3 Ways To Build Wealth By Changing Your Money Mindset From Scarcity to Abundance
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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We all have invisible money scripts in our mind that originate from how we were raised. Many of these act like financial roadmaps we subconsciously follow.
If we grew up learning a scarcity mindset regarding money, it can be extremely challenging trying to change in adulthood. Yet, it’s something we should work hard to overcome and transform.
“From what I’ve seen working with clients over the years, many people operate with a scarcity mindset without even realizing it,” said Shirley Mueller, finance expert and founder of VA Loans Texas.
“This belief system focuses on what’s lacking, worrying there’s never enough money, opportunities or resources to go around,” she said. “Shifting to an abundance mindset starts with recognizing these limiting thoughts and reframing them.”
Instead of thinking, “I can’t afford that,” she recommended asking, “How can I make that possible?” This small change rewires your approach to financial challenges, encouraging problem-solving and creativity.
“In my experience, clients who embrace this shift often feel more empowered to set ambitious goals and take actionable steps toward them,” Mueller added.
Below are more ways to change your money mindset from scarcity to abundance to help you build wealth.
Replace Limiting Beliefs With Evidence-Based Thinking
“Money mindset transformation starts with examining your earliest money memories,” said Kevin Shahnazari, founder and CEO of FinlyWealth. “Many of my clients discover their scarcity thinking stems from childhood experiences — watching parents struggle with bills or hearing phrases like ‘we can’t afford that.’ I guide them to replace these limiting beliefs with evidence-based thinking.”
One practical technique he teaches includes starting each morning by writing down three financial wins from the previous day. “These can be small, like packing lunch instead of buying it or significant, like negotiating a raise,” he explained.
“One of my clients used this practice and noticed within weeks that she stopped panic-buying during sales and started making conscious investment choices instead,” Shahnazari added. “Her net worth grew by 15% in six months simply because she approached financial decisions with confidence rather than fear.”
He noted that smart money management requires emotional intelligence alongside technical knowledge. “When we operate from a scarcity mindset, we make reactive decisions–grabbing ‘deals’ we don’t need or avoiding investments out of fear,” he said.
An abundance mindset, on the other hand, lets us step back and evaluate opportunities objectively. “I tell my clients to ask, ‘Will this purchase/investment serve my long-term wealth goals?’ rather than ‘Can I afford this?,'” Shahnazari explained.
“Your relationship with money mirrors your relationship with possibilities,” he added. “When you expand your vision of what’s possible, your financial reality expands too.”
Why Abundance Fosters Financial Growth
Adopting an abundance mindset doesn’t mean ignoring financial realities, Mueller said, it means being proactive and seeing opportunities instead of obstacles.
For instance, instead of fixating on debt, she said to focus on building a savings plan or investing in skills that increase earning potential.
“When you believe in the possibility of growth, you’re more likely to make strategic decisions with your money, such as budgeting effectively, investing wisely or negotiating for better pay,” she said. “Personally, I’ve seen clients who embraced this mindset make significant progress because they stopped operating from a place of fear and started aligning their actions with their long-term financial vision.”
Practice Gratitude and Actionable Planning
According to Mueller, one of the most practical ways to nurture an abundance mindset, is by practicing gratitude for what you already have.
“It’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing, but acknowledging progress builds confidence and reinforces positive habits.”
For example, she said she often suggests that clients keep a journal of financial wins — big or small — like paying off a credit card or sticking to a budget for the month. “From there, use those wins as a springboard to set new goals,” she explained.
“It’s this balance of appreciating the present while planning for the future that transforms how you view money,” Mueller added. “When you focus on growth rather than scarcity, your decisions become more intentional and your wealth-building potential expands.”
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