30 days. Whether it’s saving $50 or creating a budget, small steps lead to big shifts.
Your Mindset Matters
Changing your financial future starts with what’s happening between your ears. The next time one of these limiting beliefs pops up, pause and challenge it. Would you let a friend believe these things about herself? Probably not – so why let yourself?
Reframing these beliefs isn’t just about having more money – it’s about stepping into your power. Because when you believe you’re capable of financial success, you start making decisions that prove it.
