Money can be a tough topic for a lot of people. Some people grew up with money and others didn’t. The way you grew up definitely shapes your money mindset.
As an adult, I have had to work through some of my limiting money beliefs. Growing up in a family that wasn’t poor but definitely wasn’t wealthy gave me a certain set of thoughts and beliefs about money.
So many people struggle with saving money or believing they have the opportunity to make more money. Many of us believe that money is limited and only some people can have it.
Having limiting money beliefs is actually hindering your growth. It’s hindering your financial success and the belief you have in yourself as a working person.
Money mindset is something I’ve been actively working on and I’ve really made some progress! If you are trying to improve your money mindset, keep reading for the goods on how to do it, and use these journal prompts during your journaling time!
What is money mindset?
Money mindset is the way you think about money. Pretty basic, huh?
The way you think about money influences the way you save, spend, and manage your money.
This also includes your beliefs about who can have money, you can’t have money, if there is enough money for everyone, or if it’s a limited resource that you need to hold on to.
There are different types of money mindsets which I personally find really interesting. Here’s a quick overview – see which one fits you the best:
1 – the compulsive saver
You always put money away and believe saving money is the only way to be secure.
2 – the compulsive spender
You make a lot of impulsive purchases and tend to use shopping as a way to cope with emotional distress.
3 – the compulsive moneymaker
You believe that making more money will make you happier and may be labeled as a “workaholic”
4 – the indifferent to money
You don’t spend a lot of time thinking about money. You may even think that having money is inherently bad/ shouldn’t be such an influence on people.
5 – the saver-splurger
You try hard to save your money but also make impulsive purchases.
** I would say this is most like me. I do my best to save my money but once I get a certain amount in the bank I make silly purchases haha.
6 – the gambler
You find thrill in the risk of winning or making more money. The main focus is on the pleasure more money brings you.
7 – the worrier
Constantly worried about losing all your money even if you have lots of it. You also worry you’ll never achieve financial freedom.
Ways to create a positive money mindset
What money mindset above felt most like you? Keeping that in mind, here are some tips to improve your money mindset.
Practice abundant thinking
Abundance means a large quantity of something. So in basic terms, abundant thinking is the thought that you have a lot of whatever you need.
It’s the mindset and belief that the world is full of enough resources for everyone and that you won’t run out of something.
When it comes to money many people view it as a finite resource that will run out. Or they believe that there just isn’t enough money for them to be “rich” or to be financially successful.
Switching your money mindset to abundance would be believing there IS enough to go around, that your money won’t run out, and that you can always make more.
Focus on the way you THINK about money and try to correct your thoughts (even if you don’t fully believe it right now).
Create a budget
Improving your outlook on money can be done by creating a budget.
If you don’t know how much money you have or how much you typically spend, it can be really stressful.
Take the time to go through your finances. I know that part can be stressful too but it will help you in the long run.
You will have a better idea about your financial health AND you will have a plan in place for your saving and spending.
Forgive your past money mistakes
Look, we’ve all done stupid things with our money.
Impulsive shopping, buying something you really didn’t need, lost money gambling, forgetting to cancel a subscription and then having to pay the entire year (me… I’ve done that).
However, holding onto negativity is doing nothing for you.
Any mistakes you’ve made in the past are no longer going to dictate your mindset around money.
Yes, you lost money at the casino but that doesn’t mean you are always losing money and need to worry constantly.
You may have spent your whole paycheck on clothes but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself now and then.
Everyone makes mistakes in life and it’s okay. Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself. You are better today because you learned from past you.
Set financial goals
Goals keep us all moving forward!
Setting challenging but achievable goals will help you improve your money mindset.
Financial goals give you something to work towards and when you achieve them you build confidence in yourself.
If you don’t think you can ever save enough money, start with small saving goals. Once you see you can in fact save money you will have a better mindset.
If you constantly overspend, set a spending goal. If you can stay within your spending goal for a week or two, treat yourself to something nice like a dinner or a new shirt (nothing huge, just a little treat).
Related reads:
- The Benefits Of Journaling And How To Start A Journal Practice
- How To Build Self-Discipline + 17 Journal Prompts
- How To Stop The Self-Sabotage Cycle + 20 Journal Prompts
- Journal Prompts For When You Feel Totally Out Of Control
Any mistakes you've made in the past are no longer going to dictate your mindset around money. Click To Tweet
Journal prompts to improve your money mindset
- Do you believe money is good or bad? Why?
- How do you feel when you look at your bank account? Why?
- How was money talked about when you grew up? Do you view money in that way today?
- What is your money mindset? (Look at the types above)
- Who is your financial role model?
- What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
- How could having more money improve your life?
- Do you believe you are worthy of financial success?
- Do you feel like you could reach the financial goals you set? Why or why not?
- What does being rich mean to you?
- What does being poor mean to you?
- How does talking about money make you feel?
- Do you think your money beliefs hold you back from your goals?
- What is your financial goal?
- Are you happy with your current financial situation?
- Do you believe there is enough money to go around?
- In your opinion, why are some people successful and others aren’t? Do you believe any of these things about yourself?
- How do you save your money?
- How much money would you like to save?
- What would your lifestyle look like if you had your ideal amount of money?
- What is stopping you from living that ideal life? (Dig deeper than just not having the money lol)
In conclusion
There is a lot to explore when it comes to your money mindset.
How you were raised, past experiences, successes, and failures are all things that influence the way you see money.
Take some time to answer these questions and always ask WHY.
Why do you hold a certain belief? Why do you want what you want? Dig deep. Pull your thoughts apart. This mindset is DEEPLY ingrained and will take time to change so start being honest with yourself and maybe get a little uncomfortable.
Challenge the things you think you know. Ask yourself if life could be different then hunt for the proof (it’s all around you).
You are worth every penny and every dream that you have. Don’t let your own mind hold you back from living the life you DESERVE!
Is money a touchy subject for you? Was this post helpful? Tell me in the comments!
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