What Is Money Mindset and Why Does It Matter?

What is money mindset and why does it matter? Your beliefs and perceptions of money—aka your money mindset—can be the biggest thing holding you back from financial success, or the very thing launching you toward it. And that includes how you budget, how you save, how you manage your money, and how you chase flexible, fulfilling work.

This post is part of a bigger series on building a strong financial foundation—one that gives you more freedom, not less. So if you’ve ever felt stuck despite “doing all the right things,” keep reading.

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Welcome to part 10, the final post in my personal finance blog series, where we dive into how a money saving plan can be your key to successfully transitioning from debt to savings. If you’re just joining us, be sure to check out the first post for a deeper dive into why a money saving plan is so crucial. It’ll lay the foundation for everything we’re discussing moving forward.

Often times, we’re equipped with an abundance of knowledge and tools designed to help us achieve financial success, but the one thing holding us back from maximizing our financial potential boils down to our money mindset.

Maybe you’ve watched videos upon videos of influencers explaining how they’ve climbed to the top of the financial ladder and how you can too. But for some reason, you still end up feeling stuck. It’s like no matter how hard you try or what you do, you keep hitting the same wall. Thinking, “It’s just not in the cards for me.”

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Truthfully, that wall probably has little to do with your knowledge and a whole lot more to do with your money mindset.

Hang around to learn more about what money mindset means, why it matters more than most people think, and how shifting this one thing can open the door to bigger financial opportunities than you ever thought possible.

What Is Money Mindset, Exactly?

Your money mindset is all about the set of beliefs you carry about money and what your relationship with it looks like—how you earn it or how much you can earn, how to manage it or how you should use it, etc. It is heavily influenced by external factors like how, where, and who you grew up with, your past experiences with money, and the people you regularly hang around today.

Your money mindset influences everything from:

• How comfortable you feel talking about money
• Whether you think you’re deserving of being compensated well for your skills
• The financial risks you’re willing to take when it comes to saving, spending, and investing
• Whether you believe financial freedom is possible for you

If you’ve ever thought, “People like me don’t make six figures,” “I’m not good with money” or “It’s too late for me to become financially free,”—that’s your money mindset talking.

Why Money Mindset Matters More Than You Think

A positive money mindset doesn’t just affect how you think—it influences how you budget, how you save, how you manage income streams, and whether you feel confident pursuing remote or freelance work that gives you more flexibility. Mindset is the foundation under all of it.

And let’s be honest: you can learn all the tips and tricks in the world, but if deep down you believe that financial success is not within your reach, you’re not going to act on those tips in a way that gets you anywhere.

So if wealth is possible for them, why not you? Because the biggest difference between people who build wealth and those who stay stuck… is that they believe it’s possible. And they support those beliefs with intentional decision making and actions that drive them towards their vision.

Quick Story Time: My Mindset Shift

When I was younger, I truly thought six-figure incomes were only for people who had been working for decades in tall, skyscraper buildings with nothing but cubicles and fancy ties. I believed the only way to “make it” was to work every day from 9-5 while climbing the corporate ladder, and that getting paid $15/hour was great money because everyone else was only offering $9–$12.

Even though I had big dreams—traveling the world, making my own schedule, achieving financial freedom—I didn’t see a path where those things could actually happen. At least not until I was well in my 60’s and retired. My mindset kept me stuck.

But I’m lucky. My mom always encouraged me to think big no matter how many other people thought it unrealistic or crazy. She believed in me and pushed me to the point that I now believe in myself.

That belief led me to take risks: saying yes to new work opportunities, learning new skills, and exploring income streams (emphasis on the plural) that were once way outside my comfort zone—including remote work.

Now? I’m dreaming even bigger. I want to make millions. I want the freedom to travel when I want, work from anywhere, and live a life I genuinely love. Most importantly, I want to help thousands if not millions of other women do it too. And I’m not afraid to say it. Because I know mindset is what helped me get here—and it’s what will carry me forward.

Why Your Beliefs Shape Your Results

When you think bigger, bigger becomes possible. It becomes real. It becomes the new norm.

But when you associate “bigger” with dreams that are out of reach for people “like you” or for “your kind of financial situation,” you’re not being realistic—you’re reinforcing limiting beliefs that keep you stuck.

These beliefs shape how you show up. You stay where it feels “safe” or “comfortable.” You don’t negotiate your pay. You settle. You pass up opportunities because you assume the answer is already no. And slowly, your actions begin to reflect your beliefs—even the ones working against you.

But what if you believed financial freedom and success were possible for you? What if you believed you were capable and deserving of an abundance of money, time, and flexibility?

Your actions would naturally align with that belief. You’d take more chances. Set bigger goals. Make decisions—even small ones—that move you forward. You’d start seeing opportunities instead of obstacles. Doors opening instead of closing.

Here’s the truth: A positive money mindset doesn’t guarantee instant success. But it does guarantee momentum. And that momentum? That’s what drives the long-term results you’re looking for.

What a Positive Money Mindset Actually Looks Like

Having a positive money mindset doesn’t mean just wishing your way into success and purposefully ignoring real struggles or challenges. It means choosing to see money as a tool or driving force, not a limitation.

Here’s what a positive money mindset looks like:

• “I am skilled enough to build more than one income stream.”
• “Every day is a new opportunity to become financially educated and I am capable of learning to manage my money.”
• “Financial freedom is possible for me.”
• “I am capable of building a strong, successful business that supports my life vision.”
• “I am deserving of a high income just as much as the next person.”
• “I might not be there yet, but I’m making progress every day.”

And listen, it’s not just about money. When your money mindset shifts, you stop waiting for permission and start building a life that fits you. You start making bold moves—whether it’s finally getting serious about your savings, launching a side hustle, or going after that remote job that gives you more freedom.

3 Things You Can Do to Start Developing a More Positive Money Mindset

Shifting your money mindset doesn’t happen overnight—but small, intentional steps can make a huge difference. Here are three simple ways to get started:

1. Read a book that challenges how you think about money.
The right book can completely change the way you view wealth, abundance, and your own potential. Here’s a few to get you started:

• You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero – A funny, powerful, no-BS guide to ditching limiting beliefs and actually going for what you want.
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel – A must-read on how behavior—not knowledge—is what drives your financial success.
• Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche – Packed with practical steps and encouragement, especially helpful if you feel behind financially.

2. Start a “proof list.”
Each day, write down one small win that supports your new money beliefs—like negotiating a rate, reminding yourself you deserve to earn more, saving extra money, or choosing to believe you’re capable of learning a new financial skill. These moments may feel subtle, but they build serious confidence and reinforce the mindset shift you’re working toward.

3. Surround yourself with positive financial influences.
Whether it’s podcasts, YouTube channels, or people in your circle—create an environment that supports where you’re headed, not where you’ve been. (And P.S. If you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter for weekly encouragement, tools, and tips to keep moving forward!)

It All Starts With Belief

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly playing catch-up, I want you to ask yourself this:

What do I believe is actually possible for me financially?

Whatever the answer is, write it down and say it out loud to yourself every day. If it feels silly or too good to be true, write it down anyways.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to start with the belief that your goals are valid—and that you’re fully capable of achieving them.

Because everything changes when you start believing you’re meant for more. That’s the first step to not just getting ahead—but creating a life of freedom, flexibility, and abundance that finally feels like yours.

Let’s Discuss!

What’s one money belief you’re ready to let go of—and what’s a new one you want to adopt instead? Share it in the comments below!