Have you ever told yourself, “I’m just not good with money”? If so, you’re not alone. This belief is more common than you might think. But what if I told you that it’s not necessarily true? Often, we get stuck in the idea that managing money is a skill we’re born with or without, but that’s simply not the case. We can all learn to be good with money—it just takes a little bit of organization, discipline, and determination.
My Own Story of a Limiting Belief
As I reflected on my own financial journey, I remembered a childhood memory that shaped my early beliefs about money. When I was about six or seven years old, my cousin and I both had $10. This was a huge amount of money for kids growing up in the ’70s! But at some point, he lost his $10, and feeling bad for him, I gave him $5 of mine with the idea that when he found his money he would repay me. Later in the day, he found his lost money, but when I asked for my $5 back, he insisted the $10 he found was his. We were just kids, so a small argument broke out, but I now realize, I had a great concept of money.
My cousin always seemed to have more money—he worked higher paying jobs, bought several cars before me, and always seemed to have the money he needed. I started to believe that I wasn’t good with money, even though the reality was far different.
Into my 30’s I doubted my ability with money – even though I worked in finance for years! It started to change when I realized if we were to ever realize our dreams, we had to become more determined and disciplined with our finances. As I reflect on that story now, I realize that I was telling myself a limiting belief. It wasn’t that I was bad with money; I simply didn’t yet have a clear purpose or understanding of how to manage it. That belief stuck with me for years, shaping how I viewed myself financially.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
A limiting belief is simply a story we tell ourselves that holds us back from reaching our full potential. Often, they’re rooted in experiences from our childhood or past, much like my own story. In the context of money, limiting beliefs can look like:
“I’m not good with money.”
“I’ll never be able to save enough.”
“Managing finances is too complicated for me.”
“I can’t have nice things and save money at the same time.”
These beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies. When you tell yourself you’re bad with money, you might avoid budgeting or looking at your accounts. When you believe saving is impossible, you don’t even try to set aside money. These stories keep you stuck.
Changing the Story You Tell Yourself
The truth is, anyone can be good with money. Managing finances isn’t about having a specific personality type or growing up in a certain environment. It’s about learning some key habits and gaining clarity around what you want your money to do for you.
If you’re someone who feels like you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re not good with money, I encourage you to start challenging that belief. You are capable. You are more than capable. It’s not that you’re bad with money—it’s that you may just need to put in a little more organization and create a plan that works for you.
Here are some simple steps you can take to start turning that belief around:
Know Your Numbers: One of the most important things you can do is to know exactly where your money is going. This means tracking your income and savings. Without this basic knowledge, it’s hard to have confidence in your financial decisions. Start small—write it down, use an app, or create a simple spreadsheet.
Know Your Expenses: Write it all down. Mortgage, Auto Payments, Credit Card Payments, Utilities, Personal Loans, Student Loans… I know the list can feel endless but knowledge is power and I want you to be in control. Find a Printable Budget HERE
Find Your 401(k): So many people I talk to have 401(k)s or other retirement plans scattered across previous employers and they don’t even know where they are. Take a moment to track down your accounts, know what’s in them, and consolidate where necessary.
Review Your Insurance: Do you know what kind of life, home, auto, health, and/or rental insurance policy you have? Is it still active? Many people forget about these details. Understanding your financial landscape fully includes knowing what policies you have and how they fit into your overall plan.
Set Goals for Your Money: What do you want your money to do for you? Whether it’s buying a home, taking a vacation, paying off debt, or saving for your children’s future, having clear goals can help you manage your money with purpose. It gives you a reason to stick to your budget and make better financial choices.
Remember, taking Control of your Finances includes: Organization, Discipline, and Determination
One of the biggest myths about money management is that it’s complicated and requires a lot of technical knowledge. But that’s simply not true. Being good with money doesn’t mean you have to be an accountant or a financial expert. It just takes three simple things:
Organization: Know where your money is going. Keep track of your bills, savings, and spending.
Discipline: Stick to a budget. Yes, it can be tough at first, but having a budget is key to gaining control over your finances.
Determination: Set your goals and stay committed to them. There will be times when it’s hard, but reminding yourself of your “why” will help you stay on track.
Your Journey Starts Now
I promise you this: you can be good with your money. I know it because I’ve lived it. I can be a procrastinator, a spender, and I love doing things on a whim.
But once I got clear about my financial goals and started applying some discipline, I was able to turn things around.
If you’re ready to break free from the limiting beliefs that are holding you back from financial peace, now is the time to start.
You don’t have to go through this journey alone—I’m here to help.
Let’s have a conversation about your finances. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, we can work together to get clarity on your numbers and put a plan in place that works for you. If I can do it, I know you can too.
Take the first step toward financial freedom today. Reach out, and let’s talk about how you can transform your finances—and your life.
You’ve got this.
All My Best,