money-mindset

The Great Generational Money Feud: Who Really Had It Easier?

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Let’s get controversial. Arguments about money between generations have become intense. Online, Boomers might say, “If you’d stop buying $7 lattes, you could afford a house!” while Millennials or Gen Z reply, “Yeah, when homes didn’t cost 14 times your salary!”

It’s easy to roll your eyes at either side. But, like most arguments, the truth isn’t black and white; it’s somewhere in the middle.

The Older Generation’s Side: “We Worked for It.”

The older generation loves to remind everyone that they worked hard for what they have, and they’re not wrong. Many of them came up during a time when you landed a job and stayed there for 30 years, maybe even retired with a pension.

They dealt with sky-high interest rates, sometimes as high as 15% or more in the late ’70s and ’80s. So yes, homes were cheaper, but financing them was a whole different kind of painful. A single percentage point (or even a quarter of one) can mean hundreds of dollars a month, and they felt that sting.

They didn’t have credit cards on every corner or “buy now, pay later” buttons tempting them daily. Vacations (if they took them) were road trips, dinners out were rare, and “keeping up with the Joneses” meant mowing your yard, not competing with Instagram influencers.

So when they look at today’s spending habits, subscription services, daily coffee runs, and designer side hustles, they see indulgence, not inflation.

And from their view, they’re right. They learned to live on less because they had to.

The Younger Generation’s Side: “You Don’t Get It.”

But the younger generation isn’t imagining things either; the math really is different now.

Yes, Boomers had higher interest rates, but they were also borrowing a lot less. A $60,000 house at 12% is a whole different beast than a $400,000 home at 7%. And that’s if you can even get approved for a mortgage with today’s debt-to-income ratios.

Millennials and Gen Z aren’t just battling home prices. They’re buried under student loans, rising healthcare costs, childcare that costs more than rent, and stagnant wages that haven’t kept up with inflation. Many of them are working two jobs or side hustles just to break even.

And while many Boomers had company pensions and affordable healthcare through their employers, younger workers are often piecing together gig income, freelance work, and 401(k)s that depend entirely on their own contributions.

Add in things like skyrocketing rent, insurance premiums, and the constant cost of staying “connected”, internet, cell phone, streaming, and apps, and it’s no wonder so many feel like they’re sprinting just to stay in place.

The Truth in the Middle

Here’s where both sides are right and wrong.

The older generation worked hard and faced real financial challenges, but they also lived in an economy that rewarded stability and consistency. The younger generation is facing costs that didn’t exist back then, but they also live in a time with more access to information, flexibility, and opportunity than ever before.

Boomers had to sacrifice convenience; Millennials and Gen Z have to sacrifice comfort. Both are valid forms of struggle.

The truth is, both generations want the same thing: financial freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to enjoy life without worrying about the next bill. They just had to play the game under completely different rules.

What We Can Learn From Each Other

Maybe the older generation could acknowledge that times really have changed and the math doesn’t add up the same way it used to.
And maybe the younger generation could recognize that some of the financial frustration isn’t just systemic, it’s also behavioral.

Discipline, patience, and delayed gratification still matter. But so does adaptability, creativity, and learning to navigate a world that moves faster than ever.

If we stopped arguing over who had it worse and started learning from each other, we might actually meet in the middle: old-school sacrifice with modern strategy.

Because financial success isn’t just about the decade you were born in, it’s about how you manage the one you’re living in.

Rewriting Your Money Story: Letting Go of Financial Fear

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

It’s no secret that our past experiences shape who we are. They influence how we view the world, the choices we make, and how we interact with money. While some lessons from the past can empower us, others can weigh us down, leaving us stuck in patterns that no longer serve us. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I can’t do this,” or “I’ll never be able to afford that,” even though you’re unhappy with your financial situation, you’re not alone. So many of us feel this way, and often, it’s because of the stories we carry from our past.

Think back to when you were a kid. What was money like in your household? Did your family worry about bills, argue over spending, or live paycheck to paycheck? Maybe you grew up hearing things like, “Money doesn’t grow on trees” or “We can’t afford that.” Or perhaps you watched someone close to you make risky financial decisions that didn’t end well. These early experiences stick with us, shaping how we think about money even decades later. It’s no wonder we sometimes hesitate to take risks or make changes—those old narratives can feel like they’re carved in stone.

Change is scary. Even when your financial situation isn’t great, the idea of doing something different can feel overwhelming. It’s like standing on the edge of a pool, knowing the water will be cold but not quite able to make the jump. What if you budget and fail? What if you invest and lose money? What if things get worse instead of better? These fears are real, and they can keep you stuck in the same cycle, even when you know deep down that something needs to change.

On top of that, there’s the weight of past mistakes. Maybe you’ve had credit card debt spiral out of control, or you took out a loan you couldn’t repay. Maybe you’ve tried to save or invest before, but it didn’t go as planned. The shame from these experiences can be suffocating, making it hard to believe you’re capable of doing things differently. But here’s the thing: mistakes don’t define you. They’re just stepping stones, opportunities to learn and grow, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.

So, how do you move forward when your past feels like a ball and chain? Start by getting honest with yourself. Take a moment to think about where your beliefs about money come from. Were they handed down by your parents? Shaped by your own experiences? Understanding these roots can be eye-opening and give you the clarity you need to start breaking free.

Knowledge is another powerful tool. A lot of fear comes from not knowing where to start or feeling like finances are too complicated. But the truth is, you don’t have to be an expert to take control of your money. Start small. Watch videos, read articles, or talk to someone who knows the ropes. Every bit of knowledge you gain is a step toward confidence.

And remember, change doesn’t have to happen all at once. You don’t need to go from zero savings to fully funding your retirement overnight. Pick one thing—maybe it’s cutting back on unnecessary expenses or setting aside $10 a week—and stick with it. Each small win will build momentum, making the next step feel a little less daunting.

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to lean on others. Whether it’s a financial coach, a friend who’s good with money, or an online community, having support can make a world of difference. You don’t have to go it alone.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to beat yourself up over where you are financially, but self-criticism rarely helps. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate the steps you’re taking, no matter how small they might seem.

Your past might have shaped how you think about money, but it doesn’t have to control your future. With some reflection, patience, and the courage to take those first small steps, you can create a new story for yourself—one where you’re in charge of your financial future and fear no longer holds you back.

If you’re ready to take that step, schedule an insight session with me and set your financial future on the right path. schedule here

Transform Your Finances from the Inside Out

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Picture this: your bank account isn’t stressing you out, you know exactly where your money is going, and you feel confident about your financial future. If this seems like a dream, you’re not alone. Many people chase financial stability, but real transformation is elusive without changing their inner beliefs and habits.

Here’s the truth: lasting financial change doesn’t start with a spreadsheet; it starts with you.

Your financial situation is more than just numbers; it’s a reflection of your mindset, habits, and choices. Many people dream of financial freedom but struggle to achieve it. Often, this is because they focus solely on financial strategies without addressing the personal growth that enables sustainable change. That’s why personal growth is essential to transforming your financial situation and how you can use it to create lasting improvements.

When it comes to finances, people often jump straight into budgeting or investing, but these efforts often fall flat. Why? Because the real issue often isn’t money itself but rather the beliefs and habits you bring to your financial life.

Personal growth is the process of improving your mindset, building better habits, and developing a clear sense of purpose. By focusing on your own growth, you become someone who naturally makes better financial decisions, who thinks long-term, and who has the resilience to bounce back from setbacks.

You’ll actively develop qualities like discipline, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence—all of which impact how you handle your money. With a growth mindset, you become more equipped to identify, understand, and overcome the mental and emotional barriers that have kept you from financial success.

When you grow, your finances start to grow with you.

Our beliefs about money shape how we use it. Maybe you believe money is hard to get, or that you’re not good with finances. These beliefs often lead to habits that work against financial success.

Personal growth often begins with a mindset shift, especially when it comes to money. People with a scarcity mindset tend to view money as something finite and fear-driven, often leading to poor financial choices. They may save excessively out of fear or splurge as a way to feel temporarily in control. In contrast, a growth-oriented or abundance mindset sees money as a tool that can be managed and grown through informed decisions and calculated risks.

Imagine if you could flip the script and see money as something within your control, something that responds to the choices you make. Personal growth teaches you to challenge these limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. By working on your mindset, you unlock the door to a whole new way of handling money—one that’s driven by intention, confidence, and hope.

Ask yourself these questions:

– Do you believe you’re capable of financial success?

– Are you willing to invest time in learning about finances?

– Do you have a long-term vision for your financial health?

Imagine looking at your finances with the same sense of purpose you’d bring to your health, relationships, or career. Real personal growth involves building habits that support your goals, and it’s these habits that lead to lasting change. Whether it’s consistently saving, saying no to impulse buys, or setting aside time each month to look over your budget, small habits can transform your financial future.

With personal growth, you’ll find yourself more focused on long-term gains rather than momentary pleasures. The patience, consistency, and discipline you develop will serve as a strong foundation for financial growth. With every wise choice, you move closer to financial security and peace of mind.

Many of us shy away from financial education because it seems intimidating. Yet, financial literacy is power—it’s the difference between letting money control you and taking charge of your own finances. Think of learning about money as a key part of your personal development. Every bit of knowledge you gain, every new financial tool you master, is a step closer to the life you want.

Start small. Read articles, listen to finance podcasts, and consider hiring a coach. Bit by bit, as your financial knowledge grows, so does your confidence and your ability to make informed decisions. Soon, those “complicated” financial concepts become tools you use to your advantage, and each step brings you closer to the financial freedom you deserve.

If there’s one thing we know about money, it’s that there will be ups and downs. From market dips to unexpected expenses, life will throw financial challenges your way. But here’s the kicker: the more you work on personal growth, the more resilient you become in the face of these setbacks.

With resilience and confidence, you stop fearing financial setbacks, and instead, start looking for opportunities. You’ll feel empowered to ask for that raise, take that new job, or invest in that business idea. Your personal growth gives you the tools to face any financial challenge head-on, and each step builds your financial courage.

Think about what drives you. If you’re honest, it’s probably not just about having more money. Maybe it’s about security, freedom, or the ability to care for loved ones. Personal growth helps you find clarity on what truly matters to you, allowing you to set goals that feel personal and motivating.

When your goals are aligned with your values, financial decisions become easier to make, and they bring more satisfaction when you achieve them. Saving for a family trip, investing in a dream home, or building an emergency fund for peace of mind—all these become more meaningful and, therefore, more achievable.

Personal growth isn’t just about feeling better about yourself; it’s about taking ownership of your life. When you grow, you develop the awareness to look at your finances honestly, the confidence to admit what needs to change, and the motivation to make it happen.

Taking responsibility means understanding that while you can’t control every financial curveball, you can control how you respond. It’s about deciding that from this moment on, you’re the author of your financial story. Each choice, each habit, each goal becomes a line in the narrative you’re building—a story of empowerment, resilience, and growth.

Your financial situation can change, but it starts within you. Money alone can’t fix a mindset; it can’t build discipline, and it can’t give you purpose. But when you invest in personal growth, you set yourself up for financial success in a way that’s fulfilling and lasting.

So start today. Grow yourself, and watch as your financial future grows along with you.

Money and Self-Worth: Are You Enough?

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Money. Just hearing the word can spark a rush of emotions. For some, it brings a sense of security, for others, it’s a source of stress, shame, or even fear. But here’s the thing: how we feel about money often goes beyond just numbers in a bank account. It’s tied to how we feel about our lives, our choices, and even our worth. Ever noticed how when your finances are in a good place, everything feels a little lighter? Or how money struggles can make everything else seem so much harder?

Let’s talk about it—and what we can do to change how we feel about money (and life).

Money has this sneaky way of messing with how we feel about ourselves. For many, money is closely tied to self-esteem. The amount we have (or don’t have) can affect how we see ourselves. When you feel financially stable, you might feel proud and confident. But when money’s tight, it’s all too easy to feel like you’re falling behind or not meeting expectations.

This sense of worth tied to money can lead to a constant need for more, thinking that happiness lies in a bigger paycheck, newer car, or a nicer house.

The truth is, while financial security can reduce stress, chasing money as a sole source of self-worth can leave us feeling empty and disconnected from what really matters.

Let’s be real—money equals control, right? The more you have, the more choices you can make. You can travel, splurge on experiences, or even help others. When you’re in control of your finances, life feels more manageable. But when money is scarce, it can feel like everything is spinning out of control.

Ever been hit with an unexpected expense and felt your whole world turn upside down?

When money problems creep in, it’s easy to feel powerless, not just over your finances but over your entire life. That feeling can seep into everything else you do, making you feel stuck. But here’s the thing—even small steps toward managing your money can bring back that sense of control. Setting a budget, paying down debt, or getting clear on where your money goes can help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

How often have you found yourself in an argument with a partner, friend, or family member over money? It’s one of the most common sources of tension in relationships because, for many of us, money represents more than just dollars and cents—it’s tied to our values, our fears, and our dreams. If your partner sees money differently than you do, it can create a disconnect.

But money can also bring people together. Working toward financial goals as a team—saving for a home, planning a vacation, or paying off debt—can strengthen your bond. When you and the people in your life are on the same page about money, it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. It’s not about how much you have but what you do with it together.

For many, the dream is simple: enough money to have the freedom to live life on your terms. Maybe that means traveling, pursuing your passion, starting a business, or just not worrying about bills every month. Financial freedom feels like the key to unlocking the life we want.

Without enough money, we may feel trapped in jobs we dislike or unable to make decisions that align with our values.

But sometimes, in chasing money for freedom, we can actually lose the freedom we already have. If you’re constantly focused on getting more, you might miss out on the joys and connections in the present moment. Remember, freedom doesn’t always come from having more; sometimes it comes from appreciating what you already have. Over-prioritizing financial gain can lead us to sacrifice time and relationships, robbing us of the very freedom we seek.

We’ve all heard it: “Money can’t buy happiness.” And while that’s mostly true, let’s be honest—money can solve some problems. It can provide comfort, security, and peace of mind. Life feels a lot lighter when you don’t have to stress about bills or unexpected expenses.

But once your basic needs are met, more money doesn’t necessarily mean more joy. The happiest people often aren’t the ones with the most money, but the ones who know what really matters to them and spend their resources (money, time, energy) on those things—whether it’s relationships, health, or pursuing passions.

So, how do we change how we feel about money—and by extension, our lives? It starts with recognizing that money is a tool, not a reflection of who we are. Ultimately, how we feel about money is deeply connected to how we feel about our lives. By acknowledging the emotional side of finances, we can take steps to improve both our financial well-being and our overall sense of fulfillment.

Here are a few ways to start changing your mindset:

– Focus on What You Have: Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, take time to appreciate the financial wins you’ve already achieved. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset from lack to abundance and can shift the focus from financial stress to appreciation for the non-material things in life that bring joy and contentment.

– Make a Plan: Whether it’s creating a budget, paying off debt, or setting a savings goal, having a clear financial plan can reduce stress and give you back a sense of control. Remember, every small step counts. Developing a financial plan and understanding your spending habits provides clarity, reduces uncertainty and anxiety, and gives you a sense of control.

– Invest in What Truly Matters: Instead of chasing more money for its own sake, align your financial goals with your personal values. Spend on experiences, relationships, and personal growth that enhance your life.

Our relationship with money is complex, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one part of our overall sense of well-being. By shifting our focus from the pursuit of wealth to the pursuit of a balanced, meaningful life, we can create a healthier relationship with both money and ourselves. And isn’t that what we’re after?

if you’d like to explore your financial mindset schedule an insight session with me! https://calendly.com/tulincu