Heal Your Money Inner Child: 3 Simple Steps for Women
As women, our relationship with money is often complicated. Many of us were raised to be careful with money, to save, and to think about the future—but at the same time, society constantly tells us that spending is a path to happiness, success, or even self-worth. Heck, women weren’t even allowed to purchased homes without a man! These mixed messages can leave deep imprints, creating what psychologists call inner child wounds around money.
What is your Inner Child?
Your inner child is essentially the emotional, vulnerable part of you that still carries the experiences, beliefs, and feelings from your childhood. According to Psychology Today, these inner child wounds can influence our adult behavior—especially when it comes to money—manifesting as overspending, fear of financial instability, or feelings of guilt around wealth. Healing your inner child is a powerful way to break these patterns and create a healthier, more empowering relationship with money.
Here are three simple steps to start healing your money inner child today:
1. Understand Your Relationship With Money
The first step is awareness. Take time to reflect on your current habits and beliefs around money:
Do you feel anxious when your bank account is low?
Do you spend impulsively to feel better?
Do you feel guilty for having money or for enjoying it?
These reactions often stem from childhood experiences—messages you received from parents, caregivers, or society about money. By acknowledging how your inner child feels about money, you can begin to understand and gently shift these patterns.
2. Talk About Money With Someone You Trust
Healing isn’t meant to be done alone. Sharing your financial experiences with a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or financial coach can help uncover the beliefs your inner child has been holding onto.
When you speak openly about money, you normalize the conversation and create a safe space for your inner child to feel seen and understood. Remember, vulnerability is a superpower—and talking about money can be one of the most liberating ways to break old cycles.
3. Forgive Yourself (And Others)
Many of our money wounds come from past mistakes or from absorbing the financial behaviors of our parents. Forgiveness is a crucial part of healing your inner child.
Forgive yourself for overspending, under-saving, or financial missteps.
Forgive family members or caregivers for the financial lessons they gave you that may have caused anxiety or fear.
Inner child healing is about nurturing the parts of you that need care, compassion, and understanding. By forgiving, you allow yourself to move forward without guilt or shame.
Conclusion: Why This Matters
Women, particularly Women of Color, often face cultural, societal, and familial pressures around money that can amplify these inner child wounds. By understanding, sharing, and forgiving, you can reclaim your financial confidence and build a positive, empowered relationship with money.