What does being rich mean to you? What do you associate with money? These seemingly simple questions can open a whole universe of beliefs and obstacles. Our assumptions about money shape the way we earn and use it, so it’s wise to look into these assumptions. Some believe that money is evil or that wanting more money is greedy. But such an outlook won’t take us anywhere we would like to be.

It’s so common for people to react negatively when someone talks about an expensive vacation or drives by in a luxury car. We may roll our eyes or silently pat ourselves on the back for not caring about “the superficial stuff.” However, we don’t mind complaining to each other about our financial problems. Instead of encouraging each other to grow, we tend to normalize being broke and struggling.

Jen Sincero, the author of this book, used to have a negative perception of wealth and well-off people. Even though she was struggling financially, she kept insisting that being rich was overrated. It took Jen many attempts to get out of this position. Once, she bought the book *The Science of Getting Rich*, but it only discouraged Jen when she read the first sentence. It said: “Whatever may be said in praise of poverty, the fact remains that it is not possible to live a really complete or successful life unless one is rich.”

Sure, this can be perceived in many ways and may even offend someone. But the truth is undeniable—money does give us freedom. Freedom to fully experience your most authentic life. Freedom to do something meaningful. Even the freedom to help others, despite what many believe. When we have resources and use them wisely, it does more good than sulking in proud poverty.

You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting a better life and striving for more. Your existence doesn’t have to be about surviving; it can be about thriving. Desiring something is not greedy in nature. Think about it this way: Greed comes from the same lack mindset as poverty. Sincero describes such an outlook as a glass with a hole in the bottom, as opposed to a glass half full. Recall this image whenever your mind drifts toward scarcity.