Feeling Stuck With Money? 3 Sneaky Beliefs That Might Be Holding You Back
If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought,
“Why can’t I get this together?” — you’re not alone.
I talk with people all the time — thoughtful, hardworking, purpose-driven people — who feel stuck when it comes to money. They might be earning a steady income, reading the right books, even trying to budget… but something still feels off. They just can’t seem to get traction.
And more often than not, the issue isn’t just the numbers — it’s what we believe about money.
These limiting money beliefs can quietly shape how we spend, avoid, or feel about our finances — and they can keep us stuck without even realizing it.
So let’s name a few of those sneaky beliefs. Not to shame ourselves, but to see clearly.
Because when we can name what’s going on underneath, we can finally do something about it.
1. “I’m just bad with money.”
This one usually shows up with a sigh and a shrug, as if it’s a permanent personality trait.
But here’s the truth: No one is born knowing how to manage money.
We learn it — or we don’t.
If you weren’t taught growing up — or your early experiences were full of stress, scarcity, or silence — it makes sense that money feels hard.
But that doesn’t mean you’re bad with money.
It just means you haven’t had the tools or support — yet.
💡 Try this instead:
“I haven’t learned this yet — but I can.”
A small mindset shift like this is powerful. It opens the door to curiosity, growth, and change — and it reminds your brain that it’s safe to try.
🌱 Want to take one small step? Jot down one thing you wish you understood better about money — no pressure to solve it yet, just start by naming it. That’s how learning begins.
2. “Money is stressful, so I just try not to think about it.”
This one’s sneaky. It makes sense on the surface — if something stresses us out, avoid it, right?
But avoidance doesn’t actually bring peace.
It just delays the stress until the next bill is due, the card gets declined, or that internal pressure gets too loud to ignore.
What if you didn’t have to do it alone?
What if facing your finances didn’t feel heavy — because you had a little structure, a little support, and a place to start?
💡 Start here:
Instead of diving into everything all at once, try one small, low-pressure step that builds awareness — not shame.
🌱 Try this:
Skim your last bank statement just to notice where your money went (no judgment, just observation).
Check how many subscriptions you think you have — then compare it to the actual number.
Or
Set a reminder to peek at your account on a calm day (not payday or bill day).
The goal isn’t to fix everything right now — it’s to create gentle, doable moments of clarity.
Because clarity calms, and action — even small action — starts to take the fear out of money.
3. “If I just made more, everything would be fine.”
Let’s be honest — more income can make a big difference.
If your income doesn’t cover your basic needs, then yes, earning more may be an essential part of the solution.
But here’s the key: income alone doesn’t solve everything.
I’ve coached people making $2,000/month and people making $20,000/month — and both have felt stuck. Because if your systems, habits, or money beliefs aren’t working, more money often just amplifies the chaos.
When your income is enough to meet your needs, what moves the needle isn’t just more — it’s what you do with what you have.
💡 Ask yourself:
If more money isn’t the only solution… what else might I need?
🌱 Try this:
Pause and reflect: If earning more isn’t the only solution… what else might you need?
More structure?
A plan that actually fits your life?
A reset in how you think about saving or spending
Start by writing down one thing that would help you feel more confident with the money you already have.
Here’s the good news
You don’t have to stay stuck.
You’re not too far behind.
And this isn’t about becoming a perfect budgeter or spreadsheet wizard.
It’s about learning to see money as a tool — one you can actually use to support the life you feel called to build.
Feeling ready to shift from stuck to steady?
This simple tool walks you through your own mindset around money—and helps you take your next small step.
It’s free, and it might be the first step toward the clarity you’ve been craving.
Want more support along the way?
If you’re tired of trying to figure it out on your own, financial coaching can give you the clarity and support you’ve been craving.
My coaching style is grace-filled and practical — with no shame, no overwhelm, just real strategies that fit your life.
👉 Apply to work with me here— we’ll start with a short application to see if we’re a good fit.
Coming up next:
We’ll explore how working with a financial coach helps you step outside the emotional spiral and make progress with fresh eyes. Whether you're navigating money solo or with a spouse, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
You don’t have to do this alone. 💛
