Breaking the Money Myths That Hold You Back

Most people grow up hearing stories about money that feel true but actually keep them stuck. Money mindset expert Pericles Rellas breaks down why many of us chase the wrong things and how to build a healthier, calmer relationship with money.

Key Takeaways

  • Money doesn’t create happiness. It can make life easier, but it can’t fill emotional or personal gaps.

  • Your “financial thermostat” controls what you earn, keep, and feel about money. If you don’t change it, nothing else changes.

  • Your relationship with money mirrors your relationship with people. If you ignore it or take it for granted, it won’t work for you.

Notable Quotes

  1. “Money can enhance happiness, but it cannot be the source of it.”

  2. “If you want to know your financial thermostat setting, just look around at your life right now.”

  3. “Old money stories are like a jukebox. You click one button and the same song plays every time.”

Real-World Applications (with examples)

  1. Notice your automatic thoughts about money
    Example: When you feel stressed paying a bill, pause and ask, “Why am I reacting this way?” This breaks the old mental habit.

  2. Define what “enough” looks like for you
    Example: You might realize you don’t need a bigger house. What you really want is a quiet place to relax after work.

  3. Check your spending motives
    Example: Before buying a luxury bag, ask, “Do I want this, or do I want people to see me with it?”

  4. Build a committed, not transactional, relationship with money
    Example: Instead of ignoring your finances until something goes wrong, review your accounts weekly and express gratitude for what you can pay.

  5. Create new money beliefs on purpose
    Example: Write a simple statement like “Money flows to me steadily.” Put it on your mirror and read it daily to form a new mental pattern.

Money isn’t the problem. The stories we tell ourselves about money are. When you update your beliefs, clear the blocks, and get honest about what you truly want, money becomes a tool—not a source of stress or self-worth. And that shift can change everything.

 
 

Time Stamps:

00:54 Does Money Make People Happy?

02:41 Money and Identity

06:22 Generational Money Mindsets

09:01 Understanding Financial Thermostats

13:45 Relationship with Money vs. Significant Other

17:14 Healthy Money Mindset

21:13 Proper Use of Money

24:27 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

26:38 Rewiring Money Mindsets

30:47 Building a Healthy Relationship with Money

32:01 Aligning Money with Personal Values

34:20 Finding Personal Empowerment

37:54 Resources for Financial Growth

Links Mentioned:

 

About The Author

Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense. 

Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.

Previous
Previous

From the Admissions Desk to Chief of Staff: 36 Years of Campus Stories

Next
Next

Preventing and Managing Corporate Crises with FBI Negotiator and PR Comms Expert