10 Money Myths You Need to Stop Believing to Get Wealthy
Riya Kumari | Jan 14, 2025, 19:36 IST
Highlight of the story: We’ve all heard the stories: "Rich people are born rich." "Money doesn’t grow on trees." "You have to work yourself into the ground to make a living." These are the myths that we’ve been fed for years. They’re like financial bedtime stories, designed to keep us safe but stuck in the same old cycles. The thing is, these beliefs don’t just make us feel bad about money—they actually prevent us from getting it.
When you grow up hearing that money is only for the lucky few or that it’s evil to want too much of it, it’s no wonder so many people stay broke. You start to believe it’s just not meant for you. Or you convince yourself that you have to sacrifice your happiness, your time, and even your self-worth to have any chance at success. And while everyone else seems to have figured out the game, you’re stuck, thinking the rules don’t apply to you. But here’s the cold, hard truth: All of those myths are total nonsense. And the sooner you stop buying into them, the sooner you can stop struggling and start building your wealth. So, let's get real for a second and bust these myths wide open.
1. Rich People are Born into Wealth
It’s the belief that trips so many people up: "Rich people are born into wealth." It’s the narrative that convinces you that unless your last name is Rockefeller, you’re never going to make it. But here's the truth: wealth isn’t reserved for the lucky few—it’s available to anyone willing to embrace opportunity. Yes, some people start with a head start. But you know what? That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live in financial mediocrity. The difference between where you are now and where you want to be often comes down to belief. Stop thinking that wealth is something you’re “not allowed to have,” and start seeing it as something you can create. You don’t need to be born into it. You just need to believe in your ability to earn it.
2. I Have to Work Hard to Make Money
The idea that you have to work yourself to death to make money is pervasive. It’s the grind. It’s the 60-hour weeks. It’s the "I'm too busy to breathe" hustle. And it’s a myth. Hard work alone won’t get you anywhere unless you’re working on the right things. You could spend your life putting in long hours, but if you're working on the wrong goals, you're not getting closer to real wealth. It’s not about sacrificing your health, happiness, or relationships to earn a paycheck. Instead, it's about focusing on smart, strategic work that brings results—not just effort for the sake of effort. Imagine the time you could save if you stopped working harder and started working smarter.
3. Money is Evil
Here’s a hot take for you: money isn’t evil. It’s a tool. A tool to do good, to create opportunities, to make life easier, to help others. Money itself is neutral. It’s the way you use it that determines its impact. If you’re holding onto the belief that wealth somehow corrupts people, you’re only giving yourself permission to stay broke. Think about it: money can give you the freedom to live your values. To support the causes you care about. To live in a way that aligns with your deepest beliefs. Money won’t make you bad or good—it will only amplify who you already are. So stop fearing it. Start understanding it.
4. I Need to Sacrifice My Happiness for Success
So often we’re told we have to choose: money or happiness. As if pursuing your dreams means sacrificing your well-being. But the truth is, you can have both. Wealth doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health, your relationships, or your peace of mind. You deserve success and joy in equal measure. You don’t need to be miserable to build wealth. In fact, happiness is the fuel that keeps you going. It helps you stay grounded, focused, and motivated. So, get comfortable with the idea that you can have it all—success and fulfillment. And if anyone tells you otherwise, just remind them: that’s a limiting belief, not a fact.
5. I’m Just Not Lucky When it Comes to Money
So, maybe you don’t feel “lucky” when it comes to money. But luck is a tricky thing. Luck is really just preparation meeting opportunity. People don’t get wealthy because they’re somehow magically chosen by the universe—they get wealthy because they’re prepared to seize opportunities when they come their way. The truth is, you create your own luck. And if you believe you’re out of the running because you haven’t hit it big yet, you’re only limiting your own potential. Opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look—and you’ll find them when you start believing in your own ability to act on them.
6. You Can’t Make Money Doing What You Love
We’ve all heard the story: "You can’t make money doing what you love." It’s the advice you get when you tell someone you want to turn your passion into a career. But guess what? You can—and people are doing it every single day. The world is full of entrepreneurs, creatives, and risk-takers who built careers from their passions. You don’t have to trade your soul to pay the bills. The key is finding a way to make what you love work for you—whether that’s building a brand, offering a service, or creating something unique. Money doesn’t require you to abandon your dreams; it requires you to figure out how to make your dreams work for you.
7. Money won’t make me happy
So, money doesn’t buy happiness—we’ve all heard this. But it sure helps you get pizza (which is close enough). Sure, money isn’t the key to happiness, but it’s a pretty darn good start. Money won’t solve all your problems, but it does give you options. And when you have options, you have freedom—freedom to make choices that align with your values, your passions, and your purpose. Let’s face it: life is stressful when you’re worried about paying rent, covering medical bills, or figuring out how to put food on the table. When you don’t have to worry about money, you free up mental space for the things that truly matter—like love, growth, adventure, and connection. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure does help you create a life where happiness is a lot easier to find.
8. I can’t have everything—money or love
There’s this pervasive belief that money and love can’t coexist. That you either build a successful career, or you find love and happiness. The truth? That’s just a story we’ve been sold. You can have both. In fact, the most successful people often have a strong support system and meaningful relationships—because success doesn’t have to be a lonely road. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting both financial success and a fulfilling personal life. The idea that you have to choose between the two is outdated. Your life can be rich in love, wealth, and all the good things in between.
9. My family’s financial struggles are my fate
Your family’s financial history does not have to be your destiny. Just because your parents struggled financially doesn’t mean you’re destined to do the same. You have the power to break the cycle. Your future is not written in your family’s past. What matters now is how you choose to approach your own financial journey. It’s not about where you start—it’s about where you’re going. You can rewrite your story. And your financial future? It’s entirely in your hands.
10. Money is hard to make
The biggest lie of all? “Money is hard to make.” It's just not true. Yes, building wealth takes work, but money isn’t an impossible mountain to climb—it’s more like a series of small steps you take toward a goal. The people who make money are the ones who believe it’s possible, who take action, and who learn along the way. Stop seeing money as this elusive, untouchable thing. Start seeing it as a resource, a tool, something you can learn to attract and use in ways that work for you. Once you do that, you’ll realize it’s not as hard as you thought.
1. Rich People are Born into Wealth
Luxury
It’s the belief that trips so many people up: "Rich people are born into wealth." It’s the narrative that convinces you that unless your last name is Rockefeller, you’re never going to make it. But here's the truth: wealth isn’t reserved for the lucky few—it’s available to anyone willing to embrace opportunity. Yes, some people start with a head start. But you know what? That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live in financial mediocrity. The difference between where you are now and where you want to be often comes down to belief. Stop thinking that wealth is something you’re “not allowed to have,” and start seeing it as something you can create. You don’t need to be born into it. You just need to believe in your ability to earn it.
2. I Have to Work Hard to Make Money
Hard work
The idea that you have to work yourself to death to make money is pervasive. It’s the grind. It’s the 60-hour weeks. It’s the "I'm too busy to breathe" hustle. And it’s a myth. Hard work alone won’t get you anywhere unless you’re working on the right things. You could spend your life putting in long hours, but if you're working on the wrong goals, you're not getting closer to real wealth. It’s not about sacrificing your health, happiness, or relationships to earn a paycheck. Instead, it's about focusing on smart, strategic work that brings results—not just effort for the sake of effort. Imagine the time you could save if you stopped working harder and started working smarter.
3. Money is Evil
Corrupt
Here’s a hot take for you: money isn’t evil. It’s a tool. A tool to do good, to create opportunities, to make life easier, to help others. Money itself is neutral. It’s the way you use it that determines its impact. If you’re holding onto the belief that wealth somehow corrupts people, you’re only giving yourself permission to stay broke. Think about it: money can give you the freedom to live your values. To support the causes you care about. To live in a way that aligns with your deepest beliefs. Money won’t make you bad or good—it will only amplify who you already are. So stop fearing it. Start understanding it.
4. I Need to Sacrifice My Happiness for Success
Rich
So often we’re told we have to choose: money or happiness. As if pursuing your dreams means sacrificing your well-being. But the truth is, you can have both. Wealth doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health, your relationships, or your peace of mind. You deserve success and joy in equal measure. You don’t need to be miserable to build wealth. In fact, happiness is the fuel that keeps you going. It helps you stay grounded, focused, and motivated. So, get comfortable with the idea that you can have it all—success and fulfillment. And if anyone tells you otherwise, just remind them: that’s a limiting belief, not a fact.
5. I’m Just Not Lucky When it Comes to Money
Rich lifestyle
So, maybe you don’t feel “lucky” when it comes to money. But luck is a tricky thing. Luck is really just preparation meeting opportunity. People don’t get wealthy because they’re somehow magically chosen by the universe—they get wealthy because they’re prepared to seize opportunities when they come their way. The truth is, you create your own luck. And if you believe you’re out of the running because you haven’t hit it big yet, you’re only limiting your own potential. Opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look—and you’ll find them when you start believing in your own ability to act on them.
6. You Can’t Make Money Doing What You Love
Footballer
We’ve all heard the story: "You can’t make money doing what you love." It’s the advice you get when you tell someone you want to turn your passion into a career. But guess what? You can—and people are doing it every single day. The world is full of entrepreneurs, creatives, and risk-takers who built careers from their passions. You don’t have to trade your soul to pay the bills. The key is finding a way to make what you love work for you—whether that’s building a brand, offering a service, or creating something unique. Money doesn’t require you to abandon your dreams; it requires you to figure out how to make your dreams work for you.
7. Money won’t make me happy
Cake
So, money doesn’t buy happiness—we’ve all heard this. But it sure helps you get pizza (which is close enough). Sure, money isn’t the key to happiness, but it’s a pretty darn good start. Money won’t solve all your problems, but it does give you options. And when you have options, you have freedom—freedom to make choices that align with your values, your passions, and your purpose. Let’s face it: life is stressful when you’re worried about paying rent, covering medical bills, or figuring out how to put food on the table. When you don’t have to worry about money, you free up mental space for the things that truly matter—like love, growth, adventure, and connection. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure does help you create a life where happiness is a lot easier to find.
8. I can’t have everything—money or love
Rich couple
There’s this pervasive belief that money and love can’t coexist. That you either build a successful career, or you find love and happiness. The truth? That’s just a story we’ve been sold. You can have both. In fact, the most successful people often have a strong support system and meaningful relationships—because success doesn’t have to be a lonely road. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting both financial success and a fulfilling personal life. The idea that you have to choose between the two is outdated. Your life can be rich in love, wealth, and all the good things in between.
9. My family’s financial struggles are my fate
Poor family
Your family’s financial history does not have to be your destiny. Just because your parents struggled financially doesn’t mean you’re destined to do the same. You have the power to break the cycle. Your future is not written in your family’s past. What matters now is how you choose to approach your own financial journey. It’s not about where you start—it’s about where you’re going. You can rewrite your story. And your financial future? It’s entirely in your hands.
10. Money is hard to make
Luxury dress
The biggest lie of all? “Money is hard to make.” It's just not true. Yes, building wealth takes work, but money isn’t an impossible mountain to climb—it’s more like a series of small steps you take toward a goal. The people who make money are the ones who believe it’s possible, who take action, and who learn along the way. Stop seeing money as this elusive, untouchable thing. Start seeing it as a resource, a tool, something you can learn to attract and use in ways that work for you. Once you do that, you’ll realize it’s not as hard as you thought.