Imagine this: It's a typical Tuesday, and I'm strolling past my favourite boutique. My eyes lock onto a gorgeous handbag in the window. Before I know it, I'm at the register, credit card in hand, justifying yet another impulse purchase. Sound familiar?

For years, this was my go-to move whenever I felt stressed, celebrated a win, or simply wanted a mood boost. It wasn't until I found myself drowning in credit card debt that I realised this habit was more than just a love for handbags (that just got stored in the cupboard)—it was a deeply ingrained money story.

We all have these stories, don't we? Maybe yours isn't about shoes. Perhaps it's the latest tech gadget or that fancy dinner out when you know you should be cooking at home. Whatever it is, these patterns run deep, and they're shaping your financial futures in ways you might not even realise.

I've had the privilege of working with incredible women entrepreneurs, and let me tell you, the money stories I've heard would fill a library! Sarah, a brilliant web designer, shared how she'd undercharge clients because deep down, she didn't believe her work was valuable enough. Then there's Maria, who'd sabotage her success by splurging on unnecessary business expenses right when her company started to take off.

These patterns aren't just cute little quirks—they're self-sabotaging cycles that keep us stuck from achieving financial freedom. But you know what - they can change! 

Our brains are fascinating money-making (or breaking) machines. Think of your brain as a super-efficient filing system. From the moment you're born, it's cataloging experiences and creating shortcuts to help you navigate life.

That time your parents argued about money? Filed. The joy of your first pay check? Filed. The fear of having to manage your finances as an adult for the first time? Filed. These experiences shape our neural pathways, creating our financial autopilot. It's like your brain has a GPS, but instead of streets, it's navigating your spending habits!

But guess what! Just as we've programmed these patterns in one way, we can reprogram them out another way.

Problem is - understanding your patterns isn't always enough to change them. I can't count the number of times I've heard (and said myself), "I know I shouldn't buy this, but..." We're complex beings, and change is hard!

I remember working with a client, let's call her Alex, who could articulate her money blocks beautifully. She knew exactly why she overspent and under saved. But month after month, she'd find herself back in the same patterns. It wasn't until we dug deeper and addressed the emotional roots of her behaviour that things started to shift.

So, how do you make lasting change? It's all about getting your subconscious mind on board. Here are two strategies I swear by (and teach in the Millionaire Mindset Academy).

• Visualisation: Spend time each day imagining your ideal financial future. Make it vivid! Our brain can't tell the difference between real vs imagined, so go wild! If you can imagine it, you can create it.
• Tune into your Inner Millionaire: Identify what you need to let go of today and who you need to become in order to achieve your financial goals. Make financial decisions from this version of you! 

You have the power to change your money story. Yes, you! The fact that you're reading this means you're already taking steps towards financial empowerment.

I invite you to take a moment right now and reflect on your own money patterns. What stories are you telling yourself? How might they be holding you back? And most importantly, what's one small step you can take today to start rewriting that story?

Eloise Tomkins is a Money Coach and Psychologist who helps women in business reprogram their relationship with money using body based techniques. Her popular membership, the Millionaire Mindset Academy helps you shift your money fear so you can make more income without hustling harder. 

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