The Poverty Trap: Are These Habits from Your Childhood Keeping You Poor?

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We all have habits we’ve been doing for so long, almost like second nature.

These habits can become ingrained and hard to break, sometimes leading us down the wrong path of self-sabotage.

This is especially true if you grew up without money.

Since everything was a struggle, there is a good chance that you are making bad decisions even as an adult because of how you grew up.

The good news is it’s never too late to unlearn those pesky destructive behaviors and pick up some new, more productive ones.

Here are ten common poor habits you are likely doing if you didn’t grow up with money and how they hold you back from living a wealthier life.

#1. Buying Cheap Things

While it may seem like a cost-effective approach to buy the cheapest items in the short term, cheap items often lack durability and reliability, resulting in frequent repairs or replacements.

This wastes your money in the long run.

When I bought my first house, I purchased the lowest-priced bath mats.

I thought I was being frugal. But the mats started falling apart after three washes, and I needed to buy a new set.

I would have saved money if I had simply bought a higher-quality set, even though it cost a little more.

#2. Short Term Thinking

Short term thinking can be easy to fall into when you are poor.

You need to focus on surviving each day as it comes, and as a result, you never develop the ability to look longer term.

The bad news is this kind of thinking can lead to poor decision-making, missed opportunities, and regret.

It’s important to unlearn this habit so that you can make decisions that will benefit your future self and help you achieve your long-term goals.

By shifting your mindset to a more long-term orientation, you can make more informed decisions, take calculated risks, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life.

#3. Distrust of Financial Institutions

There are various reasons why people without money typically distrust financial institutions.

It could be that these people tend to pay more fees because of smaller balances. Or it could be that they have security knowing they possess their money, not some institution.

But not trusting financial companies can limit your financial opportunities and hinder your ability to manage your money effectively.

While being cautious and informed about financial matters is essential, a blanket of distrust can prevent you from accessing valuable services and resources.

Building relationships with reputable financial institutions allows us to benefit from their expertise, guidance, and a wide range of financial products that can help you achieve your goals.

By developing a balanced perspective and seeking out trustworthy institutions, we can make informed decisions, protect our assets, and maximize our financial well-being.

#4. Fear of Success

Many people suffer from fear of success, but most people who grew up poor have this fatal flaw.

This is because, many times, you have to take a risk to achieve success, and when you don’t have money, this can be a scary thing.

But when you fear success, it keeps you from reaching your full potential and experiencing personal growth.

Overcoming this fear opens you to new opportunities, achievements, and personal satisfaction.

Embracing success allows you to explore your capabilities, build confidence, and create a positive impact in your life and the lives of others.

#5. The Guilt of Spending Money

When you don’t have money, it is natural that when you do, you spend on the things you absolutely need to have.

If there is something you would like to have, you probably feel guilty buying it because you know the money would be better used for things you need or to keep in case money gets tight again.

But feeling guilty about spending money can lead to constant anxiety and deprivation, preventing you from experiencing the joys and benefits of your hard-earned money.

It is important to recognize that responsible and mindful spending is a normal part of life, and allowing yourself to indulge in occasional purchases can enhance your well-being and provide you with opportunities for personal growth and enjoyment.

By letting go of the guilt, you can develop a healthier relationship with money and cultivate a balanced approach to spending.

#6. Overworking

Many believe that working harder and longer equates to success.

However, overworking is a poor habit that can negatively impact your health, relationships, and overall productivity.

Constantly pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion can lead to burnout, decreased efficiency, and increased stress levels.

 It’s important to recognize the signs of overworking and prioritize self-care to break this harmful cycle.

By unlearning the belief that overworking is necessary for success, you can lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

#7. Not Investing in Yourself

Not investing in yourself limits your personal growth, development, and potential.

Failing to invest in yourself through education, acquiring new skills, or pursuing personal passions can result in stagnation and missed opportunities.

But by investing in yourself, you gain the knowledge, abilities, and confidence necessary to navigate life’s challenges, seize new opportunities, and achieve your goals.

#8. Not Taking Everything That Has a Free Sign

Growing up, you might have picked up things on the side of the road with a free sign.

You might not have even had a use for the item, but you took it anyways because you never know.

While this seems like an innocent, frugal habit, it’s a poor habit that you need to unlearn.

Sure, there may be some hidden treasures in there, but more often than not, you’re just adding clutter to your life.

Plus, not everything free is necessarily of good quality.

You need to develop a growth mindset so that you aren’t living with a scarcity mindset that tells you you don’t have enough.

#9. Going to Work When Sick For Fear of Losing Your Job

This can be a tough habit to unlearn because you might still be working a job that does not offer paid time off.

And if you take a day off, you could lose your job.

But if you suffer from a bad cold or flu, pushing through and going to work might be a bad decision.

Exerting yourself could mean your body takes longer to get better, or you could get even more sick.

This could mean you have to take time off work, and instead of it being one day, it could be two or three.

If you are sick and fear losing your job, make sure you speak to your boss and not only leave a message saying you are not coming to work.

See if you can work overtime or on the weekend to make up for lost work if needed to keep your job.

It might not be ideal, but it will allow you to take off and still have a job to go to.

#10. Distrust of Others

It’s natural to have a healthy dose of skepticism when trusting others.

However, when that skepticism turns into full-blown distrust, it can significantly hinder personal and professional relationships.

Holding on to a deep-seated lack of trust can cause stress and anxiety, leading to resentment towards those around you.

By letting go of your distrust, you can build more profound and meaningful connections with others and create a more positive and fulfilling way of life.

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