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Money Lies

  • Jan 26
  • 5 min read





We’ve all heard them—those money sayings that sound wise because they’ve been passed down for generations:


“I’m just not good with money.”

“Money doesn’t buy happiness.”

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”


They roll off the tongue, and on their face, they seem true. But these well-meaning phrases have underpinnings that can quietly stagnate growth. Yes, you may not feel good with money right now—but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn basic principles that change your financial trajectory. Yes, money doesn’t buy happiness—but let’s be honest, money problems create plenty of unhappiness. And while it’s true that money doesn’t grow on trees, compound interest is pretty magical—it’s as close as it gets to your money growing without your constant physical effort.


Today, I want to focus on a few of these deeper beliefs and why it’s so important to rewire our thinking if we want to build wealth, freedom, and peace around money.




“People like me don’t become wealthy.”







Ever heard of The Millionaire Next Door? The idea is simple: most millionaires don’t look like what we see on TV. They’re not celebrities, pro athletes, or born into old money. They’re teachers, engineers, government workers, small business owners—the folks shopping at Target in sweatpants and driving paid-off cars.


Recent data backs this up. According to Fidelity Investments’ Millionaire Outlook research, roughly 8 in 10 millionaires are self-made, meaning they did not inherit their wealth and built it over time through earning, saving, and investing.


In other words, most millionaires started out as “regular people” and became wealthy through habits, not headlines. When you really sit with that, “People like me don’t become wealthy” starts to sound less like a fact and more like a story you were handed. If most millionaires are first-generation and built their wealth one decision at a time, there is room for you in that story, too.




“It’s too late to change my financial situation.”







Too late compared to what?


You will never be younger than you are today, and that alone is a reason to start where you are instead of counting yourself out. Over the last several decades, women’s life expectancy has steadily increased, and women in the U.S. now live to about age 81 on average. That means many of us will spend 20–30 years in retirement, which is a long time to fund if we stop trying to improve our finances in our 40s, 50s, or even 60s.


At the same time, studies show that women often reach retirement with significantly less saved than men and are especially vulnerable to outliving their money, with many nearing retirement having under $100,000 in assets and worrying about running out of savings.


So no, it’s not “too late.” The real focus is not on perfection or making up every past year, but on getting started now and being consistent: paying attention, putting a plan in place, and making steady moves that support the woman you’re going to be 10, 20, or 30 years from today.




“Wanting more money means I’m greedy or materialistic.”







Wanting more money gets a bad rap, especially for women. We’re often praised for being selfless, modest, and “low maintenance,” so the moment we say we want more—more income, more investments, more options—it can feel like we’re stepping into greed.


But there’s a huge difference between chasing money to impress people and wanting money to create stability, choices, and breathing room for yourself and the people you love.


Money is a tool, not a personality trait. It can fund rest, healthcare, experiences with your family, giving to causes you care about, and buying back your time. Wanting enough money to stop living on the edge or to design a life that actually fits you is not materialism—it’s self-respect and stewardship.


When you release the guilt around wanting more, you can stop apologizing for your goals and start building a financial life that supports your values instead of constantly competing with them.




“I need a partner to be financially secure.”







“I need a partner to be financially secure” is one of the most common and quietest beliefs holding women back.


This approach can sound practical—two incomes, shared bills, someone else handling the investing—but underneath, it sends a message that your safety and stability depend on another adult’s choices. That’s a heavy thing to outsource.


Partnership can be beautiful, and combining resources can absolutely accelerate wealth, but it should be a bonus—not the plan. And it can also accelerate debt that you might not be able to control, because the only person you can truly control is you.


When you build your own financial foundation—understanding your cash flow, managing debt, and investing for the long term—you’re not rejecting partnership; you’re making sure that if a partner comes or goes, you’re still standing.


Rewiring this belief is about moving from “I hope someone will take care of this for me” to “I’m capable of taking care of myself, and anyone who joins my life is an addition, not a lifeline.” That shift doesn’t just change your bank account; it changes how you date, how you negotiate, and how you see your own power.




Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself About Money







“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” — Henry Ford


Henry Ford nailed it: our beliefs don’t just influence our reality—they shape it. What you hold as true about money, wealth, and your own capabilities becomes the lens through which you make decisions, take risks, and build (or limit) your future.


Awareness is the first step to change, and if you’re reading this post, you’ve already started. The next step is exposure—consistently feeding your mind better information.


One simple way to do that is through books. Set a realistic goal—maybe a few solid personal finance reads a year—and let repetition do its work. Start with Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche, which does an excellent job breaking down money fundamentals in a clear, practical, and non-intimidating way.


As your thinking shifts, your actions tend to follow. That’s how rewiring actually sticks—through steady reinforcement.


Cheers to You!







Related Money Dearest Foundations


→ Money Mindset



Sources




Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and you should consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation before making financial decisions.

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