It’s Not Just Math: How Your Inner Story Shapes Your Finances

For months I researched, ran the numbers, and planned carefully for a new vehicle. On paper it was a wise decision, one that would even save us money in the long run. But as I drove away from the dealership, a surprising feeling crept in.

Instead of excitement, I felt… uneasy.

So, I paused and got curious.

That’s when a quiet thought surfaced: “You don’t deserve this"

It was a powerful reminder that our money decisions are about more than math, they’re shaped by the beliefs we carry about ourselves. Beliefs that quietly influence how we spend, save, and plan. I’m sharing this because growth with money is a journey, not a single destination. As we step into new seasons, we often uncover new layers of beliefs we didn’t even know were there. Learning to gently coach ourselves through those discoveries is what makes real transformation possible.

How Our Beliefs Show Up in Money

Money decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. They’re influenced by the stories we’ve absorbed about ourselves, sometimes so quietly we don’t even notice them. Those inner beliefs can shape everything from what we spend to what we save, to whether we even look at our bank account.

Here are a few common ways this shows up:

• “I don’t deserve good things.” You under-invest in yourself, choose the cheapest option even when it costs more long-term, or feel guilty when you finally upgrade.
  
  

• “I’ll never get ahead.” You avoid opening bills or making a plan, because it feels pointless.
  
  

• “I have to prove my success.” You overspend or stretch your budget to keep up appearances, hoping purchases will validate your worth.
  
  

• “I should know better.” You feel ashamed of needing help, or of making a “less than perfect” financial choice.
  
  

None of these beliefs are about math. They’re about identity, and because they’re often unspoken, they quietly drive our habits until we name them.

How to Coach Yourself Through These Moments

Noticing and naming your beliefs is powerful, it’s the starting point for lasting change with your money. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight; real transformation happens as you gently coach yourself through small, everyday decisions.

And sometimes, we’re so close to our own thoughts that it’s hard to see clearly. In those moments, bringing in a trusted, objective voice, whether that’s a friend, mentor, or a coach, can help you gain perspective and move forward with confidence.

Here are some simple ways to begin:

• Notice Your Inner Dialogue
  The next time you’re making (or have made) a money decision, pause and listen to the “quiet voice” in the background. Is it encouraging, condemning, fearful? Naming it is the first coaching step.
  
  

• Get Curious, Not Critical
  When an uncomfortable feeling surfaces, ask, “Where is this coming from?” Curiosity creates space for clarity and growth.
  
  

• Check It Against Truth
  Ask yourself, “Is this belief true, or is it just old programming?” If you’re too close to see it clearly, bring it to a trusted loved one who can help you sort through what’s real.
  
  

• Take One Aligned Action
  Choose a small step that reflects a healthier belief, sharing your feelings with a friend, opening the bill you’ve been avoiding, or setting up a savings transfer for a goal you “don’t feel worthy” of. Acting on a new belief reinforces it.
  
  

There’s Hope, and a Next Step

Your worth isn’t measured by your bank account or your past decisions. As you begin noticing and naming your beliefs, your money habits will start to shift, and that awareness is what sets real transformation in motion.

If you’re ready to take some practical steps to help you begin that shift, I created a free

resource just for you: “3 Real-Life Steps to Stop Stressing About Money.” It’s designed to help you feel empowered and start moving toward peace with your finances.

Grab the free guide here

And if you’re curious about what it might look like to have a trusted, objective voice walking alongside you in this journey, I invite you to explore my Work With Me page. There you can see how coaching creates a safe, judgment-free space to sort through your money life and decide if that support feels like the right next step for you.

Lasting change with money isn’t about perfection, it’s about learning, growing, and inviting support when you need it. Every step you take matters.

Here’s to strong finances and a life you love,

Christi

P.S. I’d love to hear what stands out for you after reading. If something clicks or brings a new sense of clarity, hit reply and share your “aha” moment, I read every message that comes through. 💛