Why Smart, Successful People Struggle With Money

6/18/20252 min read

Why Smart, Successful People Struggle With Money

Money isn’t just about math — if it were, most of us would have it figured out by now.

As a counsellor with a background in financial advising, I’ve worked with clients who are highly intelligent, successful in their careers, even high-earning… yet feel deep anxiety, guilt, or confusion about money.

So why does this happen?

💭 Money Is Emotional, Not Just Logical

Many of us were never taught how to manage money emotionally. We learned how to calculate interest, maybe, or how to open a savings account. But we weren’t taught:

  • What to do when money triggers shame

  • How to handle financial conflict in relationships

  • Why we sabotage ourselves even when we’re doing well

  • How our childhood experiences with money show up in our adult life.

We absorbed messages like “money doesn’t grow on trees,” “you have to work hard to deserve it,” or “rich people are greedy.” These beliefs often sit beneath the surface, quietly shaping our decisions.

💸 You Don’t Have to Be in Debt to Be in Distress

I’ve worked with clients who:

  • Earn six figures but feel anxious every time they check their account

  • Grew up in scarcity and now hoard money, unable to enjoy it

  • Fight with their partner about spending, even when money isn’t tight

  • Feel like no amount of money will ever make them feel secure

This isn’t poor planning — it’s deep emotional conditioning. And it can change.

🧠 What Financial Therapy Can Help With

Financial therapy isn’t about spreadsheets or budgeting apps. It’s about understanding the why behind your patterns, and giving yourself permission to do things differently.

We might explore:

  • Where your money beliefs come from

  • How you attach self-worth to income, debt, or status

  • Why earning more hasn’t brought more peace

  • How to communicate about money without shame or defensiveness

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.

🌱 Final Thought

If money feels like a source of stress — even if things look “fine” from the outside — you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. You’ve just never had space to explore the emotional side of it.

That’s what I offer in my work.

If this resonates, feel free to reach out. I offer flexible sessions online and in person, for individuals and couples who are ready to build a better relationship with money — and with themselves.