Let’s be honest: financial independence is the hot girl at the money party. She’s confident, she travels often, she has an HSA and a Roth IRA. And sure, she looks like she has it all together…
But here’s the twist most people miss: you can hit all your financial goals on paper—and still feel broke inside.
Because financial independence isn’t just about your net worth. It’s also about your self-worth. I’m not suggesting that money defines us or our self-worth, however people who value themselves tend to value their time, money, and energy.
Wait, You’re Telling Me I Can “Make It” and Still Feel Like I’m Failing?
Yup. And it’s more common than you think.
You might have:
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A 6-figure salary
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A paid-off car
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No credit card debt (go you!)
But still feel:
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Anxious when you check your account
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Guilty spending money on yourself
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Like you’re “bad with money” even though you’re doing fine
That’s because no amount of income can fix what you believe about money. Money doesn’t change what is between your ears – your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
The Sneaky Ways Emotional Baggage Shows Up in Your Finances
Think about it. Have you ever:
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Avoided checking your account because you “don’t want to know”?
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Felt judged when someone asked what you do with your money?
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Bought something you didn’t need and then felt guilty about it?
That’s not a lack of knowledge—that’s emotional programming.
Most of us weren’t taught how to think about money. We picked up beliefs like:
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“Money is hard to come by”
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“Rich people are greedy”
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“I’m not smart enough to manage my finances”
…and then we wonder why we self-sabotage the moment we start getting ahead.
True Financial Independence Starts in Your Mind
Look, you can have all the spreadsheets, apps, and investment accounts in the world—but if you haven’t worked through your money mindset, you’ll always feel one step behind.
Here’s how to start shifting that:
🧠 1. Question Your Inner Money Narrator (you know, that pesky little voice inside your head)
Ask yourself: What did I learn about money growing up?
Now ask: Was it even true? Has that belief helped me or hurt me? Am I still holding on to it? Does it serve me?
Here’s a great workbook to help you out – Money Mindset Workbook
✍️ 2. Journal Through the Fear
Write about a time you felt ashamed about money. What was really going on underneath? This is deep work—but it’s the kind that changes everything.
👑 3. Celebrate Progress (Not Just Perfection)
You paid off a card? Took a hard look at your budget? Skipped a Target run (gasp)? Or the opposite if you have built financial security: you splurged on yourself and didn’t feel guitly. That’s winning.
A Little Humor to Drive It Home…
Let’s play a game:
💬 You’re not financially independent if:
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You Venmo request your friend for $3.27 but won’t call your credit card company to ask for a lower APR. (Let’s face it, that’s just being chicken).
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You have 7 savings accounts… but can’t explain what any of them are for.
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You bring your own lunch but “accidentally” spend $237 at HomeGoods. Whoops.
Financial independence should feel empowering, not exhausting.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Chase the Numbers—Change the Narrative
You’re allowed to want more.
You’re allowed to feel good about your money.
And you’re definitely allowed to rewrite the story.
Because real wealth isn’t just about how much you make.
It’s about how you feel when you keep it.