You ever notice how some people just seem to attract money?
Meanwhile, others work just as hard but can’t seem to get ahead.
Here’s a mind-blowing truth: the difference often comes down to the words you use every day.
I’m not talking about magic spells or manifestation.
This is about how your daily language shapes your decisions, actions, and ultimately, your bank account.
Let’s break down the seven phrases that are secretly sabotaging your wealth – and exactly what to say instead.
1. “I Can’t Afford It”
This is probably the most dangerous phrase in your money vocabulary.
Every time you say “I can’t afford it,” you’re telling your brain you’re powerless over money.
What rich people say instead: “How can I afford it?”
See the difference? One shuts down possibilities. The other opens up solutions.
Real example: When I wanted to take a $2,000 course that could boost my career, instead of saying “I can’t afford it,” I asked “How can I afford it?” Suddenly my brain started working:
- Could I teach some freelance classes?
- What if I did a payment plan?
- Maybe I could find a company to sponsor it?
I found the money in two months. The course led to a $15,000 raise.
2. “I’ll Never Be Rich”
Every time you say this, you’re literally programming yourself for financial mediocrity.
It’s like setting your GPS to “broke” and wondering why you keep ending up there.
Replace it with: “I’m working on building wealth”
Here’s what happens in your brain when you say “I’ll never be rich”:
- You ignore investment opportunities
- You skip learning about money
- You spend money as soon as you get it
- You don’t even try to negotiate your salary
Think about it this way: If you were playing a video game and convinced yourself you’d never beat the final boss, would you even bother collecting power-ups? Probably not. That’s exactly what you’re doing with money.
Let’s break down what actually makes people rich:
- Knowledge (which you can get for free online)
- Habits (which anyone can build)
- Time (which we all have the same amount of)
- Decisions (which you make every day)
None of these require:
- Being born wealthy
- Having a fancy degree
- Getting lucky
- Knowing the right people
Here’s the brutal truth: Some people making $30,000 a year are building more wealth than others making $100,000.
Why? Because they believe they can, so they:
- Read about money
- Save systematically
- Look for opportunities
- Make informed decisions
Change your daily script:
Instead of: “That’s for rich people”
Say: “How can I make that happen?”
Instead of: “Rich people are just lucky”
Say: “What can I learn from successful people?”
Instead of: “I’ll never have that”
Say: “I’m working towards that”
3. “I’m Bad With Money”
Listen – you’re not bad with money. You just haven’t learned how to manage it yet.
Would you say “I’m bad at Spanish” if you’ve never taken a Spanish class?
Here’s what to say instead: “I’m learning to manage money better.”
This simple switch flips everything:
- “Bad with money” = permanent trait
- “Learning to manage” = skill you can improve
Think about it – even Warren Buffett started somewhere.
He wasn’t born knowing how to invest. He learned. You can too.
4. “It’s Too Expensive”
This phrase focuses on price instead of value.
Rich people don’t ask “How much does it cost?”
They ask “What’s it worth?”
Replace it with: “Is this worth the investment?”
Let’s break this down:
- A $50 dinner = expensive
- A $50 dinner with a potential client that leads to a $5,000 contract = bargain
- A $200 course that helps you earn $2,000 more monthly = steal
Same numbers, completely different value.
5. “I’ll Start Saving Later”
This is like saying “I’ll start eating healthy after I get sick.” By then, it’s way harder.
Switch to: “I’m choosing my future over my present.”
Every time you delay saving, you’re stealing from your future self. And trust me, future you is going to be pretty annoyed about that.
Quick math:
- Save $100/month starting at 25 = $200,000 by retirement
- Wait until 35 to start = $100,000 by retirement
That’s a $100,000 mistake. Still want to wait?
6. “Must Be Nice”
This passive-aggressive phrase is poverty in verbal form.
It suggests success happens by luck, not effort.
Replace it with: “How did you do that?”
- “Must be nice” = closes doors
- “How did you do that?” = opens opportunities
- One leads to resentment
- The other leads to knowledge
Rich people ask questions. Poor people make assumptions.
7. “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees”
Actually, it kind of does.
Money grows from:
- Ideas
- Solutions
- Relationships
- Knowledge
- Skills
Switch to: “Money flows where value goes.”
Want more money? Create more value.
Solve bigger problems. Help more people.
The 30-Day Money Language Challenge
Here’s how to actually change these habits:
Week 1: Awareness
- Catch yourself using these phrases
- Write down each time you do
- Don’t judge, just notice
Week 2: Pause
- Before money talk, take a breath
- Ask: “Is this helping or hurting my wealth?”
- Choose your words carefully
Week 3: Replace
- Use new phrases instead
- Feel awkward? Good. That means it’s working
- Keep the old phrases list handy
Week 4: Teach
- Share what you’ve learned
- Help others spot these patterns
- Reinforce your own learning
Your Next Move
Start today. Right now.
Grab your phone and set a reminder for the next time you talk about money.
When it goes off, pause and choose your words carefully.
Remember:
- Words become thoughts
- Thoughts become actions
- Actions become habits
- Habits become destiny
Which phrase will you eliminate first?
Pick one and focus on it this week. Your wallet will thank you.
And hey – if you catch yourself slipping back into old patterns, don’t say “I’m bad at this.” Say “I’m getting better at this every day.”
Because you are.