If you've ever beaten yourself up for making a bad financial decision, you’re not alone. That voice that says, “I should’ve known better” or “I’ll never get this right” can feel like it’s keeping you in check – but in reality, it might be holding you back.

At SFP, we often talk with clients who are doing all the right things on paper but still feel stuck emotionally. That’s usually a sign that it’s not their finances that need fixing – it’s their thinking. Specifically, the inner critic that constantly flags risk but never recognises progress.

This internal narrative can stem from past experiences, family conditioning, or even the news cycle. And while it might masquerade as being “realistic,” it often catastrophises, overgeneralises, or spins unhelpful conclusions. You don’t need to shut that voice up – but you can change the script.

We are recognising this more and more in the new approach to financial planning and in the lives we are changing.

When your inner voice tells you, “You’re behind,” ask: “Compared to what?” If it says, “You’ll mess this up,” ask, “What have I learned that I didn’t know before?”

Transforming your inner critic into an inner coach won’t happen overnight – but it starts with curiosity, not condemnation… and by partnering with the right people! We’re here to help. Reach out.