What Is Your Money Story? How It Shapes Your Financial Habits
What Is Your Money Story? How It Shapes Your Financial Habits
How Your Past Influences Your Money Mindset—and What You Can Do to Change It
Have you ever stopped to think about your money story? You know, the narrative you've been carrying with you since childhood, about how money works, what it means, and how it shows up in your life today?
Your money story isn't just about the numbers or your bank account balance. It’s about how you think, feel, and act when it comes to money. And here's the thing: whether you realize it or not, your past has a huge influence on your present financial mindset.
So, how were you raised to think about money? How did your family shape your views on it? Let’s dive in and explore your money story—how it’s been influenced by your upbringing, your environment, and the people around you.
Think Back to Your First Memory About Money
I want you to take a moment and think back to your very first memory around money. Was it a positive experience, or something more negative? Maybe it was a moment of pride or an experience of fear and uncertainty.
For me, I was seven years old, and I remember running around the house, on a mission to collect as many pennies as I could find. I didn't stop at pennies though—pretty soon I was hoarding any spare change I could get my hands on. Sometimes, I’d sneak into my brothers’ rooms to grab whatever loose change I could find. I know, a little cheeky, right?
I would collect all of it, roll it into those paper bank rolls, and then proudly show it to my parents. They’d give me praise, and the best part? My dad would take me to the bank, where I’d get to show the teller my mountains of penny rolls. It felt like I was on top of the world!
Looking back, I realize that this early memory of money was actually a positive one. My parents weren't well-off, but they showed me that money could be made, saved, and used in moderation to create a fulfilling life. They were always grateful for the opportunities they had in Canada, and that gratitude was passed down to me. They lived by the mantra, "We can. Let’s just figure it out."
How Your Upbringing Shapes Your Money Mindset
The way we were raised to think about money doesn’t just come from our parents, though. It also comes from the environment we grew up in. What was the social norm for you? Was money something that was easy to come by, or something that had to be worked hard for?
Think about it—if you were surrounded by people who valued abundance and taught you that there’s plenty of wealth to go around, chances are you’ll take that mindset with you. On the other hand, if you were in survival mode, struggling to make ends meet, you might carry that scarcity mindset into adulthood.
It’s not just about your family either. Every generation has its own version of “keeping up” with the times. Growing up, the norms were different from today’s youth. Now, with social media and influencers everywhere, today’s youth are bombarded by a culture of consuming more and more. The pressure to “keep up” is real, and the comparison game is more intense than ever.
What Do You Believe About Money?
Here’s the big question: do you want to keep living the money story that’s been handed down to you, or do you want to rewrite it and create your own?
It’s easy to fall into patterns and beliefs that you’ve inherited over the years. But the good news? You’re an adult now, and you get to decide. You get to decide how you want to think about money, and whether your old money beliefs are serving you—or holding you back.
Time to Re-Write Your Money Story
Let me ask you a couple of coaching questions to help you dig into your own money story:
Think back to your first memory regarding money. Was it positive or negative?
How were you raised to think about money? Do you still believe this to be true today?
As you reflect on these questions, take note of what comes up. This is your chance to decide if your money story is working for you or if it’s time to create a new one.
You’re in control now. Choose a belief and a positive money statement that serves you well and helps you live the life you truly want.
For me, the belief that "we can figure it out" continues to guide me. It’s helped me stay grounded, focused, and open to opportunities. And I want the same for you—because I know you have the power to rewrite your money story, just like I did.
You’ve got this. Now, it’s time to embrace your new money mindset and build the financial life you deserve.
Explore More:
If you found this helpful, here are some other posts that can help you further understand your money mindset and how to shape a healthier relationship with money:
How to Let Go of Limiting Money Beliefs and Unlock Financial Freedom
3 Powerful Ways to Change Negative Money Talk and Improve Your Financial Mindset
Why You Need an Emergency Fund: The Key to Financial Security and Peace of Mind
What Is Your Personal Money Statement? How to Create Affirmations That Boost Financial Confidence
How to Build a Budget and Stick to It: The Key to Financial Confidence
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. The Financial Confidence Coach is not liable for actions taken based on this information.
