You don’t need a bank statement to know when someone is struggling financially. Often, their language reveals more than their numbers do. The way we talk about money—casually, emotionally, or defensively—can signal deeper issues about control, confidence, and clarity.
Many people believe they’re financially stable because bills get paid and there’s something left over at the end of the month. But a surprising number are simply drifting, reacting to expenses instead of proactively steering their financial future. If you’re using certain phrases regularly, you may be revealing that you’re not truly in charge of your money—even if you think you are.
Here are 10 phrases that often indicate someone isn’t financially in control, and what each one really says about your relationship with money.
1. “I’ll figure it out later.”
This phrase is the anthem of financial procrastination. It sounds harmless, even optimistic. But more often than not, it’s used as a delay tactic to avoid facing financial decisions.
Whether it’s about budgeting, investing, or finally opening that retirement account, putting it off “until later” almost guarantees that you’ll be stuck in the same spot or worse when later arrives.
Waiting to “figure it out” usually means someone doesn’t feel confident in their ability to manage money or is avoiding the discomfort of learning new financial skills. The longer you put it off, the more costly it becomes.
2. “I deserve it.”
Treating yourself is one thing. Justifying every splurge is another. This phrase often comes up when someone wants to spend on something they can’t comfortably afford.
Telling yourself you “deserve” an expensive dinner, new wardrobe, or spontaneous trip may soothe short-term guilt. But it also reflects a relationship with money that’s driven by emotion rather than logic or planning.
This mindset is especially dangerous because it equates spending with self-worth. And if you’re regularly using spending as a reward system, your finances might be running on impulse, not intention.
3. “I don’t even want to know what my balance is.”
Avoidance is a form of surrender. When someone says this, it’s a red flag that they’ve already lost control of their financial situation and don’t want to face the full reality.
Whether it’s fear of seeing debt, anxiety over overdraft fees, or general financial overwhelm, refusing to check your balance doesn’t make the problem disappear. It only allows it to grow. Staying in the dark about your own money is one of the clearest signs that you’re not managing it. You’re being managed by it.
4. “I’m just bad with money.”
This phrase masquerades as self-awareness, but it’s often used as a defense mechanism. People say this to excuse poor decisions, avoid financial learning, or downplay mistakes.
But here’s the truth: nobody is naturally bad with money. Financial literacy is a learned skill—just like driving, cooking, or anything else. By labeling yourself this way, you’re giving yourself permission to opt out of learning and improvement. If you regularly say this, ask yourself: What beliefs are you protecting? And are they worth staying financially stuck?
5. “It’s only $20.”
“It’s only” is the prelude to death by a thousand swipes. Small purchases add up quickly, especially when you don’t track them. The mindset behind this phrase assumes that small amounts are insignificant, which leads to careless spending and a blurry picture of where your money actually goes.
In reality, financial control often hinges more on the little decisions than the big ones. Those $20 lunches, $15 subscriptions, and $9 “quick” deliveries? They can easily eat up hundreds a month without you noticing.
6. “I just want to enjoy life.”
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your life, but this phrase is often used to justify financial recklessness or deny the need for long-term planning.
People in this mindset may avoid saving, skip insurance, or rack up debt for the sake of experiences, claiming they don’t want to “worry about money all the time.” Ironically, this often leads to more worry later, when savings are depleted or debt becomes overwhelming.
Enjoyment doesn’t have to conflict with responsibility. But if you’re constantly using this phrase, it may mean you’re trading future security for short-term comfort.
7. “I’ll start saving when I make more.”
This is a seductive lie. Many people believe the solution to their financial instability is higher income. But lifestyle inflation usually creeps in as income rises, leaving savings just as stagnant as before.
The truth is, if you’re not saving when you make a little, you likely won’t save when you make more. Saving is a habit, not a dollar amount. Delaying it signals a reactive money mindset, where control is always postponed until the next paycheck or promotion. If you can’t save $50 now, you likely won’t save $500 later. The habit matters more than the number.
8. “I don’t get involved in the finances. My partner handles it.”
This phrase might seem like a normal division of labor in a relationship, but it often reveals a serious risk: financial dependence. Relying solely on a partner to manage your money without understanding what’s happening can leave you vulnerable in the event of divorce, death, or mismanagement. It’s not about distrust; it’s about empowerment.
Not getting involved often leads to regret. Everyone, regardless of relationship status, needs to know where the money is, what the debts are, and how to access accounts.
9. “I’m not a numbers person.”
Finances are less about numbers than you think. You don’t need calculus to build a budget. This phrase is often used to disengage from the entire topic of money, chalking up disinterest or fear to a personality trait.
But the truth is, most financial success comes down to habits and consistency, not advanced math. People who say this are often intimidated by spreadsheets, bank statements, or retirement calculators, but they don’t need to be.
Claiming you’re not a “numbers person” is like saying you can’t drive because you’re not a mechanic. You don’t need to master the engine. You just need to learn how to steer.
10. “I’m just trying to make it to payday.”
If this phrase is a regular part of your vocabulary, it’s time for a financial intervention. Living paycheck to paycheck isn’t always a result of irresponsibility, but staying there without a plan is.
When every decision is about short-term survival, you can’t build long-term stability. You’re constantly playing defense—juggling bills, dodging overdrafts, and hoping nothing unexpected happens.
This phrase signals you’re not in the driver’s seat. You’re reacting instead of planning. Regaining control starts with a realistic budget, emergency savings, and honest reflection on where your money is going.
Take Back the Financial Narrative
The way you talk about money reflects how much control you actually have over it. These phrases might feel small or casual, but they can indicate much deeper issues, like avoidance, fear, or a lack of confidence in your ability to manage your finances. The good news? Language can change. And when your words change, your mindset often follows.
If any of these phrases sound like something you’ve said recently, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. But awareness is the first step toward regaining control. From there, you can shift from reactive to proactive, and from confusion to clarity.
Which of these money phrases have you caught yourself using? What’s one change you could make today to feel more in control?
Read More:
8 Emotional Truths About Money That No One Likes to Admit
10 Things You Were Taught About Money That Are Completely Wrong
Riley Schnepf is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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