Welcome to the Small Business Finance Podcast — the place where we talk money, not just numbers. We dig into your mindset, your beliefs, your habits, and how all of it shapes your financial future.
The Real Reason You’re Stuck Financially
Ever said:
- “I’ll start saving when I make more money.”
- “We just can’t afford that right now.”
Here’s the truth: these statements might be the exact reason you’re stuck. Because what’s holding you back financially isn’t just your spending or income. It’s your thoughts about money.
Your beliefs become thoughts → thoughts become actions → actions create habits → and habits determine your financial destiny.
Most of these beliefs are so deeply rooted — handed down from parents, culture, and society — that you don’t even realize they’re running the show.
The Power of One Belief
I once worked with a client who made over $250K/year and still felt broke. Why? Because he believed “rich people are greedy.” So, he subconsciously found ways to sabotage his wealth to stay aligned with a belief he didn’t even know he had.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever:
- Avoided talking about money
- Felt guilty charging what you’re worth
- Hesitated to invest in yourself
- Said, “I’ll never be rich”
Let’s break down 20 of the most common toxic money beliefs — and more importantly, reframe them so you can take control of your financial future.
Section 1: Fear-Based Beliefs
Fear is one of the most expensive emotions you can carry when it comes to building wealth. Let’s reframe five beliefs rooted in fear:
1. Money is the root of all evil
That’s a misquote. The real phrase is, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” Even then, money is just a magnifier. If you’re generous, it makes you more generous. If you’re reckless, it amplifies that too. Money is neutral — it’s potential. Learn to give it purpose.
2. We can’t afford that
That phrase kills possibility. Instead, ask: “How can we afford that?” That single word shift turns on creativity and problem-solving.
3. Investing is too risky
Non-investing is actually riskier. Inflation is silently stealing your savings. Investing involves risk — but so does everything else in life. Learn. Diversify. Align with your goals.
4. Debt is bad
Not all debt is bad. Bad debt funds liabilities. Good debt builds wealth (real estate, business, cash-flowing assets). Know the difference.
5. The stock market is gambling
Gambling is guessing. Investing is strategy. Don’t chase trends — build discipline. It’s about time in the market, not timing the market.
Section 2 of Toxic Money Beliefs Are Costing You a Fortune: Toxic Myths About the Wealthy
Let’s dismantle three myths we use as self-protection that actually hold us back:
6. All rich people inherited wealth
False. Studies show 79% of millionaires are self-made. Ask: “What are they doing that I’m not?”
7. Rich people are greedy
If you believe this, your subconscious will push money away. Reframe: Money doesn’t make you greedy; it amplifies who you already are.
8. Wealthy people got lucky
Luck = preparation + opportunity. Most people don’t see the sacrifice behind the scenes. Don’t envy luck — study strategy.
Section 3 of Toxic Money Beliefs Are Costing You a Fortune: The Middle-Class Mindset Traps
These sound smart and responsible, but they keep you stuck in survival mode:
9. A stable job is the safest way to make money
No job is truly safe. Real safety is in skills, assets, and income streams you control.
10. Success = a high salary
High income doesn’t equal wealth. If you own nothing, you build nothing. Assets, not salaries, create freedom.
11. You have to work hard to get rich
Hard work matters — but leverage and systems matter more. Work smart. Multiply effort.
12. You need money to make money
What you really need: skills, knowledge, and leverage. Start with what you have and build up.
Section 4 of Toxic Money Beliefs Are Costing You a Fortune: “Responsible” Beliefs That Keep You Small
These sound wise, but they’re fear in disguise:
13. Money can’t buy happiness
Technically true. But money does buy freedom, therapy, safety, and time. That supports happiness.
14. I’ll never be rich
That’s not reality. That’s resignation. Reframe it: “What would it take to become rich?”
15. I’ll save when I make more
Nope. If you don’t save $10, you won’t save $1000. It’s a habit, not an amount.
16. Budgeting is restrictive
Budgeting is permission. It gives you freedom to spend on what matters most.
Coming Up: Retirement, Real Estate & Taxes
Next, we’re digging into beliefs that sound like financial common sense — but are actually sabotaging your long-term wealth:
- Retirement myths
- Misunderstanding taxes
- Real estate fear
- And more
Stick around, because near the end of the episode, I’ll share the one belief shift that helped a client go from paycheck-to-paycheck to six-figure investments.
Ready to Keep More of What You Earn?
Tax credits aren’t just for the “big guys.” They’re for entrepreneurs like you who are working hard to grow their businesses. The wealthy don’t just make money—they keep more of it by playing the tax game strategically. Now you know how to do the same.
Want to dive deeper? Check out Tiffany’s book, Your Biggest Expense: How to Legally Pay Less in Taxes to Keep More Wealth, for a step-by-step guide to claiming every credit you qualify for and structuring your business to minimize taxes year after year. Grab your copy at yourbiggestexpense.com and start keeping more of what you earn today.
Because when it comes to your business, it’s not about how much you make—it’s about how much you keep.
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