Video: Money Stories – What We Inherit & What We Learn

In this 2-minute video, Beyond Finance’s Certified Financial Therapist, Nathan Astle, explains:

• How our ideas about money are shaped
• That your habits and beliefs around money might not match your values now
• How to discover your own money story, and start challenging any beliefs that are holding you back

Transcript:

How we think about money isn’t something we choose. It’s something we pick up along the way without even realizing it. 

From an early age, we learn about money through what we see and hear, especially from our parents. Maybe you were told debt is bad, your credit score reflects your financial decisions, or not sticking to a budget is a failure.

Our ideas about money are shaped by friends, work, media — even financial institutions like banks influence how we see finances. Society shows us what “financial success” looks like and what’s “acceptable” with money. These beliefs and experiences form our “money story.”

Your money story might shape how you think and feel about money, but the habits and beliefs you grew up with might not match what’s best for you now.

Here are a few tips to help you discover your money story:

1. Think about what you’ve been taught. Take a moment to reflect on what you learned about money growing up. Write down those beliefs and see how they might be affecting your financial habits today.
2. Check in with your current values. Ask yourself if what you learned still aligns with who you are today. Identify what matters most to you right now.
3. Be open to change. If the beliefs you grew up with don’t match your values today, it’s okay to adjust them. It may take time, but making choices that feel true to you can help ease guilt or stress.

Remember, money’s not just about numbers. It’s about mindset. When you understand where your beliefs come from, you can take charge of your finances and create a money story that serves and supports you.