Many of us have been socialized to think about money in ways that hold us back and ignore a critical mindset for financial freedom and security. We’ve been taught that wanting wealth is selfish, that only men build financial legacies, or that our role is to care for the family while men handle the finances. We’re encouraged to work hard and aspire to leadership positions—but not to focus on money as part of our ascent.
Take a moment to think about your relationship with money. When you were growing up, did you ever hear phrases like 'money is the root of all evil' or 'just work hard, don’t focus on money'? Were you told that having a lot of money wasn’t something girls should aim for because men bear the financial load and 'take care of the family'?
These beliefs often leave us stuck in a cycle of 'staying afloat,' and dependent on others—even if we are high earners—rather than actively growing our wealth and building financial security.
A Net Worth Growth Mindset is the one mindset women need to develop to truly break free from the mold and build financial security.
What Does Having a Net Worth Growth Mindset Mean and Why is it Critical for Financial Freedom and Security?
Net worth is a true measure of your financial health: it's what's leftover after you subtract what you owe (debt and liabilities) from what you own (cash and assets).
A net worth growth mindset is about being strategic with your finances with the goal of growing your net worth, not just earning more or spending less (although both are important!) Growing your net worth increases your financial security and gives you more financial freedom to make the choices that fit your needs. Developing a net worth growth mindset often means prioritizing debt payoff, learning how to leverage your income for long-term gains, refining your investment strategy and diversifying your portfolio.
Here are 5 ways to begin to shift to a Net Worth Growth mindset.
1. Wealth Isn’t Selfish—It’s About Your Freedom
We’ve been taught that wealth equals greed. But the truth is, financial freedom means choosing the life you want, without constant worry about money. Wanting wealth isn’t selfish—it’s about building the foundation for the life you desire.
Action
Shift your mindset: "I deserve the freedom that comes with financial security." This shift will open up possibilities for growing your net worth and building financial security.
2. It’s Not About Earning More—It’s About What You Keep and Grow
It’s easy to think that more income equals more wealth, but that’s only part of the equation. What matters is how you grow your net worth—assets (what you own) minus liabilities (what you owe). Focus on increasing what you own and reducing what you owe to make a financially stable and secure future.
Action
Calculate your net worth—what do you own versus what you owe? Set a goal to grow it over the next year, starting with small steps like reducing debt or increasing your investments.
3. Move From Scarcity to Abundance
We’re often taught that there’s not enough money to go around. But in reality, there’s no limit to how much wealth can be created. Shifting to an abundance mindset means seeing opportunities instead of obstacles.
Action
Start asking, “How can I afford the lifestyle I want?” instead of “I can’t afford the lifestyle I want.” Look for opportunities to increase your financial knowledge, invest wisely, reduce debt and get personalized guidance,
4. Make Your Money Work for You
Hard work is important, but it won’t make you wealthy on its own. You need to make your money work just as hard as you do! That means investing, growing assets, making smart debt decisions, and building streams of passive income so you don’t depend solely on your paycheck.
Action
Start small: Set up automatic goals-based savings, maximize retirement accounts, explore tax optimization strategies, and begin investing outside of your retirement plans. Let your money grow while you sleep.
5. Consistency Beats Quick Fixes
There’s no shortcut to growing your net worth and financial security. It’s about making consistent, smart decisions and seeing results over time. Consistency is the key, not getting rich quick.
Action
Commit to making a financial plan and taking intentional actions that grow your net worth and financial security. Your commitment and consistency will pay off.
Final Thoughts
Building financial security doesn’t happen overnight. But recognizing how we’ve been conditioned to think about money and developing a Net Worth Growth Mindset gives us the financial confidence to take action. Whether you're starting to climb the career ladder or already earning a high income, shifting your mindset to focus on growing your net worth and financial security will bring you closer to the freedom you desire.