Growing up without much money shapes the way you see the world—it’s like wearing glasses that only let you see scarcity and worry. But those old money habits and fears don’t have to follow you forever. You’ve come a long way since those days, and it’s time to start seeing money through a new lens. Here’s how to reframe your relationship with money and take charge of your financial future, even if you grew up feeling like there was never enough.
1. Realize Your Money Beliefs Are Just Stories You’ve Been Telling Yourself
We all grow up with a money narrative—stories we inherit from our family, our circumstances, or society itself. If you grew up poor, your story might be all about struggle and survival. The thing is, those stories don’t have to be your story. Once you realize these money beliefs aren’t set in stone and that you can create your own narrative, your relationship with money will change for the better.
2. Ditch the Guilt Trip When You Spend on Yourself
If you grew up counting every penny, it’s easy to feel guilty for treating yourself. You might think, “What if I’m being wasteful?” But you need to reframe this thinking into the philosophy that taking care of yourself isn’t wasteful—it’s necessary. Letting yourself enjoy the money you’ve worked hard for is part of investing in yourself. You deserve a little indulgence every now and then.
3. Think of Money as a Tool, Not a Trap
Growing up with money struggles can make cash feel like a constant weight on your shoulders. But what if you shifted this thinking? Instead of seeing money as something you never have enough of, start thinking of it as a tool that helps you create the life you want. Whether it’s traveling, learning something new, or investing in your future, money can be the thing that opens doors instead of closing them.
4. Stop Linking Your Self-Worth to Your Net Worth
It’s easy to grow up thinking that your value as a person is tied to how much (or how little) money you have. But remember that your bank account does not define your worth. You’re not “less than” because of your financial struggles. It’s time to remind yourself that your value is based on who you are, not what you own.
5. Forget the “All-or-Nothing” Approach to Saving
Ever feel like if you can’t save a huge chunk of money, it’s not even worth it? That’s your scarcity mindset talking. Saving even a small amount regularly adds up over time. It’s not about the dollar figure in your account; it’s about building the habit of setting something aside for your future, no matter how big or small.
6. Trade “I Can’t Afford It” for “How Can I Afford It?”
When you grew up poor, “I can’t afford it” becomes your go-to response. But that mindset shuts down any chance to get creative. Try swapping it with, “How can I make this happen?” Suddenly, your brain goes into solution mode, and you’d be surprised at all kinds of possibilities it can come up with that you might never have considered.
7. Let Yourself Dream Without Feeling Silly About It
Dreaming big can feel risky when you grew up being told to be “realistic” or to stick to what’s safe. But dreaming isn’t just for people with trust funds. It’s okay to want more than just getting by. Let yourself imagine a future that’s more than just making ends meet—because you’re capable of so much more.
8. Stop Stressing Over Every “What If” Scenario
When you’ve lived in survival mode, it’s easy to focus on everything that could go wrong. The “what ifs” can paralyze you to no end. But stressing over every possible financial disaster won’t protect you from life’s curveballs. It’s time to trust that you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way without losing sleep over things that haven’t even happened.
9. Learn the Money Game, Even If It Feels Intimidating
Growing up poor often means you never got the chance to learn how money really works. But educating yourself on things like budgeting, investing, and financial planning can be a total game-changer. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll feel to make decisions that aren’t based on fear.
10. Surround Yourself with People Who Lift Your Money Mindset
The people you hang out with have a massive impact on how you think and feel about money. If you’re constantly around folks who see money as a struggle, it’s tough to break free from that mindset. Try to seek out people who have a positive relationship with money and let their energy rub off on you.
11. Stop Thinking in Terms of Scarcity—There’s More Than Enough to Go Around
Growing up poor can make you think there’s never enough to go around and that life is a constant hustle for limited resources. But shifting to an abundance mindset means that you’ll believe there’s plenty out there for everyone, including you. You don’t have to compete or scramble for your piece of the pie—it’s already waiting for you.
12. Celebrate Every Financial Win, No Matter How Small
If you only celebrate the big wins, you’re missing out on the joy of the journey. Did you pay off a small debt? Save a few extra dollars this month? Those victories matter, so celebrate them. Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re moving forward, even if it’s one step at a time.
13. Understand That Money Is a Tool, Not a Monster
Growing up poor can make money feel like a giant looming threat—something to be feared or avoided. But what if you saw money as a tool you can use to create, build, and experience the life you’ve always wanted? Changing your perspective on money changes the way you use it, and that’s where the real power lies.
14. Focus on What You Have, Not What You Lack
It’s easy to get caught up in what you don’t have when you’ve grown up feeling like there’s never enough. But shifting your focus to what you do have will give you a sense of gratitude and abundance, which is something we all need. When you appreciate where you are right now, it’s like a magnet that draws even more good things into your life.
15. Let Go of Guilt When You Start to Succeed Financially
If you grew up poor, finding financial success can bring on this weird sense of guilt—like you’re betraying your roots or your family’s struggles. But you’re allowed to enjoy success without apologizing for it or feeling guilty about it. Your success doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten where you came from; it means you worked hard to build something better.
