When it comes to money, most of us aren’t deliberately trying to sabotage ourselves. In fact, many of the thoughts we have about spending, saving, and budgeting come from a very human place – wanting to feel good, included, and in control. But some of these everyday attitudes might be quietly holding us back from making real progress with our finances.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still can’t get ahead financially, your mindset might be playing a bigger role than you think. Here are five common, completely relatable attitudes toward money that can quietly work against your goals – and how to gently shift them.

1. “Everyone else has it – I deserve it too.”

This one is super easy to fall into – from brunch plans to wellness retreats to rooftop apartments, it can feel like everyone around you is thriving. And when it seems like everyone is living that lifestyle, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out – or like you should just go for it, too.

You do serve comfort and joy. Just make sure you’re spending for you, not to match someone else’s pace. Your financial stability down the line will feel way better than a fleeting sense of keeping up today.

2. “What’s the point of saving when I can only put away a tiny bit?”

When your rent eats up half of your paycheck and groceries cost more than a car payment, stashing away $25 might feel pointless. But this mindset is what keeps a lot of people from building momentum. The truth is – consistency always beats intensity when it comes to building good money habits.

Even small savings build muscle. That $25 saved regularly becomes $1,300 in a year – and more importantly, it forms a habit that grows your income. Progress>perfection, every time.

3. “Budgets are too restrictive.”

Budgeting can feel like a buzzkill in a place where experiences, self-care, spontaneity are a big part of the culture. But in reality, budgeting isn’t about saying “no” to fun – it’s about saying “yes” to what actually matters.

Instead of thinking of it as cutting back, reframe it as giving every dollar a purpose. Want a few dinners out? Great – budget for it. Freedom comes from planning, not guessing.

4. “I saved $10, so I earned a splurge.”

Maybe you used rewards points, coupon, or shopped a sale – yay! But then that voice creeps in: “Since I saved money, I can treat myself!” Before you know it, you’re dropping $50 on takeout or an impulse buy.

Celebrate your savings in a way that doesn’t erase them. Track the wins or transfer the saved amount straight to a savings goal. That “treat” can be financial progress – and that feels pretty great too.

5. “Once I make more, I’ll get my money under control.”

With raises, side hustles, and the promise of “just around the corner,” it’s tempting to believe more money will fix everything. But more income often leads to more spending – unless your mindset is already solid.

Start with what you have now. Build habits that work on any income level, and when your paycheck grows, you’ll be ready to make the most of it, without lifestyle creep eating it all up.

If you’ve had any of these thoughts before – same. They’re incredibly common, especially in high-cost, high-vibe places like the West Coast. But awareness is the first step. With a few mindset shifts, you can feel more in control of your money without sacrificing the lifestyle you love.