Money Sense 201: Lesson 3 - Money & Identity: Why Feeling "Poor" Is More Dangerous Than Being Poor: Money & Identity: Why Feeling "Poor" Is More Dangerous Than Being Poor
People in poverty don't just lack money—they're told to lack dignity. You're not poor. You're underfunded. There's a difference.
You're Not Poor. You're Underfunded. There's a Difference.
The world doesn't just say you're broke. It says you're lazy, irresponsible, bad at planning, not smart enough, undeserving. And if you hear that enough times, it becomes your identity.
Net Worth ≠ Self-Worth
Your bank balance has nothing to do with your value as a human being. Poverty is a circumstance, not a character flaw.
You're not poor. You're underfunded. There's a difference.
What's the Difference?
"Poor" (Identity): When you identify as "poor," you internalize shame:
- "I'm bad with money" (identity = broken)
- "I don't deserve better" (identity = unworthy)
- "This is just who I am" (identity = permanent)
"Underfunded" (Circumstance): When you see yourself as underfunded:
- "I don't have resources right now" (temporary)
- "I'm working with limited tools" (context, not failure)
- "I'm capable—I just need opportunity" (power intact)
- "This is my situation, not my identity" (separable)
Why Feeling "Poor" Is More Dangerous
When you identify as poor, you live down to that identity:
- You don't apply for opportunities ("That's not for people like me")
- You don't negotiate ("I should be grateful for anything")
- You accept less than you deserve ("This is the best I can do")
Identity is a cage. And you lock yourself in voluntarily.
The Stories Poverty Tells You
"You Don't Belong Here" - Poverty makes you feel like an outsider in spaces where wealth is visible. You think: "They'll know I'm not like them."
"Success Will Change You" - "If you get ahead, you'll become greedy, cold, fake. Your community will reject you."
"You're Lucky to Have What You Have" - Poverty convinces you that wanting more is selfish: "Be grateful. Stop complaining. Others have it worse."
Practice: List 5 Personality Traits That Survived Poverty
Poverty didn't break you. It revealed your strength. Think about what you've developed:
- Courage — You kept going when the odds were against you
- Generosity — You share even when you have little
- Humor — You find lightness in hard times
- Resilience — You bounce back from setbacks
- Loyalty — You show up for the people you love
Now write your own list. These are wealth.
The Micro-Win
You separate who you are from what you have. Your worth was never up for debate.
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