What's Your Money Mindset?

Thoughts about money can influence how much you have. Your beliefs about money could be your biggest strength or weakness, and reframing your mindset can be powerful.

Your mindset about money most likely comes from your past experiences or from the experience of others who have influenced you. A negative mindset can create limitations in your thoughts about money. Those limitations can impact the actions you take towards your finances.

But there are ways to shift your negative thoughts and patterns to create a healthy financial life.

Remove Limiting Beliefs

The first step is to reflect on what you may have been telling yourself all these years? Do these phrases sound familiar: I’ll never get out of debt, I’ll never be able to afford that house or car, I’ll never make that much money, or Why bother saving? It will never be enough. Take the time to look at how you have reacted towards money and bills. Then see how it has impacted your actions regarding your finances.

Find Gratitude

The key is changing your narrative to be one of appreciation and gratitude. You can find thousands of quotes about gratitude and how appreciation will lead to you receiving more. There’s a reason these quotes come up all the time, and it’s because it works!! There have been many that say this practice has helped them get out of the negative rut. So, as difficult as it may be, it is an essential step towards a positive financial status.

As you pay your bills, be thankful for the home, heat, or food that you have. If you are paying on loans, think of what you used that money for. Was it for education that led to a better job or a car that safely transports you and your family to where you need to be? The more you concentrate on the positive, it will become a habit.

Be Forgiving

Forgiveness is also a big step in changing your mindset. We have all made mistakes before, financially and otherwise. Being able to let go of your disappointment in yourself and frustration is a huge step in creating a positive shift. We can’t go back, but we can learn from our mistakes. You can use those learnings for future actions you want to make financially and teach your family so they will learn from your circumstances.

Continue Learning

Education is key! We at Kitsap Credit Union believe the more informed you are, the better decisions you will be able to make for yourself and your family. There are so many resources like books, blogs, and even social media hashtags to follow that can give you insight. Once you decide your goals, you can determine the best way to gather your information.