We’ve all heard that voice in the back of our heads saying there’s never enough—never enough money, time, or even luck. 

Sometimes, we replay the same phrases so often that they start to feel like unchangeable facts. 

That’s the power of words – they can reinforce beliefs that keep us stuck.

If you often find yourself or others around you saying certain negative, scarcity-driven statements, it might be a clue that you’re trapped in a never-enough mindset. 

Shifting your language isn’t just about thinking positive thoughts; it’s about rewiring your perspective on what’s possible. 

Let’s look at seven phrases that can anchor us to financial struggle—and how to break their grip.

1. “I can’t afford it”

Ever caught yourself immediately dismissing a purchase, an investment, or even a career move by blurting out “I can’t afford it”? 

This phrase is powerful because it stops any creative thinking in its tracks. 

When you say you can’t do something, your brain takes it as fact. 

You end up missing out on solutions or alternative approaches that could lead to growth—like seeking side gigs, negotiating better terms, or just saving up strategically.

A classic concept from behavioral psychology is confirmation bias — our brains love to confirm our own statements. 

Once you declare that you “can’t” do something, you’ll subconsciously look for evidence that proves you’re right. 

Instead of jumping to “I can’t afford it,” consider reframing your response: “How could I make this possible?” or “What’s my plan for this?” 

Sometimes, opening the door to possibility is all it takes to find a path forward.

2. “That’s too expensive”

This phrase is similar to the first, but it’s often said with a hint of resignation. 

The second something looks pricey, the knee-jerk reaction is to dismiss it as “too expensive.” 

Whether it’s a course that could sharpen your skills, a gym membership to improve your health, or a networking event to build connections, labeling it as too costly can become a convenient exit strategy.

I’m not suggesting you ignore your budget or impulse-buy everything in sight. 

But if you see long-term value in something, it might be worth creating a financial plan to accommodate it. 

Ask yourself: is it truly too expensive, or do I just need to rearrange my priorities?

3. “Money doesn’t matter to me”

I used to hear this a lot in the wellness community—people claiming they don’t care about money, focusing on “inner peace” instead. 

There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing well-being, but dismissing money entirely can lead to burying your head in the sand. 

Financial stress is a real thing, and pretending you’re above it doesn’t eliminate the stress; it often amplifies it in the background.

The reality is, the more we avoid confronting our finances, the more we feel anxious and lacking in control. 

You don’t have to obsess over money to recognize its role in your overall well-being. 

When you say money doesn’t matter, you might be downplaying the importance of stability, freedom of choice, and the resources you need for self-care. 

A healthier approach is to acknowledge money’s place in your life without making it the sole measure of success.

4. “I’m just not good with numbers”

I get it—some of us aren’t exactly best friends with math. 

But labeling yourself as “not good with numbers” can become a convenient excuse to avoid tasks like budgeting, investing, or understanding your savings plan. 

I used to shy away from handling my own finances because, hey, I was an athlete, not an accountant. 

That mindset cost me opportunities to learn how to manage my sponsorships and later, my book royalties.

Ray Dalio, a well-known investor and philanthropist, once noted that people often fail financially not because of the lack of resources, but because they refuse to address their own blind spots. 

If numbers aren’t your strong suit, there are tons of tools, apps, and online tutorials that make financial literacy more approachable. 

A few hours spent learning the basics can transform your relationship with money—and yes, your mindset, too.

5. “I deserve a treat”

I’m all for self-care, and I’ve learned the hard way how crucial it is to invest in personal well-being. 

But using “I deserve a treat” as a catch-all justification for random purchases can chip away at savings without addressing real needs. 

It’s easy to confuse mindful rewards with reflexive spending. 

If you’re perpetually broke, yet keep splurging because you’ve “had a tough day,” you’re feeding a habit that can sabotage long-term financial goals.

It helps to channel that desire for reward into more meaningful experiences or investments in yourself. 

Maybe the treat is a well-planned weekend getaway instead of spontaneous shopping sprees that leave you regretting the bill later. 

The key is to ask: am I rewarding myself for something truly meaningful, or am I self-soothing with expenses that don’t add lasting value?

6. “Everyone else gets lucky breaks”

This phrase suggests that the universe is biased, showering luck on others while you’re left behind. 

It’s the epitome of a victim mindset, and it conveniently absolves you of responsibility. 

In finance, labeling others as “lucky” can hide the years of discipline, networking, and hustle that actually propelled them forward. 

People who look “lucky” often took calculated actions and put themselves in positions where opportunity could find them. 

Instead of attributing others’ success to luck, examine the choices and steps they took—then apply those lessons to your own life.

7. “I’ll never get out of debt”

Debt can feel suffocating, especially when it’s piled high from student loans, credit cards, or medical bills. 

But saying you’ll never break free cements the idea that you’re stuck forever. 

Debt repayment is daunting, but plenty of people have climbed out of massive financial holes. 

What sets them apart isn’t a windfall or pure luck; it’s usually consistent budgeting, incremental progress, and a willingness to adjust their lifestyle.

I’ve worked with coaching clients who felt buried by their bills. 

The first step was always reframing the narrative. Instead of saying, “I’ll never get out,” they started saying, “I have a plan to reduce this.” 

Even small steps—like reducing monthly subscriptions, taking a part-time gig, or learning basic negotiation skills—made a difference. 

It wasn’t an overnight fix, but telling yourself you’ll never succeed shuts the door on hope and keeps you in scarcity mode.

Conclusion

Our words have more power than we often realize. 

Each phrase we utter can either push us toward growth or anchor us to our current state. 

When we repeat lines like “I can’t afford it,” “I’m not good with numbers,” or “Everyone else gets lucky breaks,” we reinforce limiting beliefs that shape our reality.

On the flipside, challenging these phrases—replacing them with language that invites possibilities—helps break the cycle of scarcity. 

Whether it’s rethinking your budget, learning new skills, or acknowledging that money does play a role in your peace of mind, this shift starts with small changes in how you speak and think. 

Real transformation begins the moment we catch ourselves in a limiting story and decide to write a new one. 

So, listen to the phrases you use, question them, and give yourself permission to rewrite the script. Your mindset—and your bank account—may thank you.

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