💸 Money, Shame, and Growth: What Science Is Teaching Us

Many of us have felt that sting of regret when it comes to money — a purchase we wish we hadn’t made, debt we carry, or comparing ourselves to others. Recent research is shining light on how these feelings of shame and regret around money affect our wellbeing… and what we can do about it.

Here are a few powerful findings from new studies:

🔹 Debt and Regret: People resolving debt often struggle with regret over past financial decisions. That regret lowers wellbeing — but how we explain the debt matters. If we see it as a “personal flaw,” shame grows. If we see it as part of life’s ups and downs (external factors), we’re more likely to recover emotionally.

🔹 Shame’s Double Edge: Shame can hold us back — making us feel small, isolated, or “less than.” But research also shows it can push some people toward positive action when paired with self-compassion and self-control. It’s not about avoiding shame, but transforming it.

🔹 Financial Stress at Work: Living paycheck to paycheck doesn’t just drain your wallet — it drains your energy. Studies show financial stress directly fuels exhaustion and negative work attitudes. In other words: financial wellbeing is mental wellbeing.

💡 Takeaway for Us:

Notice when money shame creeps in — are you blaming yourself harshly?
Reframe mistakes as lessons: “That decision taught me how I want to handle money differently.”
Practice small steps of self-compassion when shame shows up.
Remember: financial wellbeing isn’t just about dollars, it’s about mental energy, confidence, and freedom.

✨ When we shift how we think about money mistakes, we can grow instead of shrink.

👉 Question for you all:

What’s one belief about money you’ve carried that brought shame — and how could you reframe it into a lesson for growth?

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