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Your "Smart Girl" Instincts Are Costing You Thousands - AND What To Do About It

March 02, 2025•6 min read

"Growth can be painful, change can be painful but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow it only empties today of it strengths" ~ Charles Spurgeon

Insights from a Certified Money Coach:

New blog post - Women & Wealth, Insights from a Certified Money Coach

The Smart Girl Struggle is Real

Alright, let’s be honest for a second.

You’ve always been the “got-it-together” one.

The planner. The fixer. The friend everyone turns to when their life’s in shambles.

You know how to crush it at work, juggle life’s chaos like a pro, and make decisions that scream responsible adult.

But when it comes to your money?

Suddenly, it’s second-guessing central.

Am I saving enough?

Am I spending too much?

Am I about to make a huge mistake with this investment?

And let’s not even mention the anxiety that creeps in when you hear words like “compound interest” or “retirement planning.”

The worst part? You know you’re smart enough to figure this out. So why does it feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of overthinking?

Here’s a little secret: your brilliant, overachieving brain might actually be holding you back. 🧠

Yep, I know it sounds bananas, but stick with me.

Let’s unpack why being so dang clever could be messing with your money moves—and how to finally break free.

Overthinking: The Smart Girl Trap 🕸️

Here’s the truth bomb:

You’re not struggling with money because you’re not smart enough.

You’re struggling because you’re TOO smart for your own good.

Here’s how it plays out:

👉 You want to make the perfect financial decision, so you research. And research. And then research some more.

👉 You’re scared of making a mistake—so instead of taking action, you just… don’t.

👉 You’re drowning in opinions. One expert says one thing, another says the total opposite. So you freeze.

Sound familiar?

This is what we call analysis paralysis.

And it’s a silent killer of financial freedom.

Perfection is Expensive AF

Let’s talk about what all this overthinking is really costing you.

Say you’ve been wanting to invest. You’ve heard it’s a great way to grow your money, BUT:

What if I pick the wrong stocks?

What if the market crashes?

What if I don’t fully understand how it works?

So, instead of just doing something, you… wait.

You tell yourself you’ll “figure it out later” or “start when you feel ready.”

Meanwhile, every day you delay, you’re missing out on:

🌱 Compound interest (aka your money growing on autopilot).

💰 Potential gains from the market.

📉 Inflation eating away at your savings.

Here’s the kicker:

The women who just go for it—even if they don’t fully know what they’re doing—end up wealthier.

Not because they’re smarter. But because they take action while you’re still Googling “how to invest like a pro.”

Sitting on the fence? That’s costing you more than you realise.

Why Smart Women Get Stuck 🧠

So why does this keep happening?

Why do brilliant, capable women like you struggle with money?

Let me break it down:

1. You Spiral into the "What Ifs" 🌪️

Your brain’s a pro at spotting problems before they happen. It’s a gift in most areas of life—but with money? It’s a trap.

Instead of moving forward, you get stuck in a loop:

What if I lose money?

What if I save too much and never enjoy life?

What if I regret spending on something?

These what ifs are like quicksand.

The more you think about them, the deeper you sink.

2. You Think You Need to Know EVERYTHING First 📚

Ah, the curse of the high achiever.

You tell yourself:

I’ll start investing once I fully understand the stock market.

I’ll make a budget once I find the perfect system.

I’ll take action once I’m 100% sure it’s the right move.

But here’s the thing: you’ll never feel 100% ready.

Readiness doesn’t come from learning more—it comes from doing.

From trying, failing, and figuring it out along the way.

Spoiler alert: waiting until you “know enough” is just fear in disguise.

How to Break Free (and Trust Yourself With Money) 🌟

Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let’s talk solutions.

Here’s how to silence that overthinking brain of yours and start making bold, confident money moves:

1. Flip the Script on Fear 🛑➡️✅

Instead of asking:

💭 What if I mess this up?

Ask:

✅ What’s the cost of staying stuck?

Instead of:

💭 What if I fail?

Ask:

✅ *What if I succeed?

Remember, not deciding is a decision too—and it’s often the most expensive one you can make.

2. Embrace the 80/20 Rule 🌍

Good news: You don’t need to be perfect.

The 80/20 rule says 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions.

Translation?

You don’t need to master every detail about money. Just focus on a few key moves:

Automate your savings.

Start investing, even with a small amount.

Set clear financial goals.

These small steps pack a massive punch.

3. Take Tiny, Bold Actions 🚀

You don’t need to overhaul your whole financial life overnight.

Start small.

Try one of these today:

Set a timer for 10 minutes and make one money decision you’ve been avoiding.

Invest $50 in an index fund—just to dip your toes in.

Treat yourself guilt-free to one thing you’ve been eyeing.

Action builds confidence. And confidence? That’s the golden ticket to financial freedom.

Final Thoughts: Your Brain is Brilliant—Now Let’s Get Your Money to Match 🌈

Here’s the truth:

You don’t need more knowledge. You need more trust—in yourself, in your decisions, in your ability to figure it out as you go.

So, here’s my challenge for you:

Pick one financial move you’ve been putting off. Just one.

And take action today.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be something.

The sooner you stop overthinking and start doing, the sooner you’ll feel that sweet, sweet confidence flowing through you.

And hey, if you’re feeling stuck or want a cheerleader in your corner, I’m here.

Email me - I promise I read every email I receive!

💬 What’s ONE money move you’re making today?

Let’s do this together. You’ve got this. 🙌

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Tara Saxon - Certified Money Coach
I help single and independent women stop second-guessing their money choices so they feel confident about every dollar they spend, save or invest.

Tara Saxon

Tara Saxon - Certified Money Coach I help single and independent women stop second-guessing their money choices so they feel confident about every dollar they spend, save or invest.

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