17. How to Begin Identifying and Rewriting Your Money Story
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Most people think budgeting is 100% about the math. They think if they just find the right spreadsheet or the right software, the anxiety will disappear. But here’s the secret: Budgeting is actually 90% mindset. If you’re still carrying around the 'we can't afford that' script from decades ago, no amount of math is going to make you feel secure.
Hello again and welcome back to The Money Clarity Podcast. If you’re new around here, I’m Lindsey—your resident budget nerd, crazy cat lady, and lover of all things purple. In today’s episode, we’re going to dig into the emotional side of your finances and learn how to start uncovering the real blocks around money and what you can do today to start making shifts.
Today we are talking about your Money Story. This is the script running in the background of your mind that dictates how you spend, how you save, and most importantly, how you feel about your money.
Your money story is the narrative you’ve been carrying since you were a kid. Your story started the day you were born. Maybe you grew up hearing things like "we can't afford that" or "money doesn't grow on trees." Maybe you were taught that money is the root of all evil. When these old stories are in charge, we end up living in a constant state of anxiety and fear of money. I mean, why would you feel comfortable with money when these are the thoughts that are on repeat for you?
So, how do we first begin to recognize these stories and second, actually start to change them? It starts with getting curious and simply becoming aware and then getting intentional.
First, I have two tips to start identifying your own money stories.
Tip number one: Pay attention to your gut reaction.
The next time you’re at the store or you’re looking at a bill, pay attention to the very first thought that pops into your head. Is it a feeling of "there’s never enough"? Is it a sense of guilt for spending on yourself? Or maybe it’s a physical tightening in your chest? Your body often knows your money story before your brain actually recognizes it. Start noticing those moments of tension, they are often signs that your old narrative is just under the surface.
Tip number two: Take a moment to complete this sentence.
Take a piece of paper (or open a note on your phone) and finish this sentence without overthinking it: "Money is..." What was the first thing that popped into your mind? Whatever it was, whether it’s "hard to get," "easy to lose," or "a source of stress", that is likely a core pillar of your story. Don't judge it! Just look at it with curiosity and awareness. We can't change what we don't acknowledge or even know is there.
Once you’ve started to become aware of your money stories, how do we start making changes? Here are two things you can do right now to begin rewriting that script.
First, embrace the Re-Frame.
I deal with scarcity blocks on a regular basis, so I know how loud that "we can't afford it" voice can be. But what if you changed the language? Remember how I said that budgeting is 90% mindset? Instead of saying "I can't afford that," try saying, "That’s not a priority for me right now." Do you feel the difference? One feels like a dead end; the other feels like a choice. You are taking the power back from money and putting it back in your own hands. You are now in control, rather than the other way around.
Second, give your money a goal that lights you up.
It is so much easier to change your habits when you are running toward something you love rather than running away from something. This is the power of a tangible goal. Whether it’s a dream trip for your 40th birthday, a kitchen renovation, or finally hiring a VA to take those soul-sucking tasks off your plate, put a name to it! When your dollars have a "job" that actually excites you, the old, fearful stories start to lose their weight because your vision for the future is simply louder.
At the end of the day, you are the author of your story. It doesn’t matter what your current story is. You have the power to start stepping into a life where your finances actually feel aligned with what’s most important to you. It’s not about being perfect with a spreadsheet; it’s about giving yourself permission to dream and then using your money as the tool to get there. You are so capable of creating a relationship with money that feels peaceful, confident, and, dare I even say fun! Again, it doesn’t matter what your past story is. You just have to choose to start writing a new story today.
If you’re ready to dive a little deeper into what we’ve started today, head over to my website and grab my free Align Your Money Workbook. It’s designed to help you dig deep into what truly matters to you so you can finally start budgeting with purpose.
Thank you so much for joining me today. I will talk to you next time!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
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❇️ Join The Empowered Money Circle on Skool! ❇️
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➡️ Try YNAB for FREE for 34 days (affiliate link)
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DISCLOSURES
By using the affiliate links above, I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase anything. Thank you for your support :-)
YNAB Disclosure: I am a YNAB Certified Coach, which means that I have been trained to coach people on using YNAB software and the YNAB budgeting method. I have met select requirements of You Need a Budget LLC in order to receive this certification, which means that I have the ability to competently coach YNAB to others. I am not an employee of YNAB, and all non-YNAB related opinions and recommendations are my own. My views do not reflect the views of YNAB and its employees or affiliates.
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