The Money Mindset Trap Keeping You Stuck in Feast-and-Famine Cycles
- Karen Gargiso
- Nov 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Are you tired of your finances swinging wildly between periods of abundance and total drought? One month you’re feeling flush with cash, and the next you’re scraping by, wondering where it all went. If this feast-and-famine cycle sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But the truth is, while external factors like market fluctuations can play a role, the real culprit often lies within: your money mindset.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why scarcity thinking keeps you stuck, how to recognize self-sabotaging behaviors, and what steps you can take to break free from this cycle for good.
If you make money and then lose it all, listen up…
The feast-and-famine cycle is more than just a pattern of income fluctuations; it’s a mindset that can profoundly impact your financial well-being. Here are a few common signs you might be stuck in this cycle:
Overeager Spending: After a successful month, you may treat yourself to big purchases, feeling invincible. But this can quickly lead to regret when the cash flow slows down.
Anxiety Over Cash Flow: Constant worry about income can lead to reactive behaviors, making you less strategic about your spending and investing.
Fear of Charging More: If you’re hesitant to raise your rates or ask for what you’re worth, it’s often rooted in a fear of scarcity and rejection.
Why Scarcity Thinking Is a Problem Creating Low Income Months
When you operate from a scarcity mindset, you’re often driven by fear rather than abundance. Here’s how this can sabotage your financial success:
Limiting Beliefs: Scarcity thinking can create deeply ingrained beliefs that there’s never enough money. This mindset can keep you stuck in low-paying jobs or prevent you from pursuing better opportunities.
Self-Sabotage: You might find yourself unintentionally sabotaging your success. For example, if you’ve made a good amount of money, you may convince yourself you don’t deserve it, leading to overspending or poor financial choices.
Fear-Based Decisions: When you’re operating from a scarcity mindset, you may make decisions based on fear rather than logic. This can lead to missed opportunities, like passing on investments that could grow your wealth simply because you’re afraid of losing what you have.
Break Free from the Cycle of Feast-and-Famine With Your Finances
Now that you understand the feast-and-famine mindset, let’s explore some actionable steps to break free from this cycle and create a more stable financial future.
Awareness is Key: The first step to change is awareness. Start by tracking your income and expenses over several months. Note the patterns—when do you feel abundant, and when do you feel scarcity? Recognizing these patterns will help you understand your financial behaviors better.
Reframe Your Thoughts: Challenge your limiting beliefs. When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t afford that,” try reframing it to, “How can I afford that?” This shift in perspective opens the door to creative solutions and new opportunities.
Embrace Consistency: Rather than allowing your income to dictate your lifestyle, strive for consistency. Create a financial plan that accommodates both good months and leaner ones. Set aside savings from your abundant months to cover expenses during lean times.
Develop a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your financial goals. Engage in communities that promote abundance thinking and share resources. This can create a positive environment that encourages growth.
Invest in Your Growth: Break the cycle by investing in yourself. Whether it’s through courses, coaching, or workshops, investing in your skills can lead to higher income potential and greater job satisfaction.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your financial successes, no matter how small. Celebrating wins reinforces a positive mindset and helps you recognize that you’re capable of achieving your financial goals.
Bottom Line: Shift Your Money Mindset, Change Your Financial Reality
Breaking free from the feast-and-famine cycle requires more than just practical financial strategies; it demands a shift in your mindset. By recognizing the signs of scarcity thinking and implementing actionable steps to cultivate an abundance mindset, you’ll create a more stable and fulfilling financial future.
Instead of letting your finances dictate your emotional well-being, take charge of your mindset and embrace the potential for growth.
Ready for consistent abundance? Let’s reclaim your financial flow!
For extra support from experts who GET IT … AKA experts who believe that money management and money healing are meant to work together to take your finances to the next level… Reach out to Sacred Money Inc. We’re here to help empower people with their relationship to their money.
If you’d like a 1:1 consultation to help you navigate your current financial budget and begin designing an actionable plan to better your relationship with money, schedule a Discovery Call with us.
Ready for Financial Empowerment?
If you’d like a 1:1 consultation to help you navigate your current financial budget and begin designing an actionable plan to better your relationship with money, schedule a Discovery Call with us.

Hey there! I’m Karen.
I'm the Founder & CEO of Sacred Money Inc., where I empower spiritually-minded entrepreneurs to heal their financial wounds and manage their money with confidence and grace. We offer a unique blend of practical financial expertise, including bookkeeping and tax services, with trauma-informed coaching. My work is here to guide you toward financial resilience and abundance. I'm passionate about transforming the way we think about money and integrating it with our values, pleasures, and spiritual practices.
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