Written By: Andi Wrenn, AFC® MQFP®

Master Your Money Mindset:

A Review of “Be Good with Money” by Michelle Arpin Begina

Michelle Arpin Begina’s “Be Good with Money” is a transformative journey into understanding and reshaping our relationship with finances. Through personal stories, client anecdotes, insightful exercises, and practical advice, Begina leads readers through the maze of emotions, beliefs, and biases that influence our financial decisions. The complex relationship between individuals and their finances greatly impacts the psychological aspect and behavior surrounding money. Through the chapters the readers engage in activities to explore and uncover deep-seated beliefs, behaviors, and emotions related to finances. The author aims to provide insights into addressing financial challenges, improving their readers’ financial well-being, and fostering a healthier money mindset. 

Unveiling the Emotional Landscape of Money 

In the opening chapter, Begina shares her own financial story, inviting readers to confront their own stories with honesty and vulnerability. Through this financial trauma that she held in secret for decades, she realized later how it was important to share. She offers the readers to journal to unpack the shame and secrecy of the things that shape financial beliefs. By encouraging journaling and reflection, she lays the foundation for a journey of healing and empowerment. 

Decoding Financial Terms and Behaviors 

Throughout chapters 2-6, Begina introduces essential terms like secrecy bias, financial self-sabotage, and motivational drivers such as security, power, freedom, and love. Through relatable examples and stories, readers gain clarity on how these concepts shape their financial mindset and behavior. Terms like “moneyhood,” “moneyisms,” and “moneyself” serve as tools for self-identification, enabling readers to dissect their beliefs and habits around money.

Exercises for Self-Discovery and Growth 

Chapters 2-12 offer impactful exercises designed to deepen self-awareness and facilitate personal growth. These exercises are well thought out and provide counselors and coaches with valuable tools to assist clients in exploring their financial beliefs and behaviors. By unraveling the past and present influences on their relationship with money, readers can pave the way for positive change. 

Cultivating a Healthy Money Mindset 

In the final chapters, Begina emphasizes the importance of nurturing a healthy money mindset. She challenges the notion that financial success equates to emotional fulfillment, urging readers to prioritize internal satisfaction over external validation. Practical strategies, such as practicing positive self-talk and embracing the “Power of Yet,” empower readers to overcome limiting beliefs and embark on a journey of financial freedom. 

Laying Old Money Stories to Rest 

As readers approach the book’s conclusion, Begina encourages them to bid farewell to old narratives that hinder financial growth. By acknowledging and releasing negative money stories, readers can embrace a new paradigm of abundance and empowerment. “Be Good with Money” serves as a roadmap for transforming financial beliefs and behaviors, empowering readers to rewrite their financial narrative and embrace a future of improved alignment in their financial mindset, goals, and accomplishments. 

Expanding on the Impact of “Be Good with Money” 

Beyond its practical insights, Begina’s book has the potential to make profound shifts in both individual and collective attitudes towards money. By fostering open discussion and vulnerability, “Be Good with Money” transcends the realm of personal finance to address broader societal issues surrounding wealth, privilege, and self-worth. 

Through group discussions, workshops, and counseling sessions, financial professionals can leverage the principles outlined in “Be Good with Money” to foster a culture of financial literacy and empowerment. By encouraging clients to share their stories and challenge societal norms, counselors can facilitate transformative experiences that extend far beyond the pages of the book. 

Conclusion: Empowering Financial Wellness 

In conclusion, “Be Good with Money” offers a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complex terrain of personal finance. With its blend of personal narrative, practical exercises, and insightful commentary, Begina’s book provides readers with the tools and insights needed to cultivate a healthy money mindset and achieve lasting financial wellness. Whether you are a seasoned financial counselor or an individual seeking to transform your relationship with money, “Be Good with Money” is an indispensable resource for anyone committed to mastering their financial destiny. 

With its compassionate approach and actionable advice, “Be Good with Money” empowers readers to rewrite their financial narrative, break free from limiting beliefs, and embrace a future of abundance and prosperity. As it reminds us, true wealth is not merely measured in dollars and cents, but in the depth of our relationships, the richness of our experiences, and the resilience of our spirits. 

This book is right up my alley when it comes to combing psychology and finances. I created a book study for this book and look forward to offering it in the future so that financial counselors, coaches, planners, and therapists can dig in and talk about how it can impact the work they do with clients.  

Andi Wrenn, AFC® MQFP® has had a passion for helping people make sound financial decisions for more than two decades. She has a bachelor’s degree in math and education, master’s in counseling, and is a mediation professional in North Carolina. Her book study program won Outstanding Education of the Year in 2021 for AFCPE®. She has reviewed more than 20 books for use in the book study program.