What Does It Really Mean to Act Wealthy? A Journal Exercise to Build Financial Confidence

What Does It Really Mean to Act Wealthy?

If you’ve ever explored manifestation or mindset work around money, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “Act like a wealthy person.” 

While listening to an astrology reader I follow on TikTok, she said the same thing in my horoscope reading. And then she asked, what does that even mean? Which, I thought was fabulously funny as I am listening to astrological, manifestation guidance, and she couldn’t assist. So, I did some research for readers and clients who want to manifest wealth in the new year. (Make sure to read to the end for book recommendations about wealth.)

What does “act like a wealthy person” actually mean in real life?

·      Does it mean spending money you don’t have?

·      Ignoring debt?

·      Pretending everything is fine while feeling anxious behind the scenes?

The answer is NO. This is where so many people get stuck.

True wealth isn’t about appearance. It’s about financial confidence, emotional regulation, and intentional decision-making. Acting wealthy means becoming the kind of person who can sustain wealth — not just attract it.

This guided journal exercise is designed to help you shift your financial identity in a grounded, realistic way.

Acting Wealthy vs. Performing Wealth

There’s a major difference between embodying wealth and performing wealth.

Performing wealth looks like:

• Overspending to feel successful

• Avoiding financial reality

• Chasing status instead of stability

  
  

Acting wealthy, on the other hand, looks like:

• Calm decision-making – answer those nagging bill-collecting calls

• Long-term thinking – develop strategies

• Respecting money without fear or obsession – money is your friend

• Building trust with yourself – you can do this

  
  

Wealth grows in clarity — not chaos.

A Guided Journal Exercise to Build Financial Confidence

(Set aside 20–30 minutes. Be honest. No judgment.)

If you need a journal, you can purchase adorable ones in the Coaching with Ms. D shop.

Step 1: Define Your Financially Confident Self

Begin with this prompt:

“The financially confident version of me is someone who…”

Write freely.

Focus on:

• How do you make decisions?

• How do you respond to uncertainty?

• How do you speak to yourself about money?

• How do you set boundaries?

  
  

This isn’t about fantasy or lifestyle goals. It’s about identity and behavior.

Step 2: Identify Your Current Money Patterns (Without Shame)

Now complete the following sentences:

• When it comes to money, I tend to avoid…

• I react emotionally when…

• I feel most anxious about…

• I feel most empowered when…

  
  

Awareness without shame is essential. You cannot change what you won’t look at — and shame blocks growth.

Step 3: Find the Gap Between Who You Are and Who You’re Becoming

Write this prompt at the top of the page:

“The biggest difference between who I am now and my financially confident self is…”

Pay attention to:

• Emotional reactions (panic vs calm)

• Spending behavior (impulse vs intention)

• Self-talk (scarcity vs trust)

• Boundaries (over-giving vs. discernment)

This gap is not a failure. It’s your roadmap.

Step 4: Choose One Wealth-Aligned Action You Can Take This Week

Ask yourself:

“If I trusted myself with money, what is one small action I would take this week?”

Examples include:

• Reviewing finances instead of avoiding them

• Saying no to an unnecessary expense

• Setting up automatic savings — even a small amount

• Pricing your work confidently

• Asking for clarity instead of guessing

Write your action clearly.

Then commit with this statement:

“I commit to this action not to be perfect, but to build trust with myself.”

Consistency builds confidence — not grand gestures.

Step 5: Redefine What Wealth Means to You

Finish with this final reflection:

“To me, real wealth feels like…”

Consider words such as:

• Peace

• Safety

• Choice

• Time

• Stability

• Freedom

When wealth becomes about security instead of status, your behavior naturally shifts.

Why This Journal Exercise Works

Financial confidence isn’t created through affirmations alone. It’s built through repeated, intentional actions.

Every calm choice

Every honest financial check-in

Every boundary you hold

Every moment you respond instead of react

That’s what acting wealthy actually looks like

Quiet. Grounded. Sustainable.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Be “There” to Start

You don’t need perfection. You don’t need a certain income level. You don’t need to pretend.

You only need:

• Awareness

• One aligned action

• Willingness to trust yourself a little more

  
  

That’s how financial confidence grows — from the inside out.

How to Act Wealthy Reflection

If this exercise brought up discomfort, resistance, or clarity — that’s not a problem. That’s information. And information is the starting point for change.

I suggest two books for securing wealth.

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

My eyes glaze over when my husband and I discuss money, which is why I loved this book. Morgan Housel doesn't tell you what to do or how to invest. Instead, the focus is on behavior intertwined with fascinating stories of everyday folk, well-known financial leaders, and luck. A must-read!

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza

This is more than manifestation. Turn your energy into positive change. Open your mind to explore the possibilities ahead. This book is truly a mind-blowing experience that puts the power of your future into your current thoughts.

Free Discovery Call

If you’re ready to gain clarity and take control of your future, book a free discovery call with Coaching with Ms. D today to learn how to control spending, increase wealth, and align your life with your career.

Coaching with Ms. D offers both individual and package options of 30- and 60-minute Coaching Sessions, where you will be asked thought-provoking questions and learn strategies to build your life, advance your career, and strengthen your relationships. You will gain clarity, confidence, and be prepared with a personalized approach to achieve your goals.

I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

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