Why Your Childhood Money Stories Are Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Free)
Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought, “I’m making good money so why don’t I feel secure?” Or maybe you find yourself sabotaging your financial success, arguing with your spouse about money, or avoiding investing altogether because you’re afraid of losing it. If so, you’re not alone. And the problem isn’t your income, your investments, or the economy. It’s your money blueprint.
In this episode of The Money Ripples Podcast, I sat down with real estate investor, coach, and author Gino Barbaro to unpack the stories we carry from childhood that shape our relationship with money today.
Money Is the Symptom Not the Problem
As Gino shared his childhood memories like watching his grandmother pinch pennies or learning that only hard work equals worth I realized how many of us unknowingly repeat the same patterns.
Maybe your parents always said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” or you remember watching them argue about bills. Those moments leave a mark, creating a hidden money script that follows us into adulthood.
These stories don’t just influence our finances they impact how we show up in our marriages, our careers, and our investments. We might work harder than we need to, sabotage opportunities out of fear, or get stuck in a scarcity mindset even when we’re financially secure.
Identifying Your Money Archetype
One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Gino was how important it is to know your money archetype.
Are you a saver who can’t spend without guilt?
Are you a risk-taker who ignores caution? Or maybe you’re innocent, believing everything will somehow work out?
Without understanding your archetype, you’ll continue repeating the same mistakes no matter how much you earn. As Gino put it: “Money isn’t the problem. It’s the stories we tell ourselves about money.”
Couples: Talk About Your Money Stories
If you’re married or in a partnership, understanding each other’s money stories is even more important. When one person sees money as security and the other sees it as freedom, it’s easy for conflict to erupt. Sitting down with empathy and sharing your money memories can transform your relationship and your finances.
Gino and I both believe these open conversations should be a priority in every marriage. They don’t just help you avoid fights; they help you work together to build lasting wealth and a strong foundation for your family.
Healing Financial Trauma
Healing your relationship with money starts with awareness.
Reflect on your earliest money memories. Were they filled with fear, scarcity, or shame? How are those patterns showing up today? Once you recognize your money blueprint, you have the power to change it.
Coaching can also help Gino works with individuals and couples to identify limiting beliefs and create a healthier relationship with money so they can build true wealth without self-sabotage.
Leave a Ripple Effect
Your money mindset isn’t just about you. The stories you heal today shape the legacy you leave for your children and grandchildren.
When you break free from generational money trauma, you give your family a better starting point one built on stewardship, abundance, and intentional living.
Ready to Transform Your Money Story?
If you want to learn more, check out my latest podcast episode with Gino Barbaro. We dive deep into how your money blueprint shapes your life, how to identify your archetype, and how to start healing your relationship with money today.
Remember, you can earn more, save more, and invest smarter but none of it matters if you don’t address what’s happening in your mind. Break your old money stories, and you’ll open the door to the financial freedom you’ve been working so hard to find.