Common Money Beliefs that are Hurting you - and what to do about it

Our beliefs about money shape the way we manage, earn, and spend it. 

From a young age, we develop ideas about what money means—often influenced by our families, society, and personal experiences. These beliefs can deeply impact our financial behaviour, often without us even realising it. 

While some of these beliefs are helpful, many can be unhelpful or even damaging, creating unnecessary stress and anxiety around finances.

What if we shifted our perspective? What if we viewed money as nothing more than a store of energy? This simple but powerful mindset shift can help break free from limiting money beliefs and lead to a healthier relationship with our finances.

Common Unhelpful Money Beliefs

Before diving into the idea of money as a store of energy, let’s take a look at some of the most common, unhelpful money beliefs that many people carry with them.

1. “Money is the root of all evil.”

   This is perhaps one of the most widely held negative beliefs about money. It stems from the idea that having or desiring wealth inherently leads to corruption or greed. 

This belief can make people feel guilty about wanting financial success, potentially sabotaging their efforts to improve their financial situation. 

In reality, money itself is neutral—how you use it determines whether it’s a force for good or bad.

2. “There’s never enough money.”

  Scarcity around money or the belief that there is never enough money, can cause constant fear and stress, making you feel like no matter how much you earn, it’s never enough. 

This belief can drive you to overwork or make poor financial decisions out of fear. 

However, in many cases, the problem isn’t the amount of money but how it’s managed. Thinking there’s never enough can prevent you from focusing on solutions to increase your income or manage your expenses better.

3. “I’m just bad with money.”

   Believing that you’re inherently bad with money can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This belief often stems from past financial mistakes, which lead people to think they’re incapable of handling their finances. 

Just like any skill, money management can be learned and improved with practice. 

Believing you’re "bad with money" stops you from taking steps to gain financial knowledge and control. 

The Shift: Money as a Store of Energy

Now, imagine reframing money as a store of energy rather than something inherently positive or negative. Money, at its core, represents value—the value of your time, effort, skills, and resources all of which you have exchanged for money. 

Just as energy can be used in different ways, so can money. This perspective removes the emotional baggage that often comes with our money beliefs and offers a more neutral, practical way of thinking about finances.

When we view money as energy, it’s easier to understand that:

- Money flows: Just like energy, money moves in and out of your life. You earn it by expending your energy (through work or creativity), and you spend it by transferring that stored energy to others (through purchases, investments, or donations).

- Money is a tool: Seeing money as energy helps clarify its role as a tool rather than a goal in itself. The purpose of money is to help you get what you need and want in life, just as energy is used to power something. Whether it’s securing shelter, investing in education, or enjoying life, money is the resource that helps you achieve those things.

- Money management becomes about balance: If you think of money like energy, managing your finances is about maintaining a healthy balance. Too little energy and you feel drained, unable to meet your needs. Too much, and without direction, it can be wasted. This perspective encourages thoughtful spending, saving, and investing—using your “energy” wisely to get the best results.

A More Helpful Approach

Adopting this belief can bring much-needed clarity to your relationship with money. Instead of viewing it with fear, guilt, or scarcity, you start to see it as something neutral and manageable. 

Here are some steps to embrace this mindset:

1. Shift your language: Instead of saying “I don’t have enough money,” say “I need to manage my energy differently.” This shift in language helps you focus on solutions rather than the problem.

2. Balance giving and receiving: Just as energy needs to flow, so does money. Be mindful of both earning and spending. Ensure that the energy you’re expending (your work, skills, and time) is replenished by how you receive and manage money.

3. Detach from emotional extremes: Viewing money as energy helps you detach from extremes like fear, greed, or guilt. Money is just a resource that you manage, not a source of emotional highs and lows.

Conclusion: Reframing Your Money Beliefs

Our money beliefs can either help or hinder us. Many of us carry unhelpful beliefs that create stress, fear, or frustration. By reframing money as a store of energy, we can develop a healthier, more practical relationship with our finances. This perspective helps you focus on balance, clarity, and practical action rather than emotional reactions.

 In the end, money is simply a tool for exchanging value—and how you manage that energy is what really matters.