You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Following the massive success of her first book, Jen Sincero released "You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth" (2017). While her first book was a general guide to self-confidence, this one zooms in specifically on our often-complicated, stressful, and "weird" relationship with finances.

If you’ve ever felt like "money is the root of all evil" or that you’re just "not a math person," this book is designed to dismantle those mental blocks.

1. The Core Philosophy: Money as Energy

Sincero treats money not as a boring stack of paper or a scary number in a bank account, but as currency (which comes from the word current).

• Vibrational Match: Just like in her first book, she argues that if you subconsciously fear or resent money, you will repel it. To attract it, you must align your thoughts with abundance rather than scarcity.

• Money is a Tool: She emphasizes that money isn't "good" or "bad"—it is a neutral tool that allows you to be more of who you already are and do more of what you love.

2. Key Concepts & Strategies

• The "Ecstatic Yes": Stop saying "I can't afford it" and start asking "How can I afford it?" She encourages making decisions based on where you want to be, not where you currently are.

• Rewriting Your Money Story: We all carry "hand-me-down" beliefs from our parents (e.g., "We aren't those kinds of people" or "Money doesn't grow on trees"). Sincero provides exercises to identify these "limiting beliefs" and replace them with "mantras of wealth."

• Specific Wealth Mantras: She suggests literally talking to money like a friend. Instead of "I'm broke," try "Money is constantly flowing to me."

• Taking "Scary" Action: Mindset is only half the battle. She insists on taking bold, uncomfortable actions—like raising your rates, applying for that big job, or investing in yourself—even when you're terrified.

3. Why This Book is Different

• It's Not a Budgeting Book: You won't find spreadsheets, 401(k) advice, or tips on cutting back on lattes here. It is 100% about the psychology of wealth.

• Zero Judgment: Sincero admits she was broke and "living in a converted garage" well into her 40s. Her vulnerability makes the advice feel achievable for anyone, regardless of their current bank balance.

• The "Woo-Woo" Factor: She lean heavily into the "Universal Intelligence" and "Source Energy." If you prefer hard economic data, this might feel a bit airy, but for those who need an emotional shift, it’s powerful.

4. Who Should Read It?

• Creative Professionals: People who feel "guilty" about charging for their art or services.

• The "Chronically Broke": Those who make money but always seem to lose it or spend it immediately.

• Skeptics of Wealth: People who grew up believing that being "spiritual" or "good" means being poor.

5. A "Badass" Wealth Quote

"What you focus on, you create more of. If you focus on the lack of money, you create more lack. If you focus on the abundance of opportunity, you create wealth."

The Big Takeaway

"Wealth is an inside job. You have to give yourself permission to be rich before the world can actually pay you."