3 Simple Habits You Can Start Today to Improve Your Money Mental Health

*This page may contain affiliate links. This means that if you follow a link to sign up or make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The Overlooked Importance of Money Mental Health
When we talk about finances, we often focus on the numbers—budgets, savings, investments. But there’s an equally important side that gets less attention: our mental health around money. The way we think and feel about money has a huge impact on our overall well-being, yet it’s a topic we rarely discuss openly.

I’ve experienced firsthand how debilitating money stress can be. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of credit card debt when you don’t fully understand how to use them responsibly or leverage debt to your advantage. The cycle can be vicious—spending to feel better in the moment, only to be hit with guilt and regret afterward. This emotional rollercoaster is often driven by deep-seated beliefs and mental patterns that shape our relationship with money.

Mind-Blowing Fact: Did you know that our brains react to spending money the same way they react to physical pain? According to research published in The Journal of Consumer Psychology, the act of parting with money activates the same areas of the brain associated with pain, which is why spending can trigger such strong emotional reactions.

That’s why I’m sharing these three simple habits. They’ve helped me, and I hope they can help you too, in building a healthier, more positive relationship with your finances.

Habit 1: Start a Daily Gratitude Practice for Your Finances

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to stress, and it can transform the way you think about your money. By taking a moment each day to appreciate the resources you have, you can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. This simple habit can change the way you see your finances and reduce the negative emotions tied to spending.

How to Get Started: 5 Empowering Questions to Reflect On

1. What are 3 things you feel most grateful for with the money you earn?

2. How has your money supported your goals or dreams recently?

3. What financial decision have you made that you’re proud of?

4. How does your income help you provide for yourself and your loved ones?

5. In what ways can you see money as a tool that empowers you rather than limits you?

Pro Tip: Keep a gratitude journal where you jot down your reflections. This small, consistent practice can make a big difference in your overall money mindset.

Habit 2: Schedule a Weekly Money Date with Yourself

A “Money Date” is a dedicated time to connect with your finances in a relaxed, intentional way. It’s an opportunity to check in on your progress, review your spending, and set goals—all without judgment. Think of it as quality time with your money, where you can nurture a healthier, more positive relationship.

Steps to Get Started with Your Money Date

1. Set the Mood: Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Light a candle or use an essential oil diffuser (I love eucalyptus, sweet orange, and lavender). Prepare your favorite drink—mine is strawberry matcha latte.

2. Gather Your Tools: Have your budgeting app (like Monarch, Plenty, or Rocket Money), a notepad, and your bank statements ready.

3. Review Last Week’s Spending: Look at where your money went, celebrate any wins (like saving on groceries), and identify areas for improvement.

4. Reflect and Set Goals: Ask yourself how you feel about your spending and what you want to focus on for the next week. Set one small, achievable goal (e.g., reduce dining out expenses by $20).

5. Check Out Related Reads: Dive deeper into understanding your spending habits with these helpful posts:

   Understanding Emotional Spending: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Take Control

   Shift YourMoney Mindset: How Abundance & Positive Self-Talk Can Change Your Financial Game

   EmpowerYour Financial Journey: Tips for Women to Build Wealth Confidently

Pro Tip: Set a timer for 30-45 minutes so you don’t get overwhelmed. This is your time to connect with your money, so make it enjoyable!

Habit 3: Write a Money Love Letter

This might sound a little unusual, but writing a “Money Love Letter” can be a transformative exercise. It’s a way to express gratitude, set intentions, and shift your mindset from fear to appreciation. Writing it down makes it more powerful because it helps solidify your thoughts and intentions.

3 Steps to Get Started with Your Money Love Letter

1. Write It Down: Use a journal or a special piece of paper to write your letter. The act of physically writing can make the exercise feel more meaningful.

2. Date It and Sign It: Treat it like a commitment to yourself. Dating and signing your letter helps make it feel official and sets the tone for your intentions.

3. Be Kind to Yourself: When writing your letter, be loving and caring. Approach it with an open heart, and don’t hold back—be unapologetic in expressing your gratitude and intentions. If there’s a pressing financial issue you’re currently facing, acknowledge it honestly in your letter. Use this as an opportunity to brainstorm a possible action plan. Being specific about what’s troubling you and visualizing a solution can be incredibly empowering.

   Use This Template/Prompt:

   
   Dear Money,

   
   I want to thank you for all the ways you have supported me this year. You’ve helped me pay for groceries, cover my bills, and save for my future. I know we’ve had a complicated relationship in the past, but I’m committed to building a better, more positive connection with you. I’m excited about the opportunities you bring into my life, and I promise to use you with intention and gratitude. I trust that as I nurture this relationship, more abundance will flow into my life. Thank you for everything.
   

   With love,

   Andrea

Pro Tip: Revisit your Money Love Letter each month and update it as your relationship with money evolves.

Embrace Your Money Mental Health Journey

Improving your money mental health isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about nurturing your mindset, healing old beliefs, and building a supportive, loving relationship with your finances. By practicing gratitude, setting time for a weekly Money Date, and writing a Money Love Letter, you’re taking powerful steps toward a healthier, more abundant financial future.

Remember, you’re not just managing money—you’re cultivating a relationship with it. And like any relationship, it requires care, attention, and love.

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” — Plato

Take a moment today to try one of these habits, and watch how it transforms your connection with money. You deserve to feel at peace and empowered in your financial journey.