Most people get stuck asking the wrong question: “Can I afford this?”
It’s a yes-or-no trap. And for most, the answer is a disheartening no — end of story. This mindset shuts down possibilities and keeps you stuck in your current financial situation.
But what if you flipped the script?
The wealthy — entrepreneurs, investors, and high-performers — ask a better question: “How can I afford this?”
This subtle shift changes everything.
The Psychology Behind the Question
When you ask “Can I afford this?”, your brain defaults to seeking confirmation of your limitations. It taps into your survival brain — the part that prioritizes safety and comfort over growth. This mindset keeps you exactly where you are.
On the other hand, “How can I afford this?” engages your creative brain — the problem-solving, solution-generating part that thrives on challenges. It’s a subtle psychological trick that reframes the situation from impossible to inevitable.
Let’s break it down:
- “Can I afford this?” → Binary thinking, yes/no, dead end.
- “How can I afford this?” → Open-ended thinking, sparks ideas, builds momentum.
This shift is the difference between staying stuck and unlocking new opportunities.
The Old Mindset: Limitation and Scarcity
“Can I afford this?” is rooted in scarcity. It assumes your current resources are all you have — no more, no less. It’s a defensive mindset that leads to:
- Missed opportunities: You don’t explore possibilities, so growth never happens.
- Excuses: “I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
- Stagnation: Your financial situation remains unchanged.
🔍 Real-world example:
- You spot a $2,000 course that could level up your career. You check your bank account — not enough money. You walk away.
Result? No growth. You stay in the same job, earning the same paycheck, year after year.
The New Mindset: Expansion and Creativity
“How can I afford this?” shifts you into an expansive mindset. It forces you to think differently, act resourcefully, and take ownership of your situation.
Here’s what happens when you ask this question:
- You unlock creativity: Your brain starts brainstorming solutions.
- You take control: It’s no longer about what you can’t do — it’s about what you will do.
- You expand your means: You stop focusing on cutting back and start focusing on earning more.
💡 Real-world example:
- That same $2,000 course? You brainstorm ways to make extra cash. You pick up weekend freelancing, sell stuff you don’t use, and cut back on takeout. Within a month, you’ve made the money — and you now have a skillset that increases your income long-term.
Case Study: Sarah’s Transformation
Sarah was a mid-level marketing manager stuck earning $60,000 a year. She saw a $5,000 digital marketing mentorship program that promised to double her earning potential. Her initial thought? “I can’t afford this.”
But Sarah shifted gears and asked, “How can I afford this?”
- She sold unused clothes and furniture for $1,200.
- She offered freelance social media services on weekends, earning another $2,800 in two months.
- She paused her $200 monthly streaming subscriptions and dining out, saving $1,000.
Within three months, she joined the mentorship. Six months later, Sarah landed a $110,000 remote marketing role with added consulting gigs on the side.
The old mindset would have kept her stuck. The new mindset changed her life.
Practical Strategies: Turning the Mindset Shift into Money
So, how do you apply this mindset shift in your life? Let’s turn theory into action.
🛠️ 1. Start a Side Hustle
Don’t wait for a raise. Create one.
- Freelance on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
- Resell items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.
- Monetize a skill — copywriting, graphic design, video editing, tutoring, etc.
👉 Pro tip: Choose a skill that complements your career for double the payoff.
🛠️ 2. Create a New Offer (For Business Owners)
If you run a business, innovate:
- Create a premium version of your existing product or service.
- Package your knowledge into a course or ebook.
- Upsell or cross-sell to existing customers.
👉 Pro tip: Ask your audience what they need most — then build it.
🛠️ 3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses
Cutting expenses isn’t sexy — but it works. Audit your spending:
- Cancel unused subscriptions.
- Swap restaurants for home-cooked meals.
- Reduce impulse buys.
👉 Pro tip: Redirect savings toward high-ROI investments — skills, education, or assets.
🛠️ 4. Invest in High-Income Skills
Skills pay the bills — and the more valuable the skill, the bigger the paycheck.
Top high-income skills to learn:
- Copywriting: Businesses always need persuasive sales pages, emails, and ads.
- Sales: Mastering sales is a superpower — whether you’re selling products, services, or ideas.
- Coding: Web development, app development, or even basic automation skills are in demand.
- Public speaking/communication: Great communicators dominate in leadership roles.
👉 Pro tip: Combine two complementary skills (e.g., copywriting + sales) for unique market value.
The Key Lesson: Expand, Don’t Restrict
Wealthy people don’t ask, “What can I cut?” — they ask, “How can I earn more?”
They don’t focus on restricting their desires. They expand their means to match their goals.
Next time you catch yourself thinking, “Can I afford this?” — stop.
Ask: “How can I afford this?” — and watch your mindset, income, and opportunities transform.
👉 Challenge: Think of one thing you’ve told yourself you “can’t afford.” Now brainstorm 3 ways you could afford it. Share your ideas in the comments — let’s crowdsource some creativity!
