Let’s talk about the real things that keep us stuck financially. Not just overspending. Not just low income. But the beliefs, the deeply rooted stories we tell ourselves about money.

I had to unlearn a lot of toxic money beliefs to get where I am today. At one point, I believed I wasn’t good with money, felt guilty for wanting more, and figured small efforts didn’t really matter. Sound familiar?

These aren’t just passing thoughts. These beliefs shape how we earn, save, invest, and build wealth. And if you’re feeling stuck, these invisible narratives may be part of the reason why.

So today, I’m sharing 5 money beliefs that kept me stuck for far too long, and the mindset shifts that helped me finally step into abundance. Because here’s the truth: God did not place a limit on my abundance. So why should I?

1. “I’m just not good with money”

This was one of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome. Every mistake I made, every overdraft fee, every missed payment, I took it as confirmation that I just wasn’t a “money person.” Even when I was doing better, I minimized my progress because it wasn’t perfect.

But nobody is born knowing how to budget, invest, or manage money. These are learned skills. Once I gave myself permission to learn, everything shifted. I took free courses, read personal finance books, and created a budget that actually worked for my lifestyle, not a Pinterest-perfect spreadsheet.

That said, here’s what I’ve now embraced.

New belief: I may not know everything yet, but I am fully capable of learning and growing. Financial literacy is not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to learn, ask questions, and keep showing up for yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

2. “Making money is selfish”

This belief shows up a lot, especially for women. I used to feel ashamed for wanting more than just enough to get by. Like I was greedy for aiming for financial abundance.

But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Building wealth isn’t selfish when your intention is to care for yourself, your family, and your community. In fact, the more I made, the more I could give, whether that was in time, donations, opportunities, or peace of mind.

Wealth allowed me to rest without guilt, show up without burnout, and be generous in ways I never imagined.

New belief: Making money allows me to create stability for myself and the people I care about. It’s not about greed, it’s about freedom, options, and the ability to give back without running on empty.

3. “I’ll never get ahead, so what’s the point?”

This was the voice of my financial anxiety. When I felt overwhelmed by low savings, or unexpected expenses, I told myself it was hopeless. I figured if I couldn’t fix it all overnight, it wasn’t worth trying at all.

But no progress ever comes from giving up. I had to shift my focus from the big picture to the next step. One paid bill. One automatic transfer. One less impulse swipe. That’s where momentum lives.

New belief: Even slow progress is still progress. Every intentional financial decision, no matter how small, is a vote for my future. I’m not powerless, and every effort I make compounds over time. My goals are worth pursuing, one step at a time.

4. “If it’s not a big expense, it doesn’t matter”

This was my favorite excuse. I used to shrug off little purchases like, “It’s just $10” or “It’s only one takeout meal.” But those small transactions added up quickly, and they were quietly sabotaging my bigger financial goals as money leaks.

What changed for me was tracking. Not to guilt myself, but to become aware. I realized I was spending hundreds of dollars a month on things I didn’t even value that much. Once I saw it clearly, I could make different choices, like cutting back in areas I didn’t care about so I could spend on things I truly loved or invest toward my future.

New belief: Small amounts of money spent carelessly add up, just like small amounts saved or invested consistently do. I can be mindful without being restrictive, and every dollar I manage well brings me closer to the financial life I want to build.

5. “If I want it, I should get it”

At one point, I equated financial freedom with buying whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. But that mindset didn’t make me feel free. It made me feel scattered, guilty, and broke.

So I learned to wait. I built a 24-to-48-hour pause rule into my spending. If I still wanted it after the cool-off period, I’d consider it, especially if it was already in my budget. But more often than not, I realized I didn’t really need (or even want) the item anymore. That pause gave me back my power.

New belief: Discipline is not deprivation. It’s how I reclaim control over my money and my goals. I don’t need to act on every desire in the moment. My power is in my pause.

You can have a budget, a great income, and clear goals, but if your beliefs are working against you, progress will always feel harder. When you start shifting the way you think about money, everything else begins to change too.

Commonly asked questions about toxic money beliefs

What is a toxic money belief?

A toxic money belief is a deeply ingrained mindset or assumption about money that holds you back from building financial stability or wealth.

These beliefs often form in childhood or from past experiences and can include ideas like “money is evil,” “I’ll always be broke,” or “rich people are bad.”

The danger is that these beliefs often operate unconsciously, influencing our decisions in subtle but powerful ways.

How do I know if I have limiting money beliefs?

If you feel anxious, avoidant, shameful or guilty when dealing with money, you may have limiting beliefs driving those feelings. If you find yourself self-sabotaging (like blowing your budget or not opening bills), it could be a sign.

Pay attention to the thoughts that come up when you’re budgeting, saving, or setting goals. Journaling and reflection can help surface these patterns so you can start to challenge them.

Can changing my money mindset really improve my finances?

Yes! Your mindset influences every financial decision you make. When you believe you’re capable, worthy, and in control of your finances, you’re more likely to take consistent, intentional actions.

People who shift from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking tend to make smarter financial decisions, seek out education, and stay motivated to reach their goals. Mindset is not the only factor, but it is foundational.

How do I change a toxic money belief?

Start by identifying the belief and questioning it. Ask yourself: Is this actually true? Where did this belief come from? Who benefits from me believing this? Then, reframe it with a new belief that is supportive and empowering.

For example, instead of “I’m just bad with money,” try “I’m learning how to manage money and getting better every day.” Reinforce your new belief with action, like budgeting, saving, or investing, to build confidence and create evidence for your new story.

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Choose a new belief, choose a new future

Your beliefs shape your reality. If you’ve been stuck, struggling, or just surviving financially, it may be time to look inward, not just outward.

You are allowed to build wealth. You are capable. You are worthy.

Let this be your reminder to choose differently. Believe differently. And take action from a place of hope, not fear.

You don’t need permission to grow. Just a decision to start.

You’ve got this.