We hear it a lot:
“I’ve just never been a saver.”
“I don’t like taking risks – it’s just the way I am.”
“I know I should plan ahead, but I’m not really a planner.”
Totally understandable. As financial planners, we meet all kinds of people with different habits, personalities, and mindsets. But here’s the thing – when it comes to your financial future, “it’s just the way I am” can quietly become one of the most expensive phrases you ever say.
The Comfort of Familiar Thinking
We all have mental shortcuts and habits that feel safe and familiar. They’ve helped us navigate life. But sometimes, those very patterns can stand in the way of achieving what we really want.
Take the classic “I don’t do risk.” That might sound wise – after all, who wants to lose money? But it could also mean sitting in cash while inflation eats away your buying power. The result? You might end up taking a far greater risk: outliving your money.
Or the flip side – “I’m not a planner.” That’s fine in your 20s. But if you’re heading towards retirement with no clear picture of your income needs, that lack of planning can turn into real stress.
The Science Bit (But Not Too Science-y)
Behavioural psychology tells us we’re all prone to what’s called status quo bias – a tendency to stick with what we know, even if it’s not helping us. And confirmation bias – favouring info that supports our existing beliefs – means we don’t always challenge our thinking.
That’s why saying “it’s just the way I am” can act like a mental stop sign. It shuts the door on new possibilities before we even peek through the window.
What’s the Alternative?
Instead of locking ourselves into a financial identity, we can reframe the conversation. Try:
- “That’s what I’ve done up to now – but what’s possible if I tried something different?”
- “I’m cautious by nature, but how can I make that work for me, not against me?”
- “I’ve never been great with money, but maybe I’ve just never had the right kind of help.”
That’s where we come in. A good financial planner doesn’t try to change who you are – we help you use your strengths and challenge the beliefs that might be holding you back.
Final Thought: You’re Not a Fixed Point
You’re not a spreadsheet. You’re not a walking risk score. You’re a human being – with habits, yes, but also with the capacity to adapt, learn, and grow. Your future doesn’t have to be dictated by your past.
So next time you catch yourself saying, “it’s just the way I am,” try this instead:
“It’s how I’ve been but is it helping me get where I want to go?”