Say these phrases, and most people will instantly know you’re not good with money.
Most people don’t realize how much their words reveal about their financial habits. The way you talk about money reflects how you think about it—and for financially irresponsible people, that mindset is usually a disaster. It’s not just about how much you earn; it’s about how you manage what you have. And if your vocabulary is filled with excuses, denial, and terrible justifications, it’s no surprise that your bank account is always running on empty.
Money coaches hear the same self-sabotaging phrases over and over. These statements don’t just highlight bad financial decisions—they reinforce them. The more you repeat them, the deeper you dig yourself into a hole. If you recognize any of these in your own life, it might be time for a reality check.
Changing your mindset is the first step to getting your finances under control. Stop saying these things, and you might finally stop struggling.
1. “I work hard, so I deserve to treat myself.”
Hard work is important, but using it as an excuse to make bad financial decisions is a recipe for staying broke, according to SoFi. People who say this often reward themselves in ways that undermine their long-term financial goals—splurging on expensive dinners, designer clothes, or unnecessary gadgets just because they feel they’ve “earned it.” But real financial success comes from making smart money choices, not emotional spending.
Instead of using “I deserve it” as a justification, focus on rewards that don’t wreck your budget. Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. Find ways to enjoy life while still saving and investing in your future. The wealthiest people aren’t the ones who spend every dollar they make—they’re the ones who know when to say no.
2. “I’ll start saving when I make more money.”
This is one of the most common lies people tell themselves. The idea that saving is only possible after reaching a certain income level is a dangerous mindset that keeps people stuck in financial limbo. The truth? If you can’t save when you’re making less, you won’t magically start when you’re making more. Expenses rise with income, and if you don’t build good habits now, they won’t suddenly appear later, as reported by Invest Naija.
Start with small, consistent savings, even if it’s just $10 a week. The habit matters more than the amount. Over time, as your income grows, increasing your savings will feel natural. Wealth isn’t built overnight—it’s built through smart financial discipline, no matter how much you earn.
3. “Credit cards are free money.”
No, they’re not. Credit cards are high-interest loans disguised as convenience, and treating them like free money is one of the fastest ways to dig yourself into debt. People who think this way often max out their cards without considering the consequences, assuming they’ll “figure it out later.” But that later often comes with sky-high interest rates, minimum payments that barely make a dent, and a credit score in the gutter.
Smart people use credit strategically, paying off their balance in full each month to avoid unnecessary interest, as stated by Bank Rate. If you see a credit limit as extra spending power instead of a potential financial trap, you’re setting yourself up for a cycle of never-ending debt.
4. “I’ll just make the minimum payment.”
Making minimum payments on a credit card isn’t progress—it’s a financial death sentence. Credit card companies love people who do this because it keeps them paying interest indefinitely. What started as a $500 shopping spree can turn into thousands in long-term debt just because of compounding interest.
If you’re only paying the minimum, you’re letting the bank profit off your bad decisions. Paying extra—even just a little—can make a huge difference. Prioritize your highest-interest debt first, and get rid of it as fast as possible. The longer you carry a balance, the more money you’re throwing away.
5. “I’ll just put it on my buy now, pay later plan.”
Buy now, pay later services sound like a great deal, but they encourage people to spend money they don’t have. These plans make it easy to justify impulse purchases by breaking them into smaller payments, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re still spending money you weren’t planning to spend.
If you can’t afford something today, what makes you think paying for it over the next few months is a better idea? Delayed payments don’t make the purchase any cheaper—they just spread out the pain. The financially smart move? Save up and pay in full. If that feels impossible, the purchase probably isn’t a necessity.
6. “It honestly pays for itself.”
This phrase is a classic excuse for unnecessary spending. People say this about high-end kitchen appliances, luxury gym memberships, or overpriced electronics, convincing themselves that the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront cost. But unless a purchase is actively putting money back in your pocket, it’s probably not “paying for itself” at all.
Wealthy people don’t fall for this trap. They calculate the real return on investment before buying. If you’re already in debt or struggling financially, stop justifying expenses that don’t directly improve your financial situation. Not everything is an “investment”—some things are just expensive distractions.
7. “Renting is throwing money away.”
Owning a home is a great goal, but thinking that renting is a financial mistake can push people into homeownership before they’re ready. Buying a house comes with huge costs—down payments, closing fees, maintenance, and property taxes. If you can’t afford these, jumping into a mortgage can do more harm than good.
Renting isn’t wasting money if it gives you flexibility and allows you to save. Owning a home is only a good financial move if you’re in a stable position to handle all the hidden costs. The right time to buy isn’t based on a phrase you heard growing up—it’s based on your financial situation.
8. “I’ll never be able to afford that.”
Saying this is the fastest way to guarantee it’s true. The biggest difference between people who stay broke and those who build wealth isn’t just their bank account—it’s their mindset. When you convince yourself something is impossible, you stop looking for ways to make it happen. Meanwhile, successful people ask, “How can I afford this?” and start figuring out the steps to get there.
Instead of shutting yourself down before you even try, start thinking like someone who makes things happen. Can you increase your income? Cut back on unnecessary expenses? Invest in learning a skill that pays more? Financial success isn’t about luck—it’s about action. The moment you change how you think about money, you’ll start seeing opportunities instead of roadblocks.
9. “If I make more, I’ll owe more in taxes.”
This kind of thinking is what keeps people stuck in low-paying jobs or turning down promotions. Yes, higher income means higher taxes, but it also means keeping more money overall. Avoiding more money because you don’t want to pay taxes is like refusing to eat more food because you don’t want to do dishes—it makes no sense.
The truth is, wealthy people don’t avoid earning more—they learn how to manage their taxes strategically. There are countless legal ways to reduce taxable income through investments, deductions, and retirement contributions. Instead of fearing taxes, focus on making so much money that they become a minor inconvenience, not a financial burden.
10. “I don’t need a budget—I know where my money goes.”
No, you don’t. People who don’t track their spending almost always underestimate how much they waste. Swiping a card for coffee, food delivery, subscriptions, and impulse buys might not feel like much in the moment, but over time, those small leaks drain your finances more than you realize. Without a clear budget, your money disappears into thin air, and at the end of the month, you’re left wondering where it all went.
A budget isn’t about depriving yourself—it’s about being intentional. Knowing exactly how much you spend allows you to adjust and redirect money toward savings, investments, or debt repayment. If you’re struggling with money, your first step should be tracking every dollar. Most people don’t have an income problem; they have a spending problem.
11. “Everyone has debt—it’s just part of life.”
This is a dangerous lie that keeps people trapped in financial struggle. Just because debt is common doesn’t mean it’s normal, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s necessary. People who accept debt as a permanent part of life usually end up drowning in it, making only minimum payments while racking up interest that keeps them stuck. Meanwhile, those who prioritize paying it off build real wealth while others are still paying for things they bought years ago.
Debt is a tool, not a lifestyle. The less you owe, the more financial freedom you have. If you stop treating debt like an unavoidable part of life and start treating it like something that needs to go, you’ll be shocked at how much faster you can build real financial security.
12. “I’ll invest when I have more money.”
The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they’re “comfortable” to invest. The truth? You don’t start investing after you have money—you build wealth by investing what you have now. Waiting for the perfect time only guarantees that you miss out on years of growth.
Even small investments make a difference. Putting away $50 a month might not seem like much, but thanks to compound interest, it adds up over time. The earlier you start, the easier it becomes. Wealthy people don’t wait until they feel rich to invest—they start as soon as possible so their money can work for them. If you keep putting it off, you’ll always be behind.
13. “Money isn’t everything.”
This phrase is usually said by people who don’t have enough of it. While money might not buy happiness, financial stress definitely creates misery. Saying “money isn’t everything” is often just an excuse for avoiding financial responsibility or justifying bad spending habits. The truth is, money gives you options, security, and freedom.
Wealth isn’t about being greedy—it’s about having the ability to live life on your terms. It means not worrying about emergencies, not stressing over bills, and having the freedom to make choices that align with your goals. The sooner you stop using this phrase as an excuse, the sooner you can start building the kind of financial future that allows you to enjoy life without money being a constant source of stress.