Phrases about money heard in childhood often shape attitudes towards finances for years to come. Seemingly harmless statements like "Money is evil" or "If you haven't lived richly, there's no point in starting" can become ingrained in the subconscious and influence decisions in adulthood. Children perceive their parents' words as unconditional truth. Over time, these beliefs turn into internal limitations that hinder asking for a raise, launching projects, or striving for higher income.
Expert: Elena Shepel, financial mindset mentor
What is the "Psychology of Poverty"
In psychology, the terms "poverty syndrome" or "scarcity mindset" are used — this is a way of perceiving money through fear, anxiety, and the expectation of lack. A person focuses on risks, avoids investments, and fears financial growth.
Among the common beliefs that can be harmful:
"Money is evil"
This phrase creates an internal conflict: the desire to earn clashes with feelings of guilt or shame.
"You can't earn big money honestly"
Such a belief reinforces the idea that financial success is associated with dishonesty and subconsciously limits the desire for growth.
"Money is earned only through hard work"
This belief can hinder the search for new sources of income and more effective ways of earning.
"We can't afford that"
A phrase repeated in childhood strengthens the feeling of constant scarcity and teaches to suppress desires.
"A penny saved is a penny earned"
Frugality is important, but excessive focus on small expenses can distract from strategies for increasing income.
Why This Affects Adult Life
People with a scarcity mindset are more often focused on surviving "from paycheck to paycheck," avoid long-term planning, and fear financial decisions. At the same time, they may take impulsive steps — for example, taking out loans on unfavorable terms.
What Can Be Changed
The expert advises first to determine whose voice the limiting phrase sounds like. Then — to understand in what circumstances it was formed. Often such beliefs arose in conditions of instability and were passed down with care.
The next step is to rephrase the belief so that it reflects the current reality. For example, instead of "Money slips through my fingers like sand" — "I have enough resources for what is truly important to me." It is important to reinforce the new belief with personal experience so that the psyche begins to perceive it as reality.
Conscious work with financial beliefs helps reduce anxiety and build a more sustainable relationship with money.
5 Harmful Quotes from Soviet Cinema for Mindset
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"We are well-fed here too!" ("The Return of the Prodigal Parrot")
Why not to use: Subconsciously fosters passivity: "Don't ask for more. Be content with what you have!" -
"If you haven't lived richly, there's no point in starting" ("Love and Pigeons")
Why not to use: A typical example of the "philosophy of poverty." It's not worth dreaming to avoid disappointment later. -
"You need to work, not count money" ("Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears")
Why not to use: Separates labor from its result, as if earning is something secondary. -
"Modesty adorns a person" ("Carnival Night")
Why not to use: Many people grew up with the belief that being proactive and having ambitions is bad. -
"Dreams are for romantics" ("Office Romance")
Why not to use: Hinders entrepreneurial thinking and the desire to set important goals.
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