16 Ways To Get A Positive "Money Mindset"
Updated: Apr 20
Deciding to take control of your finances takes commitment, discipline, and determination. Much of the research and repetition needed can be overwhelming, so, you’re gonna need a cheering squad.
The primary part of your cheering squad is “you”. Let’s explore 16 ways to develop a positive money mindset:
#1: Determine your life values
Values are things that are important or have worth to you. Think about your values as you begin to create the blueprint for your financial goals.
Your values can change as your life circumstances change. So determine your values based on what is right for you.
You’re not going to have the same values at 50 that you had at 20. Even if you’re not married and have kids, your values just change over time. To develop a positive “money mindset”, think about what’s important to you.
#2: Set Goals For Your Money
Anything in life is best accomplished when you set a goal. Not having a goal is like driving in a car with no destination, besides wasting gas and mileage, where are you going?
Before you do a task, figure out what you want to produce. Saving money and accomplishing your financial goals is a task. Without a goal, you’ll have trouble completing it.
If you don’t reach the first goal, choose another goal. Having more than one is not a crime, and trying things until you find what’s right, takes wisdom and humility.
You will need these qualities to attain a positive “money mindset”.
#3: Make the commitment
It’s going to take hard work to reach your goals. Saving money, investing, making major purchases, starting a business, or just creating a budget, all require commitment.
Once you have your goal in mind, make the decision to accomplish it.
Give yourself a deadline! This will help keep you organized and focused.
#4: Decide to be financially successful
With all that being said, making the decision to be financially successful is your decision to make.
Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t let others decide what financial success looks like for you. Decide for yourself!
Whether it’s buying your first home, car, or just being smarter with how you spend what you have, make the decision and commit.
#5: Change Common Standards, Focus on what’s right for You
Changing the common standard of what you should have financially is pivotal. It’ll help you break free from social norms.
For example, it’s not the norm for a single 20 year old to think about real estate and investments. Most 20 year old's are thinking about hanging out and “enjoying life”. But if you find yourself wanting to build your financial portfolio at 20, you go right ahead. Ignore those who say you're too young to think about this.
Focus on what works for you and don’t let others dictate your financial standards based on their perception.
#6: Build A Personal Finance Community (help from others)
So, what exactly is a personal finance community? It is a host of individuals that are committed to helping you reach financial success.
They could be paid professionals or family and friends that you can count on to give you practical assistance and advice.
For example, you may need to get credit counseling to help you get out of debt. That’s ok. There's professionals that offer free advice and put you on the path to financial freedom by setting up a debt management plan and a host or other resources.
Maybe you have a setback on your financial journey, instead of taking out a payday loan, you may have a family member or friend that will loan you money until you are back on your feet.
You may need financial advice on which stocks to invest in or how to go about setting up a 401K. Your personal finance community are the “money smart” people you know that have studied or learned from experience and want to help.
Speaking of learning from experience………
#7: Follow Finance Influencers to improve your money mindset (bloggers, podcasters, social media groups)
I have personally learned so much by reading blogs and listening to the podcasts of some very “money smart” influencers. I mean these are people that have lived through some of the things that you may be struggling with.
Most of them are very honest and open about their mistakes and triumphs with their finances and want to share what they’ve learned to help you be a success.
They offer a host of free and paid online courses to help you get where you want to go, without the stress of thinking about money all the time.
Make them a part of your personal finance community.
Looking for a community, check out these awesome blogs: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/, https://thefrugalcreditnista.com/, https://www.debtroundup.com/, and https://thecollegeinvestor.com/, just to name a few.