Let’s talk about money.

Yep, that topic. The one we all think about constantly but rarely want to bring up in conversation. So, what made me want to open this door today? Maybe it was a recent money decision that didn’t sit right, or the weight of bills that just won’t stop showing up. Or maybe it goes deeper, like an old belief or habit that’s been quietly running the show in the background.

Because here’s the thing: money isn’t just dollars and cents. It’s emotional. It’s psychological. It’s tangled up in how we see ourselves, how we feel about our worth, and where we think we belong in the world.

A lot of us are walking around with money stories rooted in our past—stories that still shape our financial behaviors today, whether we realize it or not. If you’ve ever felt anxious when spending, guilty when saving, or just plain stuck in your financial life, it might be time to do a little digging.

What’s Your Relationship with Money?

Money isn’t just a tool for buying things, it’s often a mirror reflecting our values, fears, dreams, and even our sense of security and identity.

But let’s be honest: most of us didn’t get a crash course in healthy money management growing up. We learned through observation, repetition, and sometimes trauma.

So, take a moment to think:

Did your parents argue about money a lot?
Were you told “money doesn’t grow on trees” or that rich people were greedy?
Did you ever feel embarrassed because you didn’t have enough, or guilty when you had more than others?

These early experiences stick. And without realizing it, they can shape how we earn, spend, save, and invest. If those beliefs are no longer serving you, they might be holding you back from the kind of financial peace and freedom you deserve.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Financial Roots

Let’s go back, way back. Ask yourself:

What did I learn about money as a child?
Was money discussed openly in my home, or was it a source of tension?
Are there any major moments in my life where money played a key role?

For example, if you constantly heard “We can’t afford that,” you might still struggle with scarcity, even if you’re doing okay now. Or if your family tied their worth to wealth, you might feel like you’re never doing “Enough.”

This isn’t about placing blame, it’s about gaining clarity. You can’t change what you don’t understand.

Step 2: Spot the Patterns and Triggers

Once you’ve explored the past, shift your focus to the now.

Do you find yourself impulse shopping when you’re stressed?

Do you avoid checking your bank account because it gives you anxiety?

Do you over-give to others but struggle to spend on yourself?

These habits often come from unresolved feelings—fear, guilt, shame, even rebellion. The good news? Once you see the pattern, you can change it.

Try this: For one week, track every purchase you make. But don’t just list the items—note why you made each purchase. Was it a need, a want, a stress response, or a distraction? You might be surprised by what comes up.

Step 3: Redefine What Money Means to You

Here’s where it gets empowering.

Now that you understand your money story, you get to rewrite it. Ask yourself:

What does financial success mean to me, not to society, not to my parents, but me?
How do I want money to support my life and goals?
Am I using money as a tool for growth, or is it using me?

This isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s about making choices that align with your values. Maybe that means saving for a dream trip, building a safety net, or investing in your passion. Small shifts matter, and they add up over time.

Step 4: Create Healthy Habits That Stick

Start building habits that reflect your new money mindset.

Set a realistic (and forgiving!) budget.
Automate your savings, even if it’s just a little.
Talk to a financial coach or advisor to help set clear goals.

And most importantly, celebrate the wins. Paid off a debt? That’s huge. Stuck to your grocery budget? Amazing. Positive reinforcement builds confidence, and confidence builds momentum.

Choose Yourself. Choose Chi’va.

If you’re ready to transform your relationship with money and create a life rooted in abundance, you don’t have to go it alone. At Chi’va, we’re here to empower you to choose yourself. Our programs and resources are designed to help you understand your struggles with money, address the root causes of imbalance, and create a life you can understand.

About Chi’Va

Chi’Va is an AI-guided, self-directed mental performance platform built for high-performing individuals navigating stress, disruption, and decision fatigue. Using neuroscience-backed and somatic techniques, Chi’Va supports emotional recalibration, cognitive clarity, and sustainable leadership, without waiting for therapy openings or lingering in dysfunction. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or creative leader, Chi’Va helps you reconnect with your power and lead from a place of grounded resilience.

Have you Chi’Va’d today?

Learn more at www.chivaapp.com

Getting to the Root of Money: Unpacking Your Relationship with Wealth