Recently, I was laid off from work. At first, I was a bit distraught (I mean, who wouldn’t be, right?), but honestly, the feeling lasted only a couple of days. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I have an almost ridiculously optimistic view of life. I’m the person who looks at a glass half-full and says, “Well, it’s almost full!”
I remember feeling a bit worried on the surface, but deep down, I was also excited. Why? Because I had a bundle of joy (my second kid) arriving in two months. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, so I decided to stay positive. Plus, stress and chaos were just around the corner, so I figured, “Why not add some more?”
That’s right—at the same time, I ended a dead-end relationship that had managed to drag on for over 10 years. Oh, and did I mention that I was also on maternity leave with limited income? ah ha, all the financial burden suddenly on my shoulders? Before then, we’d shared rent and bills 50/50, but now it was all me.
Fast forward to 6 months later, I was knee-deep in resumes, applications, and job search stress. And guess what? I’m still looking for work. But, here’s the twist: something clicked. I realized that maybe I wasn’t meant to go back to the traditional workforce after all. My heart has never truly been in it. Maybe my stars were trying to push me toward something greater.
The Birth of MoneyRefined: Financial Freedom and Self-Discovery
So, here’s where things get interesting. Throughout my career, I’ve always had a few things that light me up: reading, analyzing books, unboxing luxury items, fashion, and all things that add a little sparkle to life. But here’s the kicker: these things aren’t just hobbies for me. They’re part of a bigger picture.
I realized that my passion for personal growth didn’t just stop at clothes or the latest perfume. I’ve always wanted to get my financial house in order, and that’s when the concept of MoneyRefined was born. This isn’t just about learning to manage money—it’s about taking a personal journey to financial freedom and bringing YOU along with me.
The first step? I had to evaluate myself. My spending? Let’s just say it could use some work. My savings? Well, what savings? This wasn’t just a financial reset—it was a whole financial transformation.
What Exactly Is Money Mindset?
Now that I was fired up and ready to change my financial destiny, I had to ask myself: what is money mindset? Well, money mindset refers to the beliefs we hold about money—how we see it, how we relate to it, and what we think about it. A lot of these beliefs come from our upbringing, our environment, and the messages we’ve received over the years.
Jaspreet Singh from Minority Mindset explains it this way: “Your money mindset can either keep you stuck or propel you forward in life. It’s all about how you see money, and the way you perceive it shapes the actions you take.” He couldn’t have said it better. If we don’t change our mindset, we’ll stay stuck in the same financial rut.
The Two Types of Money Mindsets: Abundance vs. Scarcity
When it comes to money mindset, there are two main types: abundance and scarcity. Let me break it down:
- Abundance Mindset: People with an abundance mindset believe there’s always enough money to go around. These people see the world through a lens of opportunity and abundance. They’re proactive, optimistic, and tend to have better financial habits.
- Scarcity Mindset: On the other hand, those with a scarcity mindset see money as a limited resource. They often feel that money is hard to come by and tend to operate out of fear and stress. This can lead to behaviors like hoarding, overworking, and constant worry about money running out.
It’s clear which mindset I prefer to adopt, and here’s the kicker: I think the world could use a little more abundance and a lot less scarcity.
Why Should We Shift from a Scarcity to an Abundance Mindset?
Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance is key to unlocking the life we all deserve. But why should we make this shift? Let’s dive in:
- Breaking Limiting Beliefs: If you’ve ever heard yourself say things like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “the rich are selfish,” you’re likely operating from a scarcity mindset. Changing these beliefs is the first step toward breaking free.
- Reducing Financial Stress: A scarcity mindset often leads to anxiety about money. If you constantly worry about whether you’ll have enough, it’s hard to focus on what matters. By shifting our perspective, we can reduce stress and gain more control over our financial futures.
- Encouraging Wealth-Building Habits: When we adopt an abundance mindset, we open the door to saving, investing, and building wealth. It allows us to think long-term and create financial stability.
- Improving Relationships: If money is often a source of conflict in your relationships, shifting your mindset can help. With an abundance mentality, you’re more likely to approach financial discussions with cooperation, not fear.
- Opening Doors for Opportunity: An abundance mindset makes you more open to new opportunities—whether that’s starting a business, taking calculated risks, or investing in personal growth.
- Achieving Your Financial Goals: With the right mindset, staying focused and motivated to reach your goals becomes easier. If you believe it’s possible, you’re more likely to act toward achieving it.
How Can We Shift Our Money Mindset?
Alright, now that we know why the shift is important, how do we actually make it happen? Here’s how:
- Recognize and Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Start by reflecting on your current money beliefs. Identify the negative patterns and work on reprogramming them.
- Educate Yourself: The more you learn about personal finance, the more confident you’ll feel about managing your money. It’s like learning to drive—you need to know the rules before you can take control.
- Set Clear Financial Goals: Define what financial success looks like for you and break it down into manageable steps. Whether it’s saving for a vacation or building an emergency fund, goals give you direction.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Whether it’s following financial gurus like Ramit Sethi or reading uplifting books, put yourself in an environment that fosters growth and positivity.
Ramit Sethi, author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, often reminds us: “The best time to start investing is now. Not tomorrow, not next year—today. The longer you wait, the more you’re missing out.” This is a powerful reminder to take action today, rather than waiting for the “perfect moment” that might never come. Whether you’re thinking about investing your savings (which are just sitting there, earning pennies while the bank pockets big returns) or putting your money into your personal or professional growth, the key is to start. It doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you take that first step toward building the life you want.
The Journey Ahead: A MoneyRefined Financial Glow-Up
Shifting our money mindset isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey. A journey I’m inviting you to take with me. MoneyRefined is more than just a personal project; it’s a movement. A movement to help individuals break free from the limitations of their old financial habits and embrace the power of an abundant mindset.
I’m excited to walk this path with you, share insights along the way, and build a community of like-minded individuals committed to mastering their finances. Together, we’ll embark on this financial glow-up, learn from each other, and refine our approach to money.
Are you ready to glow-up your finances? I know I am!just worth it—it’s going to change everything. Let’s do this! 🌟