What Is a Money Story (and Why You’ve Been Living by One)?
Everyone has a money story. It’s the subconscious narrative that’s been shaping how you feel, behave, and react around money for years—often without you even realizing it…
These stories are rarely intentional…
Where Your Money Story Begins: Early Programming and Emotional Imprints
Think back to your earliest memories of money:
– Did you hear your parents argue about it?
– Were you told things like “We can’t afford that” or “Money doesn’t grow on trees”?
– Did you witness financial struggle—or perhaps even guilt—associated with wealth?
Those experiences planted seeds…
Common Money Stories That Keep People Stuck
Here are a few common (and limiting) narratives you may recognize:
– 💸 The Scarcity Script: “There’s never enough. I have to hoard, save, and clutch tightly.”
– 🧹 The Martyr Mentality: “I’ll just go without so others can have what they need.”
– 👻 The Invisible Earner: “If I don’t talk about money, I won’t be judged or misunderstood.”
– 🛑 The Self-Sabotager: “Every time I get ahead, something always takes it away.”
– 🐭 The Quiet Mouse: “I shouldn’t ask for more. Be grateful and stay small.”
Why Awareness Is the First Step to Rewriting Your Financial Future
You can’t change what you don’t recognize.
That’s why one of the most powerful things you can do is reflect:
– What messages did you absorb about money as a child?
– Whose voice is in your head when you make financial decisions?
– How do you feel when you think about money—excited, anxious, guilty, confused?
What Your Judgments Say About You (and Your Money Story)
Another powerful way to uncover your money story is by examining how you think about other people’s financial choices. When you see someone driving a luxury car, do you feel admiration, envy, or judgment? When you hear that someone received government assistance, do you feel compassion, frustration, or shame? These snap judgments are often projections of our internal programming.
Pay attention to your gut reactions in these scenarios:
– Do you think people with money are greedy, lucky, or hardworking?
– Do you believe people without money are lazy, unfortunate, or victims?
– Do you catch yourself saying things like, ‘Must be nice,’ or ‘They probably inherited it’?
These beliefs act like breadcrumbs, leading you back to the deeper assumptions you’ve been carrying about money, success, and worthiness. Becoming aware of these narratives is not about guilt—it’s about choice. Once you see them, you can shift them.
Try writing down your common money judgments and asking yourself, ‘What does this say about what I believe is possible or permissible for me?’ This kind of reflection can open the door to massive healing and a healthier relationship with money.
Quick Tips for Shifting Your Money Energy
Here are some simple, yet powerful, ways to begin shifting your relationship with money:
🪞 Mirror Your Mindset
Every time you catch yourself saying, “I can’t afford that,” try reframing it to: “I choose not to invest in that right now.”
📝 Journal Your Money Memories
Ask yourself:
– What was money like in your childhood home?
– How did your caregivers talk about it?
– What unspoken rules did you learn?
💬 Talk To Money Like It’s a Relationship
If money were your partner, how would you describe the relationship?
🧘 Meditate on Worthiness
Spend 5–10 minutes visualizing yourself receiving money freely and with gratitude.
What Most People Get Wrong About Money and Spirituality
A lot of spiritual seekers struggle with the idea of wealth…
They think:
– “If I’m a good person, I shouldn’t care about money.”
– “Desiring abundance makes me selfish.”
– “Success means I’ve sold out.”
But here’s the truth: money is energy. It’s a tool. And when you heal your money story, you unlock your ability to use that tool for good.
Healing the Root: It Was Never About the Dollar Amount
It’s easy to think the solution is just making more money. But for many, the real wound is a sense of unworthiness.
That shows up as:
– Chronic undercharging in business
– People-pleasing in negotiation
– Overspending to feel “good enough”
– Avoiding finances altogether
Money wounds are often identity wounds.
Real Transformation Is Possible—And It Starts With You
You can absolutely transform your relationship with money. You can choose a new story—one that reflects your truth, your power, and your sacred ability to receive.
Start today by taking one small step:
✅ Write out your money memories
✅ Practice a new affirmation like “I am safe to receive more.”
✅ Choose a new money mantra: “I invest in things that nourish my future.”
CTA: Want to Go Deeper?
This blog post was inspired by a powerful conversation with spiritual teacher and author Sunny Dawn Johnston on the Intuition Unleashed podcast.
In that episode, Sunny shares personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable tools to help you clear money blocks and reclaim your worth.
