My Relationship with Money & Wealth

Credit: www.moneylion.com

Money. It’s one of those things we all think about but rarely talk about openly. Ever stop to wonder what your relationship with money looks like? Is it healthy, toxic, complicated—or all of the above?

For me, it wasn’t love at first sight. In fact, for most of my life, money was a source of stress, confusion, and even shame. But like any relationship, it evolved. And with time, patience, and a few wake-up calls, it turned into something far more empowering.

Let’s unpack this journey.

Childhood Experiences Shape Financial Mindsets

Lessons We Learn From Our Parents

Growing up, I watched my parents stretch every dollar. They were hard-working but constantly worried about bills. I internalized that money was scarce and needed to be hoarded or feared.

The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset

It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized I was living in survival mode. I was afraid to spend yet spent impulsively out of rebellion. Switching from a scarcity mindset to an abundance one didn’t happen overnight—but it did happen.

Cultural Beliefs Around Money

How Society Defines “Wealth”

We’re bombarded with images of yachts, designer clothes, and luxury cars. But wealth? Real wealth is peace of mind, choices, and time. It’s the freedom to say no.

Breaking the Taboo of Money Talk

Money has been a hush-hush topic for far too long. Especially in some cultures where it’s seen as rude or boastful. But silence breeds ignorance, and ignorance leads to poor financial decisions.

The Turning Point in My Financial Journey

The Moment I Realized Money Isn’t Evil

I used to believe that wanting money made me greedy. But then I realized—money just amplifies who you already are. It’s a tool, not a personality trait.

How One Book Changed My Financial Perspective

Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad flipped a switch. For the first time, I saw money as a game—and I was playing without knowing the rules. Time to learn.

Understanding My Money Habits

Emotional Spending and Guilt

Retail therapy was real. I’d buy things to feel better, only to feel worse when the credit card statement arrived. I had to dig deep and ask: What void am I trying to fill?

Learning to Budget Without Feeling Deprived

Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring. Once I started giving every dollar a job, I felt more in control—not restricted.

Wealth vs. Riches – A Personal Awakening

What Wealth Means to Me Today

Wealth isn’t what’s in your bank account today—it’s what gives you peace tomorrow. For me, that’s time, flexibility, and security.

Assets Over Appearance

I stopped caring about impressing others. I started building assets: savings, stocks, side hustles. No one claps for those, but they’re what changed my life.

Shifting From Consumer to Creator

Making Money Work for Me

It hit me one day: I was always working for money. What if money worked for me? Enter: investing, online income, and automation.

From Hustle Culture to Passive Income

I used to glorify 16-hour grind days. Now, I chase smart systems that pay me while I sleep. Hustle isn’t bad—but hustle forever? No thanks.

My Money Values

Freedom Over Status

I don’t need to be the richest person in the room. I want to be the freest. That means saying yes to time off, not overtime.

Giving, Saving, Investing—Finding Balance

I follow a simple rule now: give 10%, invest 20%, save 30%, and live on the rest. It's not perfect, but it keeps me grounded.

Financial Literacy is Self-Love

Why Education Changed Everything

No one taught me about money in school, but I taught myself. Podcasts, books, YouTube—I became obsessed. And it paid off.

Demystifying Investing

Investing felt scary at first. But when I realized it was just delayed spending, it clicked. I started small. Now it’s a habit.

Mistakes, Regrets & Lessons

The Dumbest Thing I Did with Money

One word: MLM. Enough said. I lost thousands chasing “quick wealth.” Lesson learned: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

What I’d Tell My Younger Self

Don’t wait to be perfect to start saving. Rs. 5000 is better than Rs. 0. Start where you are, with what you have.

Healing My Relationship with Money

Forgiving Past Mistakes

I had to stop beating myself up for what I didn’t know. That shame kept me stuck. Grace and growth go hand in hand.

Affirmations and Daily Practices

Now, I start my day saying: “I attract opportunities. I deserve wealth. I am financially free.” It might sound cheesy—but mindset matters.

Money and Mental Health

Financial Anxiety is Real

I used to panic over money every day. It wrecked my sleep, mood, and even relationships. Money stress is real stress.

How I Protect My Peace Today

Now I automate bills, check my finances weekly, and remind myself: I’m in control. That little routine changed everything.

Building Generational Wealth

Why I Think Long-Term Now

I used to think in paychecks. Now I think in decades. What can I build today that helps my future kids? That’s the new question.

Teaching My Family What I Wasn’t Taught

Money shouldn’t be a family secret. I share what I learn, so we all rise. It’s not just about me anymore.

My Current Money Goals

What Financial Freedom Looks Like for Me

It’s not quitting work—it's choosing the work I do. Financial freedom is about options, not escape.

Milestones I’m Working Towards

Right now, I’m focused on maxing my retirement accounts, building an emergency fund, and investing in real estate. Small steps, big dreams.

Conclusion

My relationship with money started off rocky—confused, emotional, and misinformed. But like any good relationship, it grew with time, effort, and honesty.

Today, I see money not as a measure of worth but as a tool to live life on my terms. And that shift? It changed everything.

If you're struggling with money, start by being kind to yourself. Then take one small step forward. You’ve got this.

FAQs

1. How can I improve my relationship with money?

Start with awareness. Track your habits, identify your beliefs, and educate yourself. Small daily changes lead to big breakthroughs.

2. What’s the difference between being rich and being wealthy?

Being rich is about income. Being wealthy is about freedom. Wealth lasts, riches can disappear overnight.

3. Why do I feel guilty spending money?

Guilt often comes from past scarcity or poor financial education. Reframe spending as intentional instead of impulsive.

4. Can financial literacy really change your life?

Absolutely. Understanding money gives you power—over choices, stress, and your future.

5. How do I teach my kids about money early?

Be open. Use simple language. Show them through your actions—saving, investing, and spending wisely.