05.01.2025 By Amy Miller, AFC®

How to Heal Your Money Story and Rewrite Your Financial Narrative

Every one of us has a “money story.” It’s the deeply personal and emotional script we carry, often without realizing it, that influences how we earn, spend, save, and think about money.

 

Your money story didn’t start with you. It may have begun generations ago and was shaped by your family’s values, struggles, and experiences. Maybe you heard phrases like “Money doesn’t grow on trees” or “We don’t talk about money,” and internalized fear, shame, or silence around your finances. Or perhaps you saw your caregivers constantly stressed about bills or lived through a financial crisis that taught you to hold your money tightly—or avoid it altogether.

As we think about the emotional side of saving, we invite you to pause and ask:

  • What is my money story?
  • Where did it come from?
  • Is it helping me, or holding me back?

_________

Step 1: Reflect On Your Financial Past

Take time to reflect on your earliest memories of money. Who managed it? What did you learn about spending, saving, or debt? How did money feel in your household—scarce, empowering, stressful, invisible?

Acknowledge that these early messages may still be influencing your current financial behaviors. Reflecting isn’t about blame—it’s about understanding.

Step 2: Recognize the Impact

These internalized beliefs show up in powerful ways. If you avoid looking at your bank account, feel guilty about spending, or believe you’re “bad with money,” your money story might be calling the shots.

Financial habits are often driven more by emotion than logic. Healing your relationship with money starts with recognizing that your story doesn’t define your future.

Step 3: Rewrite the Narrative

You have the power to write a new money story—one rooted in clarity, empowerment, and intentionality. Here’s how:

*Acknowledge the past, but don’t stay stuck in it.
*Speak kindly to yourself about money—replace guilt with curiosity.
*Set values-based financial goals that feel aligned with who you are.
*Celebrate small wins—like saving $10 or checking your credit score.
*Start simple: Use tools like the Spending & Savings Plan to build a realistic, values-driven plan.

Step 4: Seek Support

Rewriting your money story doesn’t have to be a solo project. Work with an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), financial therapist, or trusted mentor who understands that financial well-being includes emotional wellness too.

Step 5: Make Your New Story Public (If You Want!)

One powerful way to solidify your new narrative is to share it. Submit your Saver Story to inspire others who are just beginning to explore their own journey.

_________

Let today be the first chapter in a new, empowered financial journey—written by you. For more support, take the America Saves Pledge! 

 

CHECK OUT OTHER SAVINGS JOURNEYS FROM SAVERS JUST LIKE YOU

SHARE YOUR SAVINGS TIP OR STORY WITH US

If we feature you in our newsletter, you get $50.

You May Also Be Interested In...

Take the America Saves Pledge

Make a pledge to yourself and create a simple savings plan that works.

Connect to a Campaign

Connect with a local America Saves campaign for one-on-one help and to learn more about savings initiatives and events in your area.

Sign-up for ASAW

America Save at Work is a hub of information and resources to help employers promote financial wellness for their employees.

Partner News & Updates

Join the America Saves email list to receive information about engaging content and events throughout the year.