Scarcity to Abundance Mindset: 7 Shifts
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Want to change how you think about money? Here's what you need to know:
Your brain pumps out up to 60,000 thoughts daily - 80% negative. These thoughts shape every money choice you make.
Here are the 7 key shifts to move from "never enough" to "more than enough":
Shift | From | To |
---|---|---|
1. Fear to Action | Freezing up | Taking small steps |
2. Stop Comparing | Watching others | Following your path |
3. Practice Gratitude | Focusing on lacks | Noting what you have |
4. Balance Money | All save/spend | Smart mix of both |
5. Work Together | Going solo | Finding money buddies |
6. Learn from Mistakes | Beating yourself up | Growing from slips |
7. Plan Ahead | Winging it | Using systems |
Quick Start Guide:
- Check your accounts right now
- Set a 15-minute daily money date
- Track every dollar for 7 days
- Find one money buddy
The best part? You don't need fancy tools. Start with:
- A basic budget app (many are free)
- Weekly account check-ins
- Simple money tracker
Want to make this stick? Pick ONE shift. That's it. Start there.
"Your behavior follows your beliefs. Change your money thoughts, change your money life." - Rachel Cruze
Related video from YouTube
Check Your Current Money Mindset
Your thoughts about money shape your financial life. Let's look at what's really going on in your head.
Signs You Have a Scarcity Mindset
Here's what happens when scarcity thinking takes over:
Sign | What It Looks Like | Impact on Money |
---|---|---|
Playing Catch-Up | Can't keep up with bills | Pay late fees, miss deadlines |
Saying Yes to Everything | Jump at any money offer | End up with bad deals |
Money Anxiety | Check bank apps obsessively | Keep cash idle, skip growth |
Emotional Spending | Shop to feel better | Drain savings, build debt |
Avoiding Money Talk | Push off money decisions | No plan for the future |
The Price of Scarcity Thinking
When scarcity runs your money decisions:
Choice | What Happens | The Cost |
---|---|---|
Savings | Hoard cash, feel guilty | Miss investment returns |
Investments | Stick to savings accounts | Leave money stagnant |
Bills | Hide from statements | Rack up fees, hurt credit |
Work | Stay at low-paying jobs | Leave money on the table |
The Real Cost of Scarcity
"The more you believe in a negative thought pattern, the greater your disruption." - Evelyn Lim, Transformation Life Coach
Scarcity thinking hits your wallet AND your life:
- Nights spent worrying about money
- Investment opportunities passing by
- Quick decisions that cost extra
- Deals taken out of desperation
- Zero long-term money strategy
Check Your Money Mindset
Look at how you think about money:
Topic | Scarcity Talk | Growth Talk |
---|---|---|
Bills | "Never have enough" | "I handle bills easily" |
Saving | "Can't spend a dime" | "I save smart" |
Income | "Money's so hard" | "Money comes to me" |
Future | "Always broke" | "I grow wealth daily" |
Support | "All on my own" | "I get help to grow" |
Your brain pumps out 12,000-60,000 thoughts each day. Each money thought pushes you forward or holds you back. Pay attention - your thoughts show your current money mindset.
7 Ways to Change Your Money Mindset
Here's how to switch from "not enough" to "more than enough" thinking.
1. Turn Fear into Action
Most people freeze when it comes to money. Here's how to push past that:
Fear | Action Step | Money Win |
---|---|---|
Looking at bank accounts | Check accounts every Monday | Know your exact numbers |
Starting to invest | Put aside $50 monthly | Get comfortable investing |
Negotiating pay | Write down achievements | Walk in prepared |
Setting big goals | Create mini-steps | See quick wins |
2. Stop Comparing, Start Growing
Your money journey is YOURS:
Instead of | Do This |
---|---|
Watching others spend | Check your numbers |
Following money trends | Pick your own path |
Using others' plans | Make your own rules |
Getting money FOMO | List your wins |
3. Practice Money Gratitude
"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey
Do these quick checks:
- List your income streams
- Check off paid bills
- Note new money skills
- Spot money chances
4. Balance Saving and Spending
Mix protection with growth:
Area | Smart Move |
---|---|
Paycheck | 20% saves, 80% spends |
Big purchases | Sleep on it |
Fun money | Set it aside |
Investing | Mix safe and bold moves |
5. Work Together, Not Against
Team up for success:
- Join money groups
- Talk goals with friends
- Find an accountability buddy
- Share money wins
6. Learn from Money Mistakes
Every slip-up teaches something:
Mistake | Better Move | Key Lesson |
---|---|---|
Paying late fees | Set up autopay | Systems win |
Buying on impulse | Wait 24 hours | Patience pays |
Signing bad deals | Read everything | Know the facts |
Missing targets | Check weekly | Track it all |
7. Plan Ahead for Success
The Ink + Power Rich Bitch Planner breaks it down:
When | What | How |
---|---|---|
Daily | Build habits | Log spending |
Weekly | Check goals | Look at progress |
Monthly | See big picture | Make new goals |
Quarterly | Plan growth | Fix course |
Pick ONE thing to change today. That's all you need to start.
Make These Changes Stick
Here's how to turn money management into a no-brainer daily routine:
Daily Money Moves
Time | What to Do | Why It Works |
---|---|---|
Morning | Look at your accounts | Know your starting point |
After spending | Write it in your Ink + Power planner | Keep tabs on your cash |
Evening | List 5 money wins | Build confidence |
Night | Pick tomorrow's spending cap | Stop impulse buys |
Weekly Money Tasks
Day | What's Up | Your Tools |
---|---|---|
Monday | Check last week's spending | Banking app |
Monday | Sort transactions | QuickBooks |
Wednesday | Track goal progress | Rich Bitch planner |
Sunday | Map out next week | 50/30/20 template |
Your Money Split
Here's how to divide your cash:
Bucket | How Much | What Goes Here |
---|---|---|
Must-Haves | 50% | Housing, utilities, groceries |
Fun Stuff | 30% | Entertainment, eating out |
Tomorrow | 20% | Savings, investments |
"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey
90-Day Money Plan
When | What | How |
---|---|---|
First 30 Days | Watch Your Money | Track spending, check accounts |
Next 30 Days | Cut Costs | Drop 3 expenses, set up auto-pay |
Last 30 Days | Grow Money | Put $50 in investments, build safety net |
Make It Work:
- Download EveryDollar for easy tracking
- Find money buddies who get it
- Pick a daily money check-in time
- Tell each dollar where to go
- Change ONE thing each month
Start with just ONE of these today. That's all you need to get going.
Helpful Tools and Resources
Here's what you need to track, plan, and grow your money:
Money Journal Prompts
These questions help you understand your money story:
Focus | Question |
---|---|
Past | What money messages did you get as a kid? |
Present | What makes you pull out your wallet without thinking? |
Future | How would financial freedom look for you? |
Worries | What keeps you up at night about money? |
Wins | What's your biggest money success? |
Power Statements for Your Money
Start your day with these:
"Money comes to me from many sources" "I make good money decisions" "I learn from my money mistakes" "I'm building wealth my way" "I take money action every day"
Money Apps That Work
Here's what different money trackers do best:
App | Perfect For | Price |
---|---|---|
YNAB | Detail-focused budgeters | $14.99/month |
Goodbudget | Cash budget fans | Free basic version |
Empower | New budgeters | Free |
Honeydue | Couples | Free |
Empower | Investment tracking | Free |
Physical Tools
The Ink + Power Money Planner ($41) helps you track:
- What you spend
- Where money goes
- Where to invest
- Money thoughts
Digital Money Tools
Tool | What It Does | Cost |
---|---|---|
PocketGuard | Watches bills | Free version |
Simplifi | Deep budgeting | $3.99/month |
Monarch | Full money view | $8.33/month |
YNAB | Zero dollar budgets | $14.99/month |
"No one goes broke from avocado toast." - Dana Miranda, Healthy Rich founder
Pick ONE tool and start there. You can add more as you get better at money management.
Common Problems and Fixes
Here's what to do when money gets messy:
Problem | What to Do Now |
---|---|
Overspending | Track every dollar for 7 days |
Late Bills | Set up autopay |
Impulse Buys | Use a 24-hour pause rule |
Bank Statement Fear | Monday account check-ins |
Want to stop stressing about money? Start here:
Instead of This | Do This |
---|---|
Ignoring your accounts | Weekly money check-ins |
Overworking | Set clear work limits |
Zero savings | Start with $5/week |
Solo money stress | Join money communities |
Let's talk about what's in your head about money. Here's what money coach Linzy Bonham says:
"Without identifying those stories that you have and updating them, they will continue to block you from feeling clear and confident about money."
Old Money Story | New Money Story |
---|---|
"Can't save enough" | "I'm saving what works now" |
"Money is evil" | "Money is just a tool" |
"Bad at money" | "Learning about money" |
"Never enough" | "Money comes and goes" |
When money problems pop up, here's your game plan:
Problem | Do This Now | Then Do This |
---|---|---|
Scared to check accounts | Look at one number | Pick a weekly money time |
Spending guilt | Write why you bought it | Create a spending map |
Money stress | Breathe deep 3 times | List 3 money wins |
Income fears | Check last month's money | Find one extra income stream |
Need help tracking your progress? The Ink + Power Rich Bitch Planner ($41) includes:
- Daily money checks
- Weekly progress tracking
- Monthly goal updates
"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey
Pick ONE thing from this list. That's your starting point. Just one step gets you moving.
Track Your Success
Money tracking doesn't need to be complex. Here's what to focus on:
Money Change | How to Track |
---|---|
Money stress level | Score 1-10 weekly |
Smart spending | Count planned vs random buys |
Savings growth | Check monthly % saved |
Money confidence | List weekly wins |
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See Your Progress
Here's how to spot real change:
Before | After | Check Method |
---|---|---|
Scared to check accounts | Regular balance checks | Weekly review |
"I can't afford it" | "How can I make it happen?" | Journal notes |
Running from money issues | Taking small steps | Progress log |
No direction | Clear money goals | Monthly check |
Numbers That Matter
Keep an eye on these each month:
Track This | Why |
---|---|
% you save | Shows you're building wealth |
Debt payment | Tracks freedom progress |
Money sources | Shows growth options |
Investments | Maps long-term success |
Write Down Wins
The Ink + Power Rich Bitch Planner helps track:
Time Frame | What to Note |
---|---|
Each day | Smart money moves |
Each week | Better money habits |
Each month | Steps toward goals |
Ongoing | New money thoughts |
"Your behavior will follow your beliefs, making it easier to stick to good habits. And over time, your entire perspective will change for the better." - Rachel Cruze, Financial Expert
Check Your Progress
Look at these weekly:
Focus | Ask Yourself |
---|---|
Money thoughts | How do I see wealth now? |
Money habits | Did I follow my plan? |
New skills | What did I learn? |
Next steps | What changed this week? |
Think about:
- Next year's money goals
- Progress so far
- Current savings
- Ways to save more
Make It Work:
- Pick a weekly money check-in
- Write down wins
- Focus on ONE key number
- Connect with money-minded friends
Keep Your New Mindset
Area | Daily Action | Weekly Check |
---|---|---|
Money Habits | Log into accounts | Review spending |
Mindset Work | Express gratitude | Track progress |
Learning | Read money tips | Take a course |
Support | Text money buddy | Group meetup |
Build Strong Money Habits
58% of women want to feel better about their money situation, according to Fidelity. Here's what works:
- Check your accounts first thing
- Write down what you spend
- Set a 15-minute money block
- Keep a money wins list
- Get a planner (like Ink + Power's Rich Bitch) to stay focused
Find Money Friends
Money tops the stress list for most people (APA, 2023). But you don't have to do this alone:
Support Type | Benefits | Next Step |
---|---|---|
Money Buddy | Keeps you going | Text them weekly |
Group Chat | Share wins & tips | Join money groups |
Expert Help | Gets you unstuck | Schedule monthly |
"Whatever you pay attention to will grow." - Deepak Chopra
Keep Learning and Growing
Make money smarts part of your day:
- Read one quick money tip
- Put on a finance podcast
- Take a budget class
- Join a money workshop
- Practice what you learn
Do These Now:
- Set phone alerts for money tasks
- Start your wins list
- Tell your money buddy your goals
- Map out next month's spending
Wrap-Up
Money mindset changes don't happen overnight. Here's how to track your progress:
Week | Daily Focus | Action Steps |
---|---|---|
1-4 | Check accounts | Start auto-savings |
5-8 | Notice money thoughts | List 3 daily wins |
9-12 | Watch spending | Connect with others |
"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey
Let's flip your money script:
Instead of Thinking | Start Thinking | Do This |
---|---|---|
Money's tight | Money comes to me | Check accounts |
I can't afford it | What are my options? | Build savings |
Others have it better | Focus on my path | Note your wins |
Scared to spend | Make smart choices | Use a budget |
Take Action Now
1. Start Small
Open your accounts right now. Don't judge the numbers - just look at them.
2. Build Daily Habits
Set a 15-minute money date with yourself each day. Use this time to:
- List 3 money wins
- Check your accounts
- Plan tomorrow's spending
3. Stay Connected
Pick ONE money buddy. Text them weekly about your progress.
When | What | How |
---|---|---|
Daily | Money check + Thanks | Use a journal |
Weekly | Look back + Plan ahead | Budget tracker |
Monthly | Check your goals | Progress tracker |
"Money work opens doors to self-discovery, breaks old patterns, and unlocks your potential." - Polly Alexandre
Right Now:
- Open your banking app
- Write down ONE win
- Set a daily reminder
- Message your money buddy
Keep it simple. Start today. Your money story is changing, one step at a time.
FAQs
How do I change my beliefs about money?
Let's break down what actually works to shift your money mindset:
Action | What To Do | Result |
---|---|---|
Read Money Books | Pick 1-2 books to start | You'll spot patterns in how you think about money |
Write It Down | Spend 10 mins daily on money thoughts | You'll see what's holding you back |
Start Small | Set aside $5-10 weekly to give | You'll feel more in control |
Set Goals | Write down specific numbers | You'll see exactly what you're working toward |
Take Action | Pick one money habit to build | You'll build confidence through doing |
"When you change how you think about money, your actions follow. That's when the real changes happen." - Rachel Cruze
How to grow out of a scarcity mindset?
Here's how to flip those money thoughts that hold you back:
Instead of Thinking | Start Thinking | Do This |
---|---|---|
"There's never enough" | "I can create what I need" | Write down 3 income ideas |
"Money's hard to get" | "Money comes from everywhere" | List every dollar that comes in |
"I can't afford it" | "Let me figure out how" | Break down the cost into chunks |
"Start with gratitude. Count what you have before focusing on what you want." - Abacus Wealth Partners
"Each time you catch a negative money thought, flip it around." - Joyce Marter, LCPC
Make It Stick:
- Note one money win each day
- Look at your accounts (no judging!)
- Share goals with a friend
- Keep a simple money log
Want help tracking these changes? The 'Rich Bitch' planner from Ink + Power comes with exercises to keep you on track.