Yesterday I went on pinterest and created my vision board for 2026. I filled it with beautiful scenery, images of connection, and affirmations related to specific fears and life changes that have been coming up for me lately. It was calming and energizing to dream about what could be.
This morning I went back, scrolling through, and found that the images I chose still made me smile. And in that moment I realized I knew what I wanted and believed that I could have those things.
To know and own what you want and then to believe that it is possible is critical to personal finance as well.
Your money psychology, the way you feel about money, affects your decisions, feelings, and life circumstances. So getting clear on your current psychology and where you’d like to shift is going to change everything for you.
I once believed that personal finance was too complicated for me to understand and that at least I had some savings, so that was good enough, right? That story and limiting belief kept me from getting curious, seeking help, and taking action. And I bet there is a fear or story that you have about money that keeps you from shifting, keeps you from believing a better financial position and vision is open to you.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to better understand your current psychology:
- What is my earliest money memory?
- What did I hear growing up about money?
- When I hear money or personal finance, what words come up?
One of my earliest money memories was in the grocery store with my mom. I was probably around 5 and was sitting in the shopping cart while my mom moved through the aisles. I remember feeling mesmerized by the brightly colored cereal as we rolled right by it. I wanted it, but I did not speak up. I had heard too many times that we were spending too much at the grocery store and I didn’t want to feel guilty for asking. This moment helps me realize why I may struggle with guilt when I want to buy something nice for myself.
Once you are honest about where you are, you can think about your ideal relationship with money. And maybe your new money reality is magical because it opens doors that you never thought possible.
If this is difficult for you, go out and find someone who exemplifies a positive money relationship that you resonate with. For me, that person is Ramit Sethi because he speaks with confidence, clear understanding of what is important to him, and an empowerment that he can get what he wants. Ramit reminds me that if cereal is part of my rich life then I should own it and ensure it is part of my life.
Let me know in the comments what makes that person resonate! Or try to answer one of the questions above and let me know what you found helpful. Or difficult.
With all my confidence,
Your personal finance friend