Rewiring My Money Mindset: A Personal Journey to Clarity, Calm, and Confidence

For most of my life, money felt like a loaded topic; taboo, stressful, anger and comparison with others, confusin, and deeply tied to my sense of self-worth. I’ve had an evolving relationship with money that, at times, left me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or even ashamed. We’re taught math in school, but not how to handle money in the real world; how to process fear around it, how to navigate the emotions tied to wealth and worth, or how to define financial success on our own terms. That disconnect creates confusion As someone who holds an MBA, I used to feel embarrassed that I didn’t “have it all figured out” when it came to personal finances. I beat myself up for making decisions based on fear or scarcity. I thought, “Shouldn’t I know For most of my life, money felt like a loaded topic; taboo, stressful, confusing, and deeply tied to my sense of self-worth. I’ve had an evolving relationship with money that, at times, left me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or even ashamed. I know I’m not alone.

For most of my life, money felt like a loaded topic; taboo, stressful, confusing, and deeply tied to my sense of self-worth. I’ve had an evolving relationship with money that, at times, left me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or even ashamed. I know I’m not alone.

We’re taught math in school, but not how to handle money in the real world; how to process fear around it, how to navigate the emotions tied to wealth and worth, or how to define financial success on our own terms. That disconnect creates confusion for many of us.

As someone who holds an MBA, I used to feel embarrassed that I didn’t “have it all figured out” when it came to personal finances. I beat myself up for making decisions based on fear or scarcity. I thought, “Shouldn’t I know better?”

But what I’ve learned (and what I want to share with you) is that knowing and embodying are two very different things. The truth is, rewiring your money mindset isn’t about being perfect. It’s about becoming present, empowered, and honest with yourself.

And that journey begins with understanding how your unique thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about money have been shaped, and deciding which ones are still serving you.

The Moment I Knew Something Had to Change

There came a point when I was simply tired of feeling stuck. I was tired of the quiet panic I felt when looking at my bank account. Tired of the tension that rose in my stomach when thinking about long-term goals that felt far away, and that happiness was still tied to a 10 year away plan. Tired of the guilt that followed every purchase that felt indulgent or “unnecessary.”

Most of all, I was frustrated that money still felt like something we weren’t “allowed” to talk about—especially if we were struggling with it.

That’s when I knew: something had to shift. Not in the economy. Not in my salary. But in me.

Realizing We All Start in a Different Place

One of the most liberating truths I discovered is this: everyone has a unique starting point with money. We all have different experiences, risk tolerance, patterns, and values that shape our financial behaviors.

There is no one-size-fits-all path to abundance. And more importantly, your current financial reality is not a reflection of your worth.

What matters is what you choose to do from where you are.

That shift in thinking gave me permission to let go of perfection and start exploring new perspectives. I began asking questions instead of assuming I had to have all the answers.

I started reading books, listening to stories, and learning from people who had built wealth in aligned and joyful ways. I also became more mindful about whose advice I was absorbing. I learned to ask: Do I want the life this person has? If not, I don’t take financial direction from them.

The Body Doesn’t Lie: Learning to Trust Myself

I used to think that smart money decisions were purely only logical. But here’s what I’ve come to know: your nervous system plays a huge role in how you make and manage money.

If I was in a state of anxiety, fear, or tightness, I couldn’t access clarity. My decisions felt reactive, rushed, or disconnected. When I slowed down, connected to my body, and calmed my system, the answers I needed would surface on their own.

So while it might seem unrelated, things like gentle stretching, meditation, hydration, or a walk in nature do have everything to do with money. Because when you’re regulated, you’re more receptive to intuitive guidance, smarter strategy, and grounded choices.

Tools That Helped Me Rewire My Beliefs About Money

Here are the practices I’ve leaned on to create a healthier, more empowered relationship with money, tools I still use today.

1. The "Money Body Check-In"

Whenever I feel anxious about a bill, a goal, or a purchase, I pause. I place my hand on my belly and ask myself:

“What am I feeling right now in my body?”

If there’s tightness, I don’t make a move. Instead, I focus on calming myself, whether that’s a walk, a breathing practice, or even just stretching. Money decisions are best made from peace, not pressure.

2. Money Belief Journaling

Try asking yourself this simple prompt:

“What would someone who feels abundant and wealthy believe about this situation?”

This question has unlocked so many gentle mindset shifts for me. Responses like:

“I trust myself to figure it out.”

“This is a temporary moment, not a permanent reality.”

“Money is not my enemy. It’s a tool.”

This practice rewrites your internal money narrative from fear to empowerment.

3. Reframing “I Can’t Afford That”

Instead of saying “I can’t afford it,” I started saying:

“That’s not aligned for me right now.”

“I’m choosing to direct my thoughts. This is delayed, not denied for forever.”

This reframing puts you back in the driver’s seat, rather than painting you as a victim of your finances. Choice equals freedom.

4. Visual Anchors for Financial Peace

I placed symbols around my home that reminded me of abundance: a picture from a joyful trip, a house photo that inspires me, a candle I light when journaling about my financial dreams.

These visuals became energetic cues, telling my brain and body, You’re already surrounded by beauty and possibility.

5. Self-Trust Rituals

If you’ve broken trust with yourself financially, by overspending, ignoring bank statements, or acting from panic, it is ok. Rebuilding that trust starts small.

Every time I keep a promise to myself (like checking my accounts without judgment or sticking to a new budget), I reinforce the belief: “I’ve got me.”

One of my favorite mantras:

“I trust myself to create, receive, and manage money in ways that support my highest good.”

6. The Receiving Mirror

Each morning, I look in the mirror and say:

“I am open to receiving money in joyful, aligned, and unexpected ways.”

AND

“The money is here”.

These statements invite in possibility with an ease of believing its already happened. We're not worried when we have something, and it is ours. I’ve seen it play out: small refunds, helpful offers, ideas that turn into income. It’s a reminder that receiving is a skill we can strengthen, and a mindset we can practice.

7. The 5 (or 20) Whys

If you’re stuck in a loop of financial fear, try this: ask yourself,

“Why does this situation feel so hard right now?”

Then keep asking why again and again. Go five layers deep—or twenty.

You might uncover fears about safety, identity, or comparison. That awareness creates the space to respond instead of react.

Shifting the Focus: It’s Not Just About the Money

One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was asking better questions. For example, instead of stressing that I couldn’t afford my dream home yet, I asked myself:

“What does that home represent to me?”

The answer wasn’t just square footage or décor. It was safety, peace, beauty, space to create, room to host my loved ones.

Suddenly, those feelings were available to me now, maybe not through that home, but through lighting a candle, rearranging a room, or taking a walk somewhere beautiful. This reframing brought me closer to the essence of what I wanted, and ironically, it made the financial goal feel more accessible.

Your Path Is Unique

What I’ve learned is that there’s no “right” way to manage your money mindset. There’s just your way. Your golden path.

You get to define what wealth means. You get to decide what abundance feels like. And you get to grow into your goals at your own pace, in your own way.

So whether you’re in a season of saving, investing, rebuilding, or dreaming, trust that your awareness is the first and most important step. That shift begins with compassion, curiosity, and the willingness to try something new.

Closing Thoughts (and an Invitation)

If you’ve made it this far, I want to say thank you. I know money can be a tender, triggering topic. I also know it can be one of the most liberating areas of transformation in our lives.

There is no shame in wanting more, feeling stuck, or learning as you go. That’s how we all grow.

If this story resonated with you, I’d love to know: what mindset tool or shift has helped you feel more empowered with money?

Please leave a comment via email (laurie@goldenpath.me) or save this article to revisit when you need a reminder: you’re not behind. You’re on the path. And it’s a powerful one.