Unlearning Fear: A Journey Into Financial Literacy and Freedom

Money.

We need it. We use it. We worry about it.

And for many of us, we fear it.

Not in the obvious way. We fear not having enough of it. We fear making the wrong decisions. We fear falling behind. We fear the embarrassment of asking questions that sound too basic. We fear becoming the version of ourselves that’s quietly struggling.

But what if I told you that most of our financial fears aren’t really about money?

They’re about what money represents. Survival. Safety. Status. Self-worth.

So let’s pause.

Let’s unlearn the shame and start with what no one ever teaches you in school.

Financial literacy is a skill, not a trait.

It can be built. Strengthened. Softened into understanding.

And you don’t have to become an expert overnight.

You just have to begin.

The Fear Around Finances: Where It Begins

Maybe you grew up watching your parents stress about bills, or maybe money was never discussed at all. That silence still taught you something. Don’t ask. Don’t talk. Just figure it out.

Maybe you’ve always felt out of control with money, so you stopped checking your balance altogether and convinced yourself it was easier not to know.

Or maybe you’re like many of us, trying to piece together what financial security even means in a world where rent eats half your paycheck and your grocery bill feels like a trap.

But here’s what I’ve learned.

The less we know, the more we fear. And fear keeps us stuck.

Reframing Money: From Survival to Empowerment

What if we redefined financial literacy as self-compassion in action?

It’s not just about budgeting.

It’s about learning how to create breathing room in your life.

It’s setting boundaries with spending that come from self-worth, not restriction.

It’s forgiving yourself for financial decisions made in survival mode.

When we start approaching money with curiosity instead of criticism, things begin to shift.

Here are a few truths to hold onto:

• You are not behind. Everyone starts somewhere. The fact that you care about your financial wellness means you’re already taking the first step.

• There is no shame in starting small. Learning how to save even a few dollars a week matters.

• You are allowed to ask questions. Confusion isn’t failure. It’s an invitation to learn.

• Budgeting isn’t punishment. It’s freedom with intention.

Practical Steps to Begin Your Financial Healing

1. Make peace with your numbers

   
   

   Log into your accounts. Write it all down. Look at it. That first step of awareness is powerful.

   
   

2. Pick one habit to build

   
   

   It could be tracking expenses weekly, saving a percentage of your income, or using a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint.

   
   

3. Learn from people who speak your language

   
   

   Follow financial educators who make money feel approachable. (Scroll below for a few favorites.)

   
   

4. Create a financial wins journal

   
   

   Write down any progress you make toward understanding or improving your finances. No win is too small to celebrate.

   
   

5. Talk about it

   
   

   Start conversations with friends or family. Normalize learning. The more we speak honestly about money, the more we remove the shame.

Letting Go of the Fear

Letting go of financial fear isn’t a one-time event. It’s a conscious practice. A quiet decision to believe:

I can learn.

I can rebuild.

I am not defined by my past.

This journey isn’t about becoming perfect with money.

It’s about becoming safe with yourself. That includes how you manage what you earn, what you spend, and what you dream to grow.

So to the version of you that’s scared, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin:

You are not alone.

You are not failing.

You are becoming financially free. One decision at a time.

Financial Tools and Educators to Support Your Journey

💸 Budgeting Apps:

• YNAB (You Need a Budget)

  
  

  A goal-focused app that helps you give every dollar a job. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and build confidence through structure.

  
  

• Mint

  
  

  A free, beginner-friendly app that syncs with your bank accounts to help you track spending, create a budget, and set savings goals. It keeps your financial life visible and manageable.

📚 Financial Educators to Follow:

• Tori Dunlap (@herfirst100k)

  
  

  Founder of Her First $100K, Tori makes financial literacy accessible and empowering for women. She teaches everything from saving to investing in a relatable, judgment-free way.

  
  

• Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

  
  

  A former teacher turned money expert, Tiffany uses compassion and clarity to help people take control of their finances. Her book Get Good With Money and free challenges are powerful starting points.

  
  

• Ramit Sethi (@ramit)

  
  

  Author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Ramit encourages people to create a “rich life” on their own terms. His approach helps you spend intentionally and build long-term habits without guilt.