Mia’s Journey: Changing Her Money Mindset to Build Real Wealth

When Mia was growing up, money was always a source of tension. Her parents would whisper behind closed doors about bills, and her father often said, "Money doesn't grow on trees." As a child, Mia internalized that money was scarce and stressful. Even as an adult with a steady job, she found herself anxious when checking her bank account, and guilty when spending on anything that wasn't essential.

It wasn’t until she hit her early 30s that Mia began to wonder: What if the way she thought about money was the very thing holding her back?

Realizing Your Relationship with Money

Like Mia, many of us are carrying financial baggage we never chose. Our money mindset — the set of beliefs and attitudes we hold about money — is often inherited from our childhood, shaped by our environment, and rarely questioned.

Mia began journaling about her earliest memories of money. She remembered how her mom would skip buying new clothes, always saying, "We can't afford that." She realized she’d grown up seeing money as something to fear. That insight was her first breakthrough.

Understanding your money story is a critical first step. Ask yourself: Do I believe there’s never enough? Do I feel guilty when I earn more? Or do I associate wealth with freedom and choice?

Flipping the Script

Once Mia recognized her scarcity mindset, she decided to challenge it. She wrote down every limiting belief she could think of: "I'm not good with money," "Wealth is for other people," and "I'm just not a numbers person."

She then began rewriting them. "I'm learning how to manage money well," became her mantra. Every morning, she read affirmations aloud. At first, it felt awkward, even silly. But over time, her self-talk changed, and so did her behavior.

These small shifts matter. Replacing old beliefs with empowering ones opens up space for growth. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect—it’s about believing you have the power to improve.

The Power of Financial Literacy

Mia realized she feared money because she didn't understand it. She started reading. She listened to podcasts during her commute, picked up books like "The Psychology of Money," and joined online communities where people talked openly about budgeting, investing, and saving.

Eventually, she reached out to a financial planner. Sitting across from someone who could answer her questions without judgment felt liberating. With their help, she created a realistic plan for her goals, like traveling more, saving for a home, and investing wisely.

Whether you work with a financial advisor, a financial consultant, or a wealth planner, the key is to seek knowledge. When you understand how money works, you're less likely to act from fear and more likely to make smart, confident choices.

Setting Goals That Matter

For years, Mia had told herself, "I just want to be rich." But that goal was vague, and it didn’t motivate her. Her advisor asked her to get specific. What did wealth mean to her?

She thought deeply. It meant having time to spend with loved ones, not worrying about bills, and being able to take a sabbatical to write a book. With clarity, she set short-term and long-term goals, from building an emergency fund to retiring early.

She broke these goals into steps, tracked her progress, and celebrated milestones. Each step forward reinforced her belief that she could change her financial story.

Creating Systems for Success

One of Mia’s most powerful changes was automation. She set up automatic transfers to her savings, investments, and bills. She started using a budgeting app, not to restrict herself, but to understand her spending habits.

She discovered that she was spending money on things that didn’t bring joy. Slowly, she redirected that money toward things that did—like cooking classes, travel, and weekend getaways.

Automating finances isn’t just convenient; it removes the emotional burden of constant decision-making and helps reinforce positive habits.

Practicing Gratitude and Spending with Purpose

Mia began a nightly ritual: writing down three things she was grateful for. Some days, it was something simple like a hot coffee or a sunny walk. Gratitude shifted her focus from what she lacked to what she had.

With this new mindset, she became more intentional with spending. Before any purchase, she asked, "Does this align with my values? Will this bring lasting joy?" This approach helped her avoid impulse buys and brought greater satisfaction with her choices.

Finding a Supportive Circle

Mia realized that not everyone around her shared her evolving perspective on money. Some friends mocked her for budgeting or dismissed her goals.

So she sought out new voices—online communities focused on financial growth, local workshops, and friends who valued wealth creation. She even joined a money mastermind group.

And, she kept working with her financial advisor, who became a trusted partner in her journey. Regular check-ins helped her stay accountable and navigate life changes with a clear plan.

A Note for Expats on a Similar Journey

If you’re living abroad, your financial mindset might be under extra pressure. You’re dealing with different systems, currencies, tax rules, and maybe even cultural beliefs about money.

Mia's friend Sarah, an expat, shared how confusing things felt when she first moved overseas. She worked with an expat financial advisor who specialized in financial planning for expats. The advisor helped her manage multiple accounts, prepare for taxes in two countries, and start investing for her future without stress.

If you’re navigating financial decisions in a foreign country, look for a professional who understands the nuances. The right advisor can help simplify the complexity and give you peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Financial Professional

Mia learned the hard way that not all financial advisors are created equal. At one point, she met with someone who seemed more interested in selling products than helping her plan.

Eventually, she found a fee only financial advisor—someone who charged for their time and expertise, not for selling investment products. The transparency made a huge difference.

When choosing an advisor, ask about their approach, their qualifications, and how they get paid. You deserve someone who listens, understands your goals, and works in your best interest.

The Takeaway: Wealth Begins in the Mind

Today, Mia looks back on her journey with pride. She’s not just earning more or saving more—she thinks differently. She’s gone from fearing money to feeling in control.

Your financial life is a reflection of your mindset. If you shift the way you think about money—by questioning old beliefs, gaining knowledge, setting meaningful goals, and surrounding yourself with support—you can create lasting wealth.

Start like Mia did. Journal your money story. Set one small goal. Learn something new. And remember: the most powerful tool for wealth creation isn’t just money itself—it’s your mindset.