Do You Have a Scarcity or Abundance Mindset Toward Money?

24 July 2025

Money. It can make us feel on top of the world or like we're stuck in a financial wrestling match with our bills. But here’s a little truth bomb: your mindset about money might be the sneaky culprit behind how your finances look. The question is—do you have a scarcity or abundance mindset toward money?

Sounds woo-woo? Stick around. It’s more grounded than you think—and it might just change your wallet’s future.

What the Heck Is a Money Mindset Anyway?

Let’s break it down to basics. A money mindset is basically your unique set of beliefs and attitudes about money. Think of it like the operating system in your brain that runs quietly in the background whenever you make a financial decision—whether you're buying a latte or investing in stocks.

It's Like Glasses—But for Your Wallet

Imagine you’re wearing a pair of sunglasses. If those glasses are dark and cracked (hello, scarcity mindset), then the world looks gloomy and limited. But if those shades are clear and bright (hello, abundance mindset), the financial world suddenly seems full of possibility.

That’s the power of mindset. It colors how you see money—whether it’s something that’s always slipping through your fingers or something that’s constantly available and growing.

Scarcity Mindset Toward Money: The Tight Fist Life

What Is a Scarcity Mindset?

A scarcity mindset is built on the belief that there’s never enough to go around. It whispers things like:

- “I’ll never make enough money.”
- “Rich people were just born lucky.”
- “If I spend this, I might not have anything tomorrow.”

Sound familiar? Yeah, this mindset thrives on fear and limitation. It’s the financial version of hoarding snacks during a zombie apocalypse—even when the pantry’s full.

Signs You Might Be Living in Scarcity Mode

- You constantly stress about money (even when your account’s not empty).
- You avoid investing or taking financial risks.
- You get anxious watching others succeed.
- You underprice your work or never ask for that raise.
- You equate spending with loss instead of value.

It’s like always expecting the next paycheck to vanish into thin air. Not fun.

Abundance Mindset Toward Money: The Open Palm Approach

What Is an Abundance Mindset?

An abundance mindset, on the other hand, is about believing there’s plenty to go around. More money? Totally possible. Financial security? Within reach. Millionaire dreams? Not just for celebrities and cute dogs on Instagram.

People with an abundance mindset see money as a tool, not a monster. They’re more focused on opportunities than obstacles.

Do You Think Abundantly About Money?

Here are the telltale signs:

- You believe you can increase your income with effort and learning.
- You don’t freak out over every unexpected bill.
- You invest in yourself—skills, education, even that surprisingly pricey course on Etsy marketing.
- You celebrate others’ success without feeling threatened.
- You treat money more like a friend than a foe.

This mindset doesn’t mean you’re reckless. It means you trust your ability to bounce back, earn more, and handle what comes your way.

Scarcity vs. Abundance: What's the Real Difference?

Let’s play a quick round of “this or that” to see how these mindsets show up in real life.

| Situation | Scarcity Mindset Response | Abundance Mindset Response |
|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Friend gets a promotion | “Why does she always get lucky?” | “Good for her! I’ll ask how she did it.” |
| Spending on a new course | “What a waste. I can’t afford this.” | “This could lead to more income later.” |
| Economic downturn | “We’re all doomed!” | “How can I adapt or pivot to stay afloat?” |
| Opportunity to invest | “It’s too risky. I might lose everything.” | “With research, this could help me grow my money.” |

See the pattern? One mindset shuts doors. The other opens them—and sometimes kicks them wide open.

Where Do These Mindsets Come From?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane (cue nostalgic music).

Childhood and Upbringing

Were you raised with “money doesn’t grow on trees” on repeat? Did your parents argue about every dollar spent? That stuff sticks. Early money experiences can plant deep roots.

Environment and Conversations

What do your friends, family, or workplace say about money? Constant negativity breeds scarcity. But being around people who talk about possibility and growth? That’s mindset fertilizer.

Past Financial Mistakes

Maybe you blew through a savings account or invested in a “sure thing” that tanked. Ouch. But if you let past flops dictate your future, you’re handing your steering wheel to your financial fears.

How to Shift from Scarcity to Abundance

Alright, so you’ve got a sneaky little scarcity gremlin hanging out in your brain. No judgment—we all do, sometimes. But the good news? You can rewire that sucker.

1. Tune Into Your Thoughts

Start by noticing your inner money monologue. Are your thoughts full of “can’t,” “never,” and “not enough”? If so, pause and reframe.

Instead of “I never have money,” try “I’m learning to manage my finances better.”

It’s not about faking it—it’s about flipping the script.

2. Practice Gratitude (Yes, Really)

Gratitude is like a gateway drug to abundance.

Write down three things you’re grateful for financially—even if it’s just being able to afford Wi-Fi and coffee. Counting what you do have trains your brain to notice wealth instead of lack.

3. Invest in Yourself

Buy the course. Take the workshop. Upgrade the skill. When you treat yourself as your best asset, money tends to follow.

It’s not spending—it’s sowing.

4. Surround Yourself with Abundant Thinkers

You are the average of the five people you hang out with most. Are your crew members always broke and bitter? Consider leveling up your circle—or at least following inspiring money mentors online.

5. Give a Little

Giving (even a small amount) says, “I have enough.” That message rewires your mindset fast.

It also reminds us that money is a tool—not something we need to clutch desperately with both hands.

Real-Life Example: Abundance in Action

Let’s say two freelancers get the same email: a client offering a low-paying gig.

- Jane, with a scarcity mindset, accepts. She’s worried no one else will offer work.
- Sam, rocking the abundance mindset, politely declines. She uses the time to pitch better-paying clients.

Fast-forward three weeks:

- Jane’s exhausted doing low-paying work with no time to seek better opportunities.
- Sam lands a client that pays double—and recommends her to others.

Mindset, baby. It’s not magic. It’s mental positioning.

The Ripple Effect: How Your Mindset Impacts Your Bank Account

Your thoughts become your choices. Your choices shape your habits. Your habits build your financial reality.

So if you think money is always slipping away, you’ll act in ways that make that “true.”

But if you believe you can earn more, attract opportunities, and grow wealth? You’ll start behaving like someone who can—and voilà, your finances follow suit.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Woo-Woo, It’s Wiring

Look, this isn’t about pretending everything’s fine while your bank account screams for help. This is about choosing to think differently so you can act differently. It’s about shifting from fear-based decisions to future-focused ones.

Abundance doesn’t mean you’re rolling in dough. It means you believe you can.

It all starts with one small shift. One thought. One decision.

So, next time you’re about to say, “I can’t afford that,” try asking, “How can I afford that?” See what changes.

Because the only thing more powerful than money itself… is how you think about it.