Six Signs of Money Confidence — According to a Financial Therapist
By Wendy Wright, LMFT, Financial Therapist
You want to feel more confidence in your money management, money skills, and money life — and as a financial therapist, I want to help!
With that thought in mind, let’s take a closer look at six signs of money confidence.
To be honest, I hope these signs are not what you expected me to say. When we work on money during a financial therapy session, we go deeper than “just” filling out the next worksheet or doing whatever Google tells you to do.
Here we go! Note that this list is in no particular order.
1. Your body and breath are calm.
Remember that your physical health often represents your internal mindsets. When you feel confident about your money skills, your breathing is steady. Your body is aligned with a mindful, meditative state. You feel a sense of peace, as though you’re ready for whatever comes next.
2. You have an automated system to follow.
When it comes to your financial decisions, you have a system that you understand and enjoy using. You don’t have to do so much mental math because you trust your method. I truly believe in the importance of a system —so much so that this concept is part of my training program, called The 10 Principles of Financial Therapy ©: Live from a plan, not your bank balance.
3. You’ve got your own back when it comes to decision making.
In other words, you trust yourself. Your internal dialogue is full of compassion and kindness, and you have an attitude of learning. There’s no judgment or shame. Even better, you believe in your ability to problem solve when issues arise. Another one of my principles relates to abundant compassionate curiosity and zero judgment. This open mindset is crucial if you want to develop money confidence!
4. You feel as though you “own” your money.
No matter what is asked of you when it comes to your money, you know what is best for your finances. You don’t live in a constant state of brain fog and confusion.
5. When you talk about money, either with yourself or a partner, you experience clarity, calmness, and connection.
Your communication — whether it’s spoken or written down — feels satisfying and productive. You feel grounded in your beliefs.
6. You are comfortable making mistakes when it comes to your money.
Nothing in life is perfect, right? No matter how hard you work to improve your relationship to and understanding of money, you will face challenges. Chances are, you will experience a miscalculation or error of judgment at some point — and that’s okay! This acceptance increases your self-compassion and creates a spirit of learning.
Now, let’s explore some financial scripts to help improve your money confidence:
I will never have make enough money. >> I can work with what I have and look for ways to increase my net income.
I just need to get out of debt. >> I know I will eliminate my debt because it’s part of my overall plan.
If I can just buy a second home, my mom/dad/whomever will know I made it. >> I can decide my own markers of success, regardless of external opinions.
I am so stupid! I need to get my sh*t together. >> I didn’t like how that went, but I am open to learning what I can do differently next time. I am okay with being imperfect.
Money confidence is as much a state of mind (or money mindset) as it is an amount.
It’s more than just making more money or having a certain number in your bank account. It’s more than being able to buy your dream house or car. It’s more than being out of debt. My Money Mindset Shift course can help you identify the mindsets that you’ve always had and discover ways to incrementally shift them towards the ones you want.
Want to learn more? Consider joining me for the Money Mindset Shift course! I’m also offering a Masterclass in October.
