The Total Money Makeover Workbook

Let me take you to the gentle dawn of a new financial journey, where the first rays of awareness shine through the fog of routine and habit. In this chapter, we begin not with numbers, but with the heart—with the quiet, honest moments when you look in the mirror and ask, 'How do I really feel about my money?' This is not a question of shame or blame, but of awakening. The truth is, most of us live in a kind of financial sleepwalking, believing we’re doing better than we are, even as anxiety tugs at us with every unpaid bill or uncertain future.

It’s a universal experience: nearly seventy percent of people live paycheck to paycheck, yet most imagine they’re in the luckier minority. This isn’t just about math—it’s about the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe. We say, 'I’m not that out of shape,' or 'Everyone has a little debt,' but deep down, the fear of not having enough, of being judged, or of repeating past mistakes keeps us from opening our eyes fully.

That’s why the first step is self-assessment. The workbook invites you to take a series of quick, instinctive tests—Would you rather talk about money or avoid it? Do you feel control or dread at the end of the month? These simple exercises are mirrors, gently reflecting the truth that, until you face your feelings about money, you can’t change what needs to be changed.

But here’s the beauty: this awakening is not about shame. It’s about empowerment. When you realize that your financial problems are yours to solve, you reclaim the power to change them. You stop waiting for a lucky break, a raise, or someone else to step in. You become the author of your story. Responsibility is not a burden, but a gift—it means you have agency, the ability to choose differently, to heal, and to grow.

And so, as we close this opening chapter, remember: every journey begins with a single, honest step. The courage to look in the mirror is the seed from which transformation grows. Next, we’ll explore the myths that have quietly shaped our beliefs about money, and how breaking free from them can set you on a new path. Let’s walk forward, together, into the light of understanding.