Money, Money, Money

Let’s Talk Money: Shifting Mindsets and Finding Empowerment

Money. It’s a topic that makes most people squirm, but let’s dive into it with open minds and maybe even a sense of humor. Financial hardship has been a recurring theme in my life. Sure, I’ve had help from my parents, friends’ parents, and even a few generous souls along the way, but I’ve always wanted more than just getting by. My dreams are more significant than simply coasting along and relying on others.

There’s an undeniable power in having money. It’s not just about buying nice things (although, honestly, that’s part of it). For me, it’s about the freedom and opportunity money creates. That’s one of the driving forces behind my entrepreneurial ambitions—to make money and help others do the same. Because let’s face it: being financially empowered isn’t selfish; it’s a catalyst for transformative change in our lives and the lives of others.

Breaking Down the “Money is Bad” Myth

One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had to tackle is the belief that having a lot of money is inherently flawed. It’s easy to associate wealth with greed or unkindness, but the truth is that money doesn’t change who you are—it magnifies it. There are unkind wealthy people and unkind broke people. There are also generous wealthy people and generous broke people. Who you are remains the same, with or without a padded bank account.

Understanding this has been a game-changer for me. My desire to have money doesn’t make me shallow or selfish; it’s simply a tool for living the life I dream of and helping others achieve theirs.

Decoupling Money from Hard Work

Here’s another revelation: hard work doesn’t always equal more money; more money doesn’t always mean someone worked hard. For the longest time, my first memories of earning money involved scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms, and sweeping barbershop hair. A solid work ethic has a certain respectability, but let’s not confuse effort with financial value.

We’re valuable simply because we exist—not because of how many hours we grind or how much sweat we pour into our work. And guess what? It’s okay to make money without working yourself to the bone. Passive income? Yes, please!

Following the Green-Eyed Monster

Envy gets a bad rap, but what if we flipped the script? Instead of wallowing in jealousy, I’ve started following it—tracking what makes me envious and figuring out why. When I see myself side-eyeing someone’s designer bag or a tropical vacation, I pause and ask, Why do I feel this way? Nine times out of ten, it’s not about the bag or the trip itself but the freedom and choice those things represent.

Rachel Rogers (a personal finance queen) says that following your jealousies can lead you to your dreams. And she’s right. By digging into what sparks envy, you uncover your goals and desires. It’s like a breadcrumb trail to your most authentic aspirations.

Money is Neutral

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that money is neutral. It’s not good or bad—it just is. The emotions we attach to money—guilt, shame, pride, envy—complicate things. But when you remove those feelings and look at money as a tool, it becomes easier to manage and understand. This realization can bring a sense of calm and control to your financial life.

Want to know where your money is going? Track it. Want to make more? Set goals and take steps to get there. It’s not about judgment or comparison but clarity and action.

Final Thoughts

Money talk doesn’t have to be taboo or stressful. We can reclaim our financial power by shifting our mindsets, following our jealousies, and embracing money as a neutral entity. This shift in perspective can empower us to make sound financial decisions and take control of our financial futures.

So here’s to dreaming big, earning bigger, and enjoying the process along the way. Because financial empowerment isn’t just about what’s in your wallet; it’s about what’s in your heart and mind, too. 💸✨