If you've ever found yourself stressed over finances, unsure about your money decisions, or simply curious about why you handle money the way you do you’re not alone.

In the recent Real Secrets of Money webinar hosted by Nicole Slattery in partnership with Unique Growth, participants took a deep dive into the often-overlooked realm of financial psychology. Unlike traditional budgeting or investment classes, this session focused on the “why” behind our money behaviors and what we can do to change them.

What Is Financial Psychology?

Financial psychology is the study of the beliefs, behaviors, and emotional patterns we develop around money - usually unconsciously. These beliefs often stem from childhood, shaped by our parents, societal norms, generational cycles, and even our cultural environment. For many, money isn’t just about math, it’s about identity, safety, and emotion.

1 in 4 Americans and 1 in 3 Millennials show signs of financial trauma, ranging from anxiety about checking their bank balance to fear-based decision-making that stunts financial growth.

Do You Know Your Money Story?

Throughout the webinar, attendees were prompted to reflect on powerful questions:

● What emotion comes up when you think about money - stress, hope, guilt, curiosity?

● How did your parents and grandparents talk about money?

● When you receive unexpected funds, do you feel joy, guilt, or fear?

● Do you avoid finances altogether or compulsively overspend?

Participants were invited to examine whether their money habits were rooted in a scarcity mindset (where money is limited and must be hoarded) or an abundance mindset (where money is a renewable resource, fueled by creativity and gratitude).

Identifying Financial Trauma

Financial trauma can manifest in subtle, often unrecognized ways shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and decisions about money without us even realizing it.

· Financial Avoidance – Ignoring bills or account balances.

● Overspending – Using money for emotional comfort rather than aligned goals.

● Underspending – Refusing to spend even when it’s necessary or healthy to do so.

● Lack of Boundaries – Undercharging, over-giving, or failing to advocate for fair compensation.

These trauma responses can stem from early life experiences such as job loss in the household or societal conditioning and shame. The result? Insecurity, indecision, and missed opportunities to build wealth.

How to Heal: Tools for Rewriting Your Money Script

The session didn’t stop at diagnosis, it also offered a clear path toward healing. Here are some key strategies for shifting your financial mindset:

● Label Your Emotions: Acknowledge the feeling that accompanies a financial decision to regain neutrality.

● Pause Before Purchases: Delay spending decisions to separate emotional impulses from true needs.

● Challenge Negative Beliefs: Question long-held money scripts like “I’m not good with money” or “money is evil.”

● Practice Self-Forgiveness: Let go of guilt tied to past financial missteps.

● Start Talking: Whether it’s a partner, friend, or financial advisor, open conversations build awareness and confidence.

Your net worth is not your self-worth

Healing begins with the belief that you are worthy of financial peace and prosperity, regardless of your starting point.

Next Steps: Keep the Momentum Going

To support continued growth, participants were given a downloadable reflection worksheet to help explore their money beliefs and behaviors. Attendees were also encouraged to take advantage of a free discovery session for personalized coaching and guidance in building a wealth plan rooted in confidence, not fear.

Final Thought

Whether you grew up hearing “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “rich people are greedy,” your financial mindset isn’t fixed. You are worthy of an abundant life and you have the power to create it.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

At Unique Growth, we specialize in personalized financial coaching. No minimum income. No judgment. Just real help. Whether you're dealing with debt, active investing, or simply want a roadmap that fits you, we're here to help.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation Today: https://www.uniquegrowth.org/  

Stay tuned for our next Real Secrets of Money workshop, where we’ll explore more strategies to help you live well and build wealth.

🎥 Watch the replay:https://youtu.be/tz35fO0DdJY

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