Is there a poverty gene and why you often don’t have money? Psychologist answers

Ph.D. in Psychology, founder of the online school of psychological professions “Psychodemia”

It seems simple – the more experience and work projects you have, the higher your income. But in life for some reason it happens differently: some people work hard all the time, but they do not have enough money, and others even with a small salary manage to go on vacation and take a mortgage.

Why does this happen? What does fear of money have to do with it and is there a “poverty gene”? We understand and learn how to really increase your income – without rituals and affirmations.

Why is there no money?

The feeling of constant lack of money is due to the fact that a person lives beyond his means. There are many reasons for this. The very first and most obvious one is that he earns very little indeed. The level of income is lower than the cost of living in his area.

To radically change the situation, the person will have to introduce systemic changes. For example, consider changing his place of residence – choose a less expensive region. It will be ideal if at the same time he manages to keep his salary, working remotely. You can also get additional education in a specialty that is more in demand in the labor market, and where there is a low entry threshold. This will allow you to start earning quite quickly. Perhaps already during the training.

Why is there not enough money if the salary is good? Here we are most likely dealing with other problems. For example, a person spends money thoughtlessly, not realizing his real financial capabilities. He may also use shopping as a way to reward himself for unpleasant tasks. This always leads to excessive and impulsive spending.

In some cases, a person invests money to “be like everyone else” instead of directing it to personal interests and needs. Or even worse, they want to look richer than they really are. Then all the money goes to support this image, which involves buying luxury that is unaffordable for his income level.

Who can’t save money and why?

People whose self-esteem is strongly influenced by their level of wealth may shy away from looking for and buying discounted items. Even more so, they won’t look towards things that have already been used (hand-me-downs, second hand purchases). It’s a great way to reduce a portion of their spending, but they don’t consider it.

It can be difficult for these people to give up optional spending that doesn’t make much difference to their lives, but is an indication of affluence. For example, salon manicures or taking a cab instead of public transportation. At the same time, these same people often neglect investments that could actually improve their lives: in preventive medicine; in learning and acquiring new skills; in building income-generating capital.

What is the fear of wealth?

Few people fear big money specifically, but there are those who are frightened by the transformations it will bring to their lives. For example, the usual environment and its attitude to a person will inevitably change. Sometimes people fear that they will have to work hard and spend less time on entertainment. Sometimes they are frightened by the risks associated with a change of activity. Here we are talking about a temporary decrease in income, change of status.

Such fears can become a strong deterrent to income growth. It is important to deal with them in time so that they do not get in the way. For example, invest in working with a psychologist who can help you deal with limiting beliefs.

Sometimes people deep inside themselves do not want to earn a lot, because they are afraid that it will require more responsibility. The logic is as follows: “If I earn little, then I will be demanded accordingly. If I earn more, the demands on me will be higher.

Unfortunately, the fear of responsibility and the need to invest in one’s labor is an inevitable companion of poverty. The market does not like irresponsible and unmotivated performers.

Is there a poverty gene?

Some people believe that poverty is blamed on genetics. It isn’t. Everything is decided by your financial habits, and the phrase “If you haven’t lived richly, there’s no reason to start” reflects not inborn limitations, but peculiarities of thinking and attitude to money.

“Poor” habits are the belief in insurmountable obstacles, capitulation to difficulties, ignoring opportunities, devaluing successes, not understanding yourself and your motives, fear of any risk, shifting responsibility for your life and looking for blame.

It takes the exact opposite qualities to grow wealth. The good news is, they can be developed. These are not inborn traits, but a formed worldview. It’s entirely feasible to revise it.

No affirmations and visualizations of wealth will not help you attract money if you do not learn to think and act like an investor. Namely – to reduce expenses to the most necessary, to look for opportunities for additional income at every step, and the difference to invest in the most important: in your literacy, skills, outlook, health and personal capital.

How to attract money in your life?

To significantly increase the level of income, you need to work hard. This is a truth of life. The idea that your mindset and limiting beliefs are the problem is a fairy tale for dreamers who don’t understand how economics works. The price of labor is related to its value. This, in turn, depends on demand.

How to attract money in your life? You need to understand what kind of labor is in high demand right now and learn how to do it brilliantly. To earn more in the same niche you are currently in, you need to hone your skills enough to be better than all your peers.

Assess what financial ceiling exists in your field. If you work in a library, the chances of increasing your income by staying there are almost nil. Choose niches that you could move into with your current skills and those that would be potentially interesting to you but where retraining is necessary. Compare the income ceiling in them and choose the most affordable option for you.

An important factor in income growth is the people you socialize and spend time with. The higher their average earnings, the better chance of your own as well. All thanks to the growth of opportunities and social resources around you.

But it’s not that simple either. You can’t just start making friends with the more successful and wealthy. To be in their circle, you have to work hard, start developing and investing in yourself. This includes getting an education and honing your skills. It’s also important not to be afraid to enter a new niche from a junior position. What does that mean?

You may have to assist at first, help out for free and gain experience at internships. Of course, there are sometimes challenges here too. If you have reached certain heights in other spheres, such a “fall” can hurt your self-esteem. But believe me, this way will quickly lead you to growth in a new business.

Communicate more often with those people who have an active life position, learn to look at the world through their eyes, adopt the experience and views of those who are passionate about their work and succeeded in it. Spend less time with those who live their lives in idleness and are filled with a sense of hopelessness, who do not seek to improve themselves and the world around them.

Do more of what develops you without expecting to be paid for it. Do not cling to obviously losing spheres of activity, where it is impossible to earn good money. Recognize your strengths and abilities. Do what you are best at. Then there will be no problems with money (in a stable economy).