I started saving at a young age, and that’s just
how I was wired. It's not about being better
than anyone else, but rather about the unique
"money DNA" that was built into me. From the
start, I had a different processing system
than most people, which led to a deep
understanding of financial growth from an
early age.
This wasn’t just about numbers—it was tied to
my self-esteem. Was I worthy of everything I
had? While we’ll dive into that deeper later,
for now, let’s focus on how our financial DNA
shapes our ability to create wealth and
influences the way we approach money.
In every household, money is handled
differently, and this often starts with family
dynamics.
Consider Mary, whose father was extremely
frugal. He worked long hours, took on a
second job, and minimized expenses
wherever he could. However, when it came to
family outings, he would choose the least
exciting, least expensive places to go—and
would always complain about the money he
spent.
This pattern had a profound effect on Mary. As an
adult, whenever she traveled for work, each trip
triggered a sense of reward. She found herself
shopping and splurging on everything. Her
experience was a direct reflection of how her
father’s money mindset shaped her own financial
behavior. It’s a clear example of how the way we
learn to handle money early on can impact our
long-term ability to create income you will never
outlive.
Maybe you grew up in a similar situation.
Perhaps your family had a tradition of saving spare
change in a jar every night, hoping to put it toward
something special. Or maybe you remember your
mother always ordering the cheapest item on the
menu, while your father had no problem spending
extravagantly.
These experiences shape how we view money and
influence the habits we carry into adulthood. In
turn, those habits can either help or hinder our
financial growth. If we want to break free from
limiting money beliefs and build a solid financial
future, we must first recognize how deeply
ingrained these childhood experiences are in
shaping our ability to create wealth.
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