Our money beliefs are often self-limiting and cause us to make choices that keep us in a state of struggle or stagnant to where we currently stand with our overall wealth. When making decisions about money, whether directly or by way or career or investment decisions, it is important that you are aware of how you feel about money, in general. Most of our money beliefs are subconscious, but they can still impact our money and wealth, both positively and negatively.

The money lessons we learn early on in our lives has a major impact on our financial futures. Sometimes it's based on the decisions made by our parents, family and friends, while sometimes it's based on our own earlier mistakes and experiences. One way or another, our beliefs about money have a major impact on our financial lives, which is why so many personal development coaches and gurus often talk about spreading positivity and positive thinking.

How we feel about money determines our financial goals, our spending habits and everything in between. There are some beliefs that hold you back from making money. You can't imagine why you aren't making more money or why you aren't further along in your career. When it comes down to it, it's your own beliefs that are holding you back. If your beliefs are harmful, you can work to change them. If your beliefs are helpful, you can work to strengthen them. What do you believe about money?

Do you believe that money is the root of all evil?
Do you believe that you have to be born into wealth to be successful?
Do you believe that money is hard to come by?
Do you believe that you have to work hard for money?

Your beliefs about money play a big role in how you attract and manage money in your life. If you have negative money beliefs, then you are likely to experience financial struggle. However, if you have positive money beliefs, then you are likely to experience more financial abundance.

Understanding Your Money Beliefs

1. The American dream is a term that describes the belief that anyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, can achieve their goals and desires through hard work and determination. Despite the belief that money can make life better, the truth is that more money does not always equate to increased happiness. We have always been told that more money will make things better. However, though more money does not always equate to increased happiness, the achievement of financial security and independence does correlate very highly with happiness. This is a question to answer to begin forming your own beliefs – are you really looking for more money to be happy or is being financially secure the key to your happiness.

2. You may think that money is bad because it can make people greedy or selfish. You may think that having too much money will make you unhappy, and that it's better to be poor than to have a lot of money. As a result, you may avoid making more money or you may spend money in a way that sabotages your financial security.

3. I don't deserve money - If you've never heard yourself say that it’s possible you've heard someone else say it. A belief that one doesn't deserve money can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don't believe you deserve money, then you won't take the actions necessary to increase your income, such as getting a raise or finding a higher paying job. It also limits your ability to grow the money you do have, by way of investing. This is also troubling as you set yourself for even further financial ruin as you approach retirement or face other major life events. This feeling of unworthiness only leads to underperformance.

4. Money will give my life meaning. If you have this type of script, you may have a hard time even admitting it to yourself. It's not a popular script. It may not even be conscious. But most people don't openly say they are driven by money. There’s nothing wrong with it either, but you have to own it and truly believe it to make it happen.

Some Final Notes

Some argue that money is the root of all evil, while others argue it is the root of our motivation. Money isn't going to change the fact that people want to be safe and healthy and have happy and fulfilling relationships. But, depending on your circumstances, it may possibly make a difference in these areas.

Our beliefs can be molded based on our experiences and what we have learned from others, but, this is something you have control over. Learning more about how money works and making financial literacy an important aspect of your life will also mold, and likely change, your existing money beliefs. These changes will then impact your ability to achieve your personal and financial goals, thereby making you financially secure and independent.