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Getting Unstuck: Rewiring Your Relationship with Money

  • Writer: Joyce Lynh Chan
    Joyce Lynh Chan
  • Mar 17
  • 3 min read

How Do You Define "Stuck"?


When you think about feeling stuck, what comes to mind? Is it a sense of disconnection, where you feel detached from something important? Maybe it’s boredom, like you’re running on autopilot with no real progress. Or perhaps it’s uncertainty about the future, leaving you unsure of what steps to take next.


Feeling stuck can show up in any area of life, but one of the most common and most stressful relationships people struggle with is money.



coin spilling out of jar


What Does It Mean to Be Stuck in a Financial Relationship?


Your relationship with money isn’t just about numbers in a bank account—it’s about emotions, habits, and beliefs. Feeling stuck financially can look like:


  • Living paycheck to paycheck with no clear way forward


  • Avoiding financial decisions due to fear or overwhelm


  • Repeating the same spending or saving patterns without progress


  • Feeling controlled by debt or financial obligations


  • Tying self-worth to financial success or failure


For some, being stuck means feeling powerless—trapped by past financial mistakes or uncertain about how to move forward. For others, it means feeling disconnected from their financial goals or lacking confidence in managing money.


Why Do We Get Stuck With Money?


There are many reasons why financial struggles can feel impossible to overcome. Some of the most common include:


  1. Learned Money Habits – Many people develop financial habits based on what they saw growing up. If financial stress, scarcity, or avoidance was common in childhood, those patterns can continue into adulthood.


  2. Fear and Avoidance – Money can be an overwhelming topic, and avoiding it often feels easier than confronting financial realities. This can lead to a cycle of inaction, where problems grow rather than improve.


  3. Emotional Spending or Restriction – Some people use spending as a way to cope with stress, while others feel guilty about spending anything at all. Both extremes can create a stuck financial mindset.


  4. Unclear Goals – Without a clear vision for what financial success means personally, it’s easy to fall into patterns that feel unfulfilling or directionless.



How to Get Unstuck and Build a Healthier Relationship with Money


  1. Identify Your Money Story – Take time to reflect on the messages you’ve internalized about money. Where did they come from? Are they helping or holding you back?


  2. Face the Numbers – Looking at financial statements, debts, or savings can be uncomfortable, but clarity is the first step to change.


  3. Shift from Scarcity to Growth – Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get ahead,” reframe the mindset to, “What small steps can I take to improve my financial situation?”


  4. Create Small, Actionable Goals – Big financial goals can feel overwhelming. Start small—whether it’s tracking expenses, saving a small amount each month, or setting up a budget that aligns with personal values.


  5. Seek Support if Needed – Whether through financial education, professional guidance, or open conversations with trusted individuals, getting unstuck often starts with reaching out.



    growing relationship with money



For Those Who Need Support


Money challenges can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. I offer group sessions where we explore financial mindset shifts, emotional spending patterns, and practical strategies to break free from financial stagnation. These sessions provide a supportive space to learn, grow, and connect with others facing similar challenges.


If you're feeling stuck in your financial relationship and unsure of how to move forward, let’s talk. I’m offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore what’s keeping you stuck and how to create a better balance.


Visit betterbalance.biz to schedule your free consultation and learn more about my group sessions.


 
 
 

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