We all have a money back-story. You might not realize it, but what you thought about money as a child, is still affecting how you deal with money today and all of your tomorrows. Because choosing to save your money rather than spend it is very different than not feeling like you have enough to spend.

Change Your Money Story in 3 Easy Steps

Did you hear any of these statements growing up? —

  • Money doesn’t grow on trees
  • We can’t afford that
  • Money can’t buy happiness
  • They were born with a silver spoon in their mouth
  • I’m not made of money
  • We don’t have money to burn

A LOT of parents have said numerous versions of this to their children (and themselves) and have no idea how much it affects their relationship with money for the rest of their lives. Allow me to translate each statement to how your subconscious most likely hears it:

• Money doesn’t grow on trees (AKA – There is not enough money to go around, and it will all run out someday)
• We can’t afford that (We are broke and not able to purchase whatever it is you’re wanting or needing)
• Money can’t buy happiness (While true to a degree, this can be misinterpreted to mean – If you HAVE money, you can’t be happy)
• They were born with a silver spoon in their mouth (They are rich only because were born that way- and deeper read – Since we were NOT born rich, we can never be rich)
• I’m not made of money (More “I can’t afford it” mentality)
• We don’t have money to burn (We don’t deserve to spend money on our “wants,” rather only on our “needs”)

It’s easy to grow up thinking you can’t afford a small luxury like matching dishes or feeling like you can’t donate money to a local charity you love.

Here’s the good news – you can change your money story!

Step 1- Go back in time

Think back to when you were a child and recall what you heard about money as you grew up, from your parents, other adults, and even other kids.

Identify Your Money Story

Think about what you heard about money and how that affected your current feelings to do with money. For example, I remember hearing “We’re not lucky when it comes to money” and “I’m not made of money.” I grew up thinking I was destined to be “not rich” and more importantly, that I didn’t deserve to have money. I took it a step further all by myself and realized I felt having money meant you weren’t a hard worker and I was almost embarrassed by anything that might be construed as “rich” or “fancy.”

Step 3 – Flip It And Reverse It

Take what you know now, your back-story, and flip it around (or reverse it- or both!) I took my shame of anything looking “rich,” and I owned it. I changed the meaning.

I always wanted someone to clean my house, but I had convinced myself I “couldn’t afford it” and admittedly it disgusted me to think of myself as “one of those people” (AKA- frivolous and lazy). And so, I changed the definition of what someone who gets house cleaning means.

The NEW definition of house cleaning recipient-> Someone who values their time and chooses to spend money to have help cleaning their home so they can have more time with family or whatever else they choose.

smiling brunette woman wearing a bright blue scarf and blue jean jacketShauna Sanders is a life coach for busy professionals who feel like something is missing from their lives. Together you’ll zero in on the reasons why and make a powerful plan of action so you can finally create and sustain the fulfilling life you want. Connect with her on Facebook or visit her website ShaunaSanders.com!

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Thrifty Guardian was founded as a way to help parents lead richer lives through money saving tips, side hustle ideas, and parenting advice (including fun DIYs and recipes!)