Have you ever taken a close, honest look at your financial situation? It can be eye-opening. Cultivating a healthy money mindset empowers you to build wealth across all aspects of life.
What is a money mindset? Scarcity vs. abundance
As entrepreneur and author Marie Forleo explains, your money mindset encompasses your conscious and unconscious beliefs about money. Fundamentally, there are two perspectives: scarcity or abundance. A scarcity mindset views money as limited—believing you're no good with finances, others always have more, you lack control, and success requires constant struggle. In contrast, an abundance mindset fosters self-confidence, openness to opportunities, a desire to learn, and the conviction that you are capable. This mindset shapes how you earn, save, spend, and share money. 'Money can be a source of stress, anxiety, and impediment, as well as a wonderful tool for solving problems, living generously, and changing the world,' Forleo notes on MarieForleo.com.
Let money work for you
Earning through work isn't the only path to income growth. Consistent small, bold steps can accelerate your progress. Dutch finance expert Renée Lamboo of Porterenee.nl shares her experience: 'When I started tracking my finances, I was deeply in debt with no help or advice. I began anyway, reviewed regularly, and soon saw results—first small, then substantial.' Lamboo emphasizes there's no such thing as being inherently 'bad with money.' Start by organizing your finances and taking incremental actions.
Build your knowledge
Schools rarely teach investing, saving, or other essential financial skills, leaving topics like mortgages, debt repayment, crypto, and ETFs confusing for many. Begin with accessible resources: books, finance bloggers, or workshops. Focus on one goal, such as 'saving €100 by month's end' or 'starting to invest.' This approach naturally builds a network of information, knowledge, and inspiration tailored to your journey toward financial well-being.
Draw inspiration from others
Surround yourself with people who reframe your view of money—in person or online. Follow 'financefluencers' on Instagram who freely share strategies to optimize your wealth, no matter your starting point.
Start talking about money
'The key is openness about money. Even in recent years, people seem more comfortable discussing sex than finances—isn't that unfortunate?' Lamboo told the AD. Research from Nationale Nederlanden reveals it's easier to discuss funerals than money. Like sex, money affects us daily, so why not share? Talk with open friends or family about salary negotiations, saving tips, or investing—sharing knowledge enriches everyone.
By Emma Verweij
