Have you ever stopped to think about why you handle money the way you do? Why saving feels natural for some people but impossible for others? Why some of us swipe a credit card without blinking while others feel guilty about every dollar spent?
The truth is, much of our money mindset comes from childhood. The way money was talked about (or not talked about) in your home laid the foundation for your habits today.
The good news? Once you’re aware of your patterns, you can start rewriting your money story.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Childhood Money Story
Ask yourself:
- Did we sometimes go hungry?
- Did I always have everything I needed?
- Was money never discussed at all?
Your experiences shaped how you view security, abundance, and scarcity. If money felt unstable, you may hold onto it tightly now—or you may spend freely as a way of escaping old struggles.
Step 2: Think About What You Learned From Parents
What lessons were passed down?
- Was talking about money frowned upon?
- Did your parents guide every decision?
- Or was it somewhere in between?
Even silence around money teaches something. If you were told “don’t talk about it,” you may carry shame or secrecy into adulthood. If your parents guided every choice, you may still crave financial structure.
Step 3: Look at Your Current Habits
Money isn’t just numbers—it’s identity. Ask yourself:
- Do I tend to hoard things or lean toward minimalism?
- Am I able to set boundaries, or do I give in too easily?
These habits show whether you see money as safety, freedom, or even conflict.
Step 4: Define Your Goals
Where you’ve been doesn’t have to determine where you’re going. Write down your:
Short-term goals:
- Pay off debt
- Improve your credit
- Understand your money
Long-term goals:
- Retirement savings (401k, IRAs)
- Buy a house
- Emergency cash savings for peace of mind
Your goals give you something to move toward instead of just running from past struggles.
Step 5: Check-In With Yourself
Ask:
- On a scale of 1–10, how well do I know where my money is going?
- On a scale of 1–10, how badly do I want to get my finances in order?
Honest self-awareness is the spark that leads to real change.
Step 6: Know Your Deal Breakers
Finally, ask yourself:
- What can’t I live without?
- What are my financial non-negotiables?
This helps you build a money plan that reflects your values—not someone else’s.
The Bottom Line
Your money mindset isn’t just about dollars—it’s about identity, security, and habits formed long before you opened your first bank account.
By reflecting on your childhood experiences, examining your current patterns, and setting new goals, you can reshape your financial future with intention.
Action step: Take 10 minutes today to answer the questions above. Write them down, be honest, and notice what themes come up. That’s the starting point for building a healthier money story.
There is no shaming in needing help! I am only an email away. Book a free 30-minute call with me on Calendly and let’s do some budget therapy. Calendly – V
