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EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026 · 25 MIN

The Psychology of People Who Grew Up Poor

from Building Your Money Machine · host Mel H Abraham, CPA, CVA, ASA

In this episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show, I dive into the psychology behind people who grew up poor and why simply earning more doesn’t fix financial stress. If you’ve ever felt poor, even when the income is coming in, you’re not alone. I get real about how your upbringing, conditioning, and even the emotional experiences around money shape your money mindset. You’ll find out why money sometimes feels like a threat, why the anxiety lingers no matter your bank balance, and most importantly what to do about it.We explore how poverty doesn’t just empty wallets...it wires your nervous system and creates survival logic that might have gotten you this far, but it won’t carry you into true wealth. Whether you’re facing the math problem of not enough income, or the mindset problem of “thinking broke,” I reveal the step-by-step process to fix both.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why earning more doesn’t necessarily eliminate financial stressThe difference between being broke and thinking broke—and how both can trap youHow poverty and scarcity thinking wire your nervous system for survival, not wealthPractical steps to separate survival reflexes from real financial decisionsGetting clear on your actual lifestyle costs and categorizing expenses into needs, wants, and noiseThe importance of shifting from income-based to system-based thinking for sustainable wealthBuilding an unshakable financial foundation, including liquidity and debt payment strategiesAutomating savings, debt payments, and creating boundaries to protect from mindset slipsRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Psychology of People Who Act Poor When They're RichI Met 400+ Millionaires - This is what I LEARNEDOnce You Get Rich, Change These 6 Things Immediately12 Unsexy Habits That Made Me Serious MoneyWhat The 1% Teach Their Kids About MoneyRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Psychology of People Who Act Poor When They're Rich: https://youtu.be/KpZEuniVbwkI Met 400+ Millionaires - This is what I LEARNED: https://youtu.be/EwQtlsle45YOnce You Get Rich, Change These 6 Things Immediately: https://youtu.be/exgaT-fho5M12 Unsexy Habits That Made Me Serious Money: https://youtu.be/OjYgoVwFxWsORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine-a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

In this episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show, I dive into the psychology behind people who grew up poor and why simply earning more doesn’t fix financial stress. If you’ve ever felt poor, even when the income is coming in, you’re not alone. I get real about how your upbringing, conditioning, and even the emotional experiences around money shape your money mindset. You’ll find out why money sometimes feels like a threat, why the anxiety lingers no matter your bank balance, and...

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The Psychology of People Who Grew Up Poor

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This episode is 25 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 23, 2026.

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In this episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show, I dive into the psychology behind people who grew up poor and why simply earning more doesn’t fix financial stress. If you’ve ever felt poor, even when the income is coming in, you’re not...

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