When “Invest in Yourself” Isn’t the Whole Story

There’s a message that circulates constantly in the personal development world.

Invest in yourself. Go all in. Bet on yourself. Put it on the card.

And I want to talk about that without the highlight reel version. Because I think it’s doing some of us real harm.

I recently found someone I wanted to work with. A psychotherapist and coach who integrates trauma, somatic work, NLP, and the money story in a way that felt like she was speaking directly to the parts of me I haven’t been able to reach alone.

And then I saw the investment.

My first response was, that’s not going to work for me.

Here’s where I had to get really honest with myself. Was that a money block? Or was it wisdom?

Because as a single mom with a variable income, being thoughtful about where my limited resources go isn’t scarcity. It isn’t self-sabotage. It’s actually being good with money.

There’s a real difference between the two.

“I have the money, I feel safe, and I’m still finding reasons not to” — that’s a block worth looking at.

“I am genuinely resource constrained and I need to think carefully” — that’s reality. And reality deserves respect, not reframing.

The personal development world has gotten very good at collapsing that distinction. At making every hesitation sound like fear. At making every no sound like self-sabotage. And for women who are already carrying so much, that message can do real harm.

That said. I sent the email anyway.

Not because I threw caution to the wind. But because I asked myself a different question.

Not can I afford this.

But what is staying exactly where I am actually costing me?

That’s a different calculation. And it’s one worth making from your own quiet knowing, not from manufactured urgency or someone else’s highlight reel.

Sometimes the cost of staying stuck is higher than the cost of the investment. Sometimes right now genuinely isn’t the right time, and that deserves to be honoured too. Both are valid. Both require you to know your numbers, know your situation, and trust yourself enough to make the call.

I deeply believe in investing in yourself. I’ve invested a lot into my own growth. And I believe in it as a grounded, informed, values-aligned decision. Not as a leap of blind faith sold to you by someone whose business model depends on you saying yes.

Sometimes that means a payment plan. Sometimes it means a couple of sessions instead of a full package. Sometimes the right person meets you where you actually are, not where you wish you were.

And sometimes the most powerful investment isn’t money at all. It’s finally asking for help. Sending the email. Saying out loud, I can’t do this alone anymore.

That costs nothing financially. And it can change everything.

If you’ve been carrying your money story alone, doing the journaling, reading the books, knowing all the right answers intellectually but feeling like nothing actually shifts in your body, you’re not broken.

Maybe you just haven’t been witnessed yet.

Because doing the work alone and being witnessed in it is a completely different texture. And you deserve that. Not when things are better. Not when you feel more ready.

Right now. As you are.

Navigating Big Financial Decisions: A Personal Journey

Dear Friends and Clients,

Have you ever faced a financial decision that left you feeling torn between fear and possibility? As a financial expert, planner, and money trauma coach, I guide others through these moments all the time. And, recently, I found myself in the same position, navigating a significant monetary decision for my own business. It’s a deeply personal experience, one that brings up emotions many of you can relate to: doubt, fear, guilt, and the weight of responsibility.

I want to share my journey with you because it’s a perfect reflection of the very principles I teach. This decision challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone and invest in my growth, something we all face at different stages in life. Here’s how I worked through it, and how my values guided me toward a decision that feels full of potential.

The Opportunity at Hand

Recently, I was invited into a mastermind that could be a true game-changer for me. The investment is five figures, payable over 12 months with an initial deposit. It includes 24 hours of group coaching alongside seven other aspiring women entrepreneurs, and a two-day retreat. Having worked with this mentor before in a smaller capacity, I knew firsthand the depth of her insights and the transformative potential. I’ve been wanting to work with her extensively for a while now, and never thought it would be possible. I can imagine insights, strategies, and connections that could come from this experience, propelling my business in an exciting new direction.

Feeling the Weight of the Investment

I contemplated this investment, and while it didn’t take me as long as in the past (yay for growth!!), self-doubt still whispered in my ear, questioning whether I was truly prepared for such a commitment. Though I quickly brushed those doubts aside, I knew I was ready! It was the lingering fear and guilt that has weighed heavily on me.

The fear stems from uncertainty and potential financial strain that could accompany this decision. As a business owner and a single mom, allocating such a significant portion of my resources for 12 consecutive months felt uneasy, a lot could happen in 12 months. How would this choice impact my family and our future? And there’s the guilt, a lot of guilt. Shouldn’t this amount of money be going towards them, not me? Is it smart or delusional to have this much faith in myself? My financial responsibilities include my children, their impending secondary education, essential business expansion expenses, and, of course, I place high value on creating lasting memories and experiences.

It’s easy to let fear dictate my decisions. I found myself questioning whether this mentorship was too “expensive” for my current situation and if I was really making the best choice. The fear knocked the loudest a few days later when I found myself entering a cycle of scarcity.

Challenging My Money Story

Being deeply aware of my own relationship with money, I understand how emotional barriers can emerge during pivotal moments like this. My experiences with scarcity have instilled a mindset rooted in fear and caution regarding finances and to navigate this from a place of possibility and abundance can be challenging. When I consider the financial responsibilities of raising my children while building a business, I’ve wondered if I’m being selfish, investing in myself, am I jeopardizing their future by making this choice? Those are heavy thoughts and feelings to carry. Yet, I recognize that investing in this mentorship, is about more than just myself; it’s about them to! Creating a better future for my children, my business, and our shared quality of life. These are the things I value most.

I’ve learned to acknowledge my fears and listen to them, but I refuse to let them dictate my choices. The truth is, investing in my growth will open doors for all of us. This decision signifies my belief in the possibility of abundance, despite my past experiences with scarcity. Of which, I’m thinking another blog post around these experiences could be helpful, stay tuned!

Each day, I challenge these old beliefs and remind myself that embracing growth and opportunity is not only acceptable but essential. While the fear and guilt may still creep in, I know that this investment aligns with my values and will yield growth that benefits myself and all those I care about most.

The Potential Impact

I’ve come to view this mentorship not merely as an expense, but as a vital investment in my future and the broader impact I can make as a coach, a mom, and a business owner. The knowledge and connections I acquire through this experience can significantly improve my ability to serve my clients and support countless individuals on their journey to financial empowerment. This mentorship has the potential to spark substantial growth that far exceeds the initial cost. Could it change the trajectory of my life and career? I believe it will, in ways that are wild, expansive, and challenging.

Navigating Fear with Intention

As I worked through feelings of uncertainty, I leaned into my core values of development and growth. I reminded myself, many successful entrepreneurs have faced similar challenges, understanding that investing in themselves is key to unlocking greater potential. I reflected when I hired my first coach in 2018, for $3,500, an overwhelming amount at the time, but I was eager for transformation in my personal life and it absolutely grew me. It’s hard to say where I would be today, perhaps not even the creator of WIO, if I hadn’t gained the insights from that 4 month journey.

Taking risks is part of the journey, and to advance my vision for Wealth Inside Out, participating in a mastermind is valuable. I’ve reframed this investment as a key contribution to my personal and business development rather than a burden. This reflection aligns my financial decisions with my goals, allowing me to manage fear while focusing on the bigger picture. By making choices that honor my values, I cultivate a sense of stability while keeping scarcity in check. Though I may still feel worry, these practices help me listen to my intuition and affirm that this is the right choice.

A Call for Reflection

I share this not only to open up about my current experiences and conclude my “value over expense” series but also to encourage you to reflect on your financial decisions. Are there personal or professional growth opportunities you've hesitated to pursue due to fear, guilt, or a sense of not having enough? Could outdated money stories and habits be holding you back from the choices that could transform your life?

Remember, the journey to financial empowerment often requires overcoming these barriers and recognizing the true value of what we need for growth. Three years ago, this decision would have left me frozen in doubt. However, through dedicated work on my money story, my beliefs and how I spend my money, I've developed the tools and confidence to say “YES” to opportunities that align with my values and dreams.

Just as I invested in myself to grow, I invite you to consider investing in the guidance and support I can provide as your coach and money mentor. How can I expect you to invest in me if I haven’t made that commitment to myself? We all deserve to use money as a tool to propel us toward our greater selves. This is how we grow, by addressing our roots and working through them.

As I move forward with this decision, I embrace the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, focusing on expansion and growth in 2025, and I hope you do the same.

Thank you for being part of this community! I appreciate your support more than you know. Your referrals, positive reviews and testimonials, likes, shares, and more truly mean the world to me!

If you’d like to stay connected and receive updates, please sign up for my email list at the bottom of the webpage! I’m excited for what lies ahead for all of us!

Warmest Regards.

Your Partner and Friend in Personal Finance 🫶🏼

What investments have you been hesitant to make? Let’s continue the conversation! Feel free to share on Instagram @wealth _ insideout