It’s easy to blame external circumstances for financial hardship, such as low wages, high rent, and inflation. But for some, the biggest obstacle to wealth isn’t the economy. It’s themselves. Many people unknowingly engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that keep them broke. It’s not because they want to be poor, but because deep down, they’re more comfortable staying there. These habits often stem from limiting beliefs about money and self-worth. Instead of building wealth, they subconsciously make choices that reinforce their current situation. Breaking the cycle starts with recognizing the behaviors that hold you back.
1. The Comfort of Familiar Struggle
For some, being broke feels normal. If you grew up in a household where money was always tight, financial struggle can become part of your identity. You may not even realize it, but you could return to familiar patterns, like overspending and accumulating debt.
2. Unhealthy Emotional Spending
Do you find yourself buying things to feel better? You may make emotional purchases as a form of self-care or to numb a disappointment. These unhealthy patterns can put you further into debt. You also may succumb to lifestyle creep. It’s not just how much you earn—it’s how you manage what you keep. Many people increase their expenses to match their income, staying stuck in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, no matter how much they make.
3. Subconscious Beliefs About Money
Do you tell yourself that you’ll never be good with money? The things we tell ourselves are the things that we believe. Deep-rooted beliefs can quietly influence every financial decision. If you believe that you don’t deserve to have money, you never will. It’s important to understand our money mindsets and change them if they are hurting us.
4. Peer Pressure and Social Identity
Your financial behavior is influenced by your social circle. If your friends live beyond their means, so might you. If you’re the only one saving, investing, or budgeting, you might feel out of place or even be criticized for it. People may subconsciously stay broke to stay accepted within their social circle.
5. Self-Sabotage
Maybe you were never taught how to properly manage money. You may be self-sabotaging without even realizing it. Do you ignore bills and just accept overdraft fees? Perhaps, you spend money as soon as you have it, instead of investing. You might even ignore financial advice or refuse to seek out help of any kind. These actions often stem from fear, low self-worth, or a lack of financial literacy.
How to Break the Cycle of Being Broke
Staying broke isn’t always a conscious choice. But for many, it’s a deeply ingrained pattern rooted in identity, belief systems, and emotional comfort. If any of this sounds familiar, these patterns can be changed. The first step is to acknowledge these behaviors and patterns. Then, you can seek to change it. You’ll have to work on changing your money beliefs and stop telling yourself lies. Additionally, you’ll have to work hard to build new habits and trust yourself to handle money wisely.
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