How to Reframe "I’m Bad with Money"

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just bad with money”?

If so, you’re not alone — but I want to gently challenge that belief today. Because what if the problem isn’t you, but the story you've been telling yourself?

As a financial coach, one of the first things I help my clients do is reframe this kind of thinking. Why? Because how you speak about yourself directly shapes your habits, your confidence, and your results. So let’s talk about how to shift this damaging phrase into something that empowers you.

1. Recognize It’s a Learned Belief, Not a Fact

“I’m bad with money” usually isn’t something we’re born believing — it’s something we absorb through experience, mistakes, or what we’ve seen growing up.

Maybe no one ever taught you how to budget.
Maybe you’ve struggled with debt.
Maybe you’ve felt ashamed after impulse spending.

These experiences can plant the belief that you’re just not “good at money.” But guess what? That’s not a personality trait — it’s a skillset. And skills can be learned.

2. Reframe the Story: Try These Powerful Alternatives

Here are some phrases you can try instead:

• “I’m still learning how to manage my money.”

• “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m growing.”

• “I’m building new habits that support my financial goals.”

• “I’m getting better with money every day.”

Each of these statements acknowledges progress, not failure. They make space for your growth, not your shame.

3. Understand That Money Management Is a Journey

No one becomes a financial expert overnight. Managing money is like learning a new language — it takes time, patience, and practice. Every step you take, no matter how small, is progress.

If you've ever bounced a check, maxed out a credit card, or lived paycheck to paycheck, it doesn’t mean you’re bad with money. It means you’re human. Those experiences don’t disqualify you from financial success — they qualify you to learn, grow, and make different choices moving forward.

4. Focus on What You Can Do

Instead of beating yourself up over past mistakes, shift your focus to what you can start doing today:

• Track your spending for the next 7 days

• Set one small, doable money goal (like saving $10 a week)

• Watch a short video or read a blog (like this one!) on budgeting or debt

• Schedule a call with a financial coach for support and accountability

These small actions build confidence and momentum. The more you take, the more you'll start to believe: “Hey, I can actually do this.”

5. Give Yourself Some Credit (Seriously)

You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not bad with money.

You are someone who cares enough to want change. You’re reading this blog right now, and that means something. It means you're taking a step forward — and I celebrate that with you.

Final Thoughts

The way we talk about ourselves becomes the way we see ourselves. When you reframe “I’m bad with money” into something hopeful and empowering, you open the door to real, lasting change.

So try it. Just for today, swap out the criticism for curiosity. Replace judgment with grace. You are not bad with money — you're just getting started.

And if you ever need a guide or some encouragement along the way, I’m here. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.

—
Kylee Ogden, Financial Coach
Arctic Rose Financial Coaching
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