Money Sense 101: Lesson 7 - Rewriting Your Money Identity.

Your Financial Life Is Shaped by the Story You Believe About Yourself

This lesson gently rewrites that story.

People Inherit "Money Scripts" from Family

Money scripts are the unconscious beliefs you absorbed growing up:

• "Rich people are greedy."
• "Money doesn't grow on trees."
• "We're not the kind of family that saves."
• "You have to suffer to earn money."
• "If you have money, someone will take it."

These scripts run in the background, controlling your financial decisions without you realizing it.

Identity Shapes Behavior, Not the Other Way Around

Most people try to change behavior first:

• "I'll stop spending impulsively."
• "I'll start saving more."

But behavior follows identity.

If you believe "I'm bad with money," no budget will stick.

If you believe "I'm learning to stabilize," small wins feel natural.

Micro-Identity Shifts Feel Safer Than Big Ones

You don't have to become "financially successful" overnight.

Start with tiny identity shifts:

• "I'm bad with money" → "I'm learning stabilization"
• "I always mess up" → "I'm experimenting with new habits"
• "I'll never have enough" → "I'm building breathing room"
• "Money hates me" → "Money is a tool I'm learning to use"

Identity can change the same way a cat decides you're worthy—quietly, over time.

Gratitude Increases Prefrontal Clarity for Decisions

When you practice gratitude, your brain shifts out of panic mode.

The prefrontal cortex (the planning part) comes back online.

This means:

• Better impulse control
• Clearer thinking
• Easier long-term planning

Gratitude isn't fluffy. It's brain chemistry.

Activity: Shift One Belief with Empathis

Pick ONE money belief you've been carrying:

Example:
Old belief: "I'm bad with money."
New belief: "I'm learning stabilization."

Write it down. Say it out loud. Repeat it for one week.

Notice how it feels different in your body.

The Micro-Win

You gain a new self-permission.

And permission is the key to change.