Are You Too Broke or Too Rich for Financial Help? (Spoiler: You're Neither)
Stop making excuses. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or sitting on six figures, you're bleeding money somewhere. Here's why everyone needs financial guidance - and the 10 mindset shifts that will finally get you on track to real wealth.
This post is adapted from my podcast conversation with guest Stian Jones, which goes live every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 8am CDT on my YouTube channel.
Meet My Guest: Stian Jones
Before we dive in, let me introduce you to my guest for this episode - Stian Jones, a financial professional with a unique perspective. Born in Norway, Stian moved to America in 2001 (just months before 9/11), joined the Marines to earn his citizenship, served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and built a successful financial planning practice.
His journey from immigrant to Marine to entrepreneur gives him insights that most financial advisors simply don't have.
I'm fired up today because I keep seeing the same two excuses over and over again:
"I'm too broke to get financial help."
"I make good money - I don't need financial planning."
Both are complete garbage, and today Stian and I are breaking down exactly why.
The "Too Broke" Lie
Let me tell you something: if you think you don't make enough money for financial planning, that's exactly why you need it most.
Stian put it perfectly: "If you think you don't make enough money, that's the exact reason why you need a financial strategy. You need a plan."
Look, 95% of people don't have their finances together. Most financial advisors only want to work with the top 5% - the wealthy clients. But here's what's crazy: there are financial professionals who work with everyone, regardless of income level. Some don't even charge their clients directly.
You know what professional athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and millionaires all have in common? They have coaches, mentors, and advisors. They don't figure it out alone.
So why do broke people think they can?
The "I'm Fine" Delusion
On the flip side, I see people making six figures who think they've got it all figured out. They'll say, "I'm diversified - I have a 401k, IRA, some stocks."
That's like saying you're diversified because you have different colored eggs in the same basket. When 2008 hits, or when Elon Musk tweets something stupid and the market crashes, all your "diverse" investments tank together.
Here's what most people don't realize about their retirement accounts:
The government controls everything:
When you can access your money (59½)
How much you must withdraw (required minimum distributions)
How much they'll tax you (subject to change)
They can even seize these accounts if the national debt gets bad enough
You think you own your 401k? Read the fine print. The government owns it, and you're just renting space.
The Real Problem: Government Control
Stian shared a story that perfectly illustrates this. He asks clients: "Do you want the government to control your retirement, or do you want control?"
Obviously, everyone says they want control. But then they put everything into government-controlled accounts.
Here's the harsh reality: Stian told me to go to any grocery store and talk to that 70-year-old bagging groceries. Ask them what happened. They'll tell you the same story every time:
"I worked 40+ hours a week for 40 years, put money in my 401k, retired at 65, and ran out of money."
40 hours, 40 years, 401k, 65, broke. That's the American retirement plan.
The Investment Paradox
Here's something most people don't understand: to get what you want, you have to give it up first.
Want retirement income? You have to give up current income. Want time with your family? You might have to sacrifice time now to build something that gives you unlimited time later. Want financial stability? You might have to look unstable for a while as you build your business.
I used to think leaving my corporate job would make me look unstable. But I wanted stability and growth. So I gave up the appearance of stability to build real stability. Now I have unlimited growth potential and true financial independence.
Most people aren't willing to make this trade. They want the reward without the sacrifice.
10 Mindset Shifts for Financial Success
Stian and I identified these critical mindset shifts that apply whether you're broke or wealthy:
1. It's Okay to Ask for Help
Stian's perspective: "The biggest thing in this society is not asking for help. People think asking for help is weakness or that no one cares. If you believe no one cares, you're wrong."
Stop thinking asking for help is weakness. You are perfect as you are, but you can't do this alone. Even billionaires have advisors.
2. Understand Money Planning
My take: Money planning is simply looking ahead and preparing now for the future. If you want a $2,000 cruise in three years, save $55/month starting now. Don't wait until six months before and scramble.
3. Small Loss Now for Larger Future Gains
Stian's example: He puts money aside every month for Christmas so he's not scrambling with credit cards in December. It's $100 less to spend now, but no debt later.
4. Accept the Investment Paradox
My framework: Whatever you want, you have to give up first. This isn't forever - it's a short-term sacrifice for long-term freedom.
5. Embrace Entrepreneurship
Our agreement: All millionaires and billionaires own businesses. You cannot get wealthy trading time for money. You need to create value that scales beyond your personal hours.
6. Manage What You Have
Stian's wisdom: "It doesn't matter what other people think about you. You control how you feel about yourself. You have your own path."
7. You Are Average
My reality check: We think 20% of Americans make over $500,000 annually. The real number? 0.7%. You're not as far behind as you think. Most people are struggling just like you.
8. Stop Pretending
Our observation: Stop posting vacations you can't afford and pretending you have money you don't have. This hurts your mental health and finances. Live where you actually are.
9. See Opportunities, Not Obstacles
Stian's mindset: "Stop seeing obstacles and see opportunities. This is not happening to you. It's happening for you."
10. Start Right Now
Stian's analogy: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is right now. The worst time? Tomorrow - because tomorrow never comes."
Bonus from Stian: One Step at a Time "Stop looking at the big picture. Focus on that one step in front of you because that one step is so much easier than the marathon you're about to run."
The Truth About Financial Success
Here's what successful people know that broke people don't: your situation is not unique, and someone has solved your exact problem before.
But you have to be willing to:
Admit you need help
Stop making excuses
Take action despite being uncomfortable
Follow guidance from people ahead of you
Whether you're making $30,000 or $300,000, if you don't have a plan for your money, you're gambling with your future.
What's Your Next Move?
Stop scrolling Instagram for financial advice. Stop thinking you're too broke or too successful to need help.
As Stian pointed out: "Professional athletes have coaches. Successful entrepreneurs have mentors. Even billionaires have advisors."
What makes you think you can figure this out alone?
Stian reminded me of something powerful: "The path is yours to walk, but people are watching you. Your kids are watching. Your family is watching. Make sure they're getting inspired to do what you do, not learning what NOT to do."
Your financial freedom is waiting, but only if you're willing to stop making excuses and start making moves.
Want to connect with Stian Jones? You can find him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook @StianJones - he's literally the only person in the world with that name, so he's easy to find. He offers financial planning and coaching for people at all income levels.
Ready to stop bleeding money and start building real wealth? The first step is admitting you need help. The second step is asking for it.
