Is "I Can’t Afford It" Complete B.S.—or a Legitimate Block?

Break free from the limiting belief of “I can’t afford it” and start shifting your money mindset to create more opportunities. Learn why financial roadblocks aren’t always about the numbers in your bank account—and how a small shift in thinking can open doors to unexpected solutions.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this is your invitation to reframe the way you approach money, investments, and business growth.

You're going to learn 3 lessons in this blog post:

❌ Guilt-tripping and invalidating someone’s financial reality is harmful.
❌ Mindset does play a role, but that’s their journey to navigate.
❌ Sales conversations should be about support, not pressure.

Let's begin.

We've all said it at some point—"I can't afford it." Whether it’s an investment in our business, a coaching program, or even a dream vacation, this phrase tends to roll off the tongue without much thought.

But is it always true?

Or is it sometimes a mindset issue disguised as a financial limitation?

The way we talk about money impacts how we experience it. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of wanting more but feeling like financial growth is just out of reach, this post is for you.

We’ll explore whether “I don’t have the money” is always a valid reason or if it could be a limiting belief holding you back. More importantly, we'll dive into practical ways to shift your mindset from scarcity to possibility—so you can start asking "How can I afford it?" instead of accepting financial roadblocks as permanent.

Let’s break down the real issue behind "I can't afford it" and how reframing your approach to money can open new doors in both life and business.

Is "I Don't Have the Money" Always True?

Short answer: Yes! Now, let me get into my personal experience and thoughts on this matter...

I remember speaking with a past client early in business—back in the baby stages—to conduct some market research. I wanted to know what she liked and disliked in a coach. One of my questions led her to express frustration about coaches who, after hearing a potential client say, "I just can't afford it," immediately respond with something like:

"It's not about the money. You have the money. It’s about fear, mindset, or priorities. You could find the money if you really wanted to."

Her response to these coaches was, "No, I actually don’t have the money."

At the time, I completely understood where she was coming from. I wasn’t working with a coach yet, and if someone had told me, "Hey, I can help you, but you need to pay me $5,000 upfront," I would have thought, "Where am I supposed to get $5,000?!"

Even a high monthly payment—$700, $800, $900—was out of reach for me back then. No matter how badly I wanted to work with that coach, I literally didn’t have the money.

(or did I?)

A Pet Peeve: Stop Guilt-Tripping People

If someone believes they don't have the money because they checked their bank account and saw the validation that it's true, thus strengthening their belief that it's true, the chances of you changing their perspective right then and there, is pretty slim, in my opinion (unless they have been exercising manifestation and on some level understands it).

But for regular folk - mindset what? huh?! who?!

So I have a serious pet peeve with marketers or coaches who respond, “They have the money, they just don’t see the value" or "You have the money, you just don't want this bad enough.”

Look, even though the manifestor in me knows that yes, that's technically true, let’s use some sense. Not everyone is conscious of the flow of money. And I personally find it insulting to argue with someone who says they can’t afford something. Because to them, it’s real.

Regardless of whether we know, on a deeper level, that it’s not true—if that’s their mindset, then that’s their belief.

We shouldn’t make people feel bad about their financial situation or question it.

The last thing I want someone to do is use their rent money to buy a course or coaching program and then default on their rent because they didn't have the right mindset to circulate the money back to them. 

It's like quitting a job with "hope" of your business taking off, but not having the Knowing in place to sustain such a bold financial move. 

Sales calls that guilt-tripping people into purchases just feels messed up to me. It’s like dealing with a frightened two-year-old. Instead of understanding their fear, you make them feel worse by invalidating their emotions. Sure, we know there’s nothing to be afraid of and it’s all in their mind, but to them, that fear is real. And our job should be to hold space for them, just like a parent reassures a child.

Moral of the Story (For A Pet Peeve: Stop Guilt-Tripping People)

At the end of the day, money and mindset go hand in hand.

Yes, we manifest what we focus on, and yes, financial reality is often tied to perception. But compassion matters. If someone says they can’t afford something, don’t shame them. Offer solutions, offer guidance, but don’t belittle their experience.

Because when people feel safe and supported instead of judged, they are much more open to possibilities—and that’s when transformation happens.

Mindset: The Missing Piece for Many Entrepreneurs

One of the biggest things I’ve learned in this entrepreneurial journey is that mindset is something we rarely focus on at the beginning.

When you first start a business, you’re thinking about strategies—how to set things up, get clients, and make money. Mindset? That seems secondary. But after trying and trying again, you realize:

• You know what to do.
• You have the solutions.
• But for some reason, you just don’t do them.

And that’s when mindset becomes everything.

Why do some people move ahead at light speed while others struggle for years? It’s not just about knowledge. It’s about how you think about money, success, and possibilities.

For example, many of us grew up seeing our parents work hard. Maybe you saw your dad putting in long hours and internalized the belief that making money requires struggle. So, even when opportunities come easily, you self-sabotage—either by making things harder than they need to be or by spending money as quickly as you earn it.

Shifting from “I Can’t Afford It” to “How Can I Afford It?”

Now, let me be clear—I’m not saying you should starve your kids or skip your mortgage payment to buy a course. Something like that could put you into freakout desperation mode energetically and not only will you not get what you want, you could also manifest some serious financial trouble. So please don’t do that!

But the way we think about money impacts our ability to receive it.

When you say, "I can’t afford it," you’re training your mind to accept lack as your reality. And because you get what you focus on, you’ll continue not having enough. Even when money comes in, it will disappear just as fast.

Have you ever gotten a surprise check, only for an unexpected expense—like a car repair or medical bill—to show up and wipe it out? That’s not just coincidence; that’s your mindset at work.

Instead of saying, "I can’t afford it," try shifting to:

🔹 "How can I afford it?"

Now, technically, the shift should go from “I can’t afford it” to “I can afford it”, but let’s be real—your brain might not buy that right away.

If you don’t truly believe something, it could be very challenging to make it true. That’s why instead of forcing yourself to jump straight to “I can afford it,” a better and more effective transition is “How can I afford it?”

This slight shift keeps your subconscious mind engaged without triggering resistance. It’s just enough of a mental stretch to start activating creative solutions and new possibilities.

When you ask “How can I afford it?”, your brain starts working for you instead of shutting down the moment it hears “I can’t.”

Money Shows Up When You’re Open to It

I’ve experienced this firsthand.

There have been times when I really wanted something—a course, a coach, a program—and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it. But I refused to accept that I couldn’t have what I wanted.

And suddenly:

✔️ Clients reached out of the blue.
✔️ I got unexpected money.
✔️ Ideas flowed on how I could earn it.

Sometimes, the money itself didn’t even have to show up.

Instead, the opportunity manifested in a way where I was able to get what I wanted without spending money at all.

Such as, I was gifted a premium course as a bonus for purchasing another premium course. SCORE!

In another way, a mentor offered a payment plan I hadn’t considered.

Or someone gifted me exactly what I needed. The how doesn’t always look the way you expect it to—but when you stay open, possibilities pop out of thin air.

3 Ways to Navigate “I Can’t Afford It” with Integrity and Compassion

1. Remove the Guilt—Respect Their Financial Reality

Instead of assuming "They have the money; they just don’t see the value," acknowledge that their financial situation is real to them. Even if mindset plays a role, arguing won’t help.

💬 Try this: “I totally understand—investments like this are big decisions. No pressure at all.”

This keeps the door open for future conversations rather than making them feel defensive or ashamed.

2. Shift from “Sales Mode” to “Service Mode”

Technically, you should always be in service mode, but anyway...

When someone says they can’t afford it, resist the instinct to push a sale. Instead, ask questions that help them explore possibilities without pressure.

• “What outcome are you hoping for, and how can I support you in getting there?”
• “If budget weren’t a factor, would this be something you’d want?”

This approach helps both you and the client gain clarity—without making them feel cornered. Sometimes, they’ll realize they do want it and explore ways to make it work. Other times, you’ll see if there’s a better fit for their current situation.

3. Let Go of the “Now” and Play the Long Game

Not every "no" is permanent. Some people just need time. Instead of pressuring them into a decision (this very moment*), nurture the relationship.

• Stay connected through free content or a low-cost offer that keeps them engaged.
• Follow up later with genuine curiosity—not just to make a sale, but to check in on their progress.
• Leave them with an empowering next step—whether it’s a free resource, a mindset shift, or a simple piece of encouragement.

By playing the long game, you create an environment where they come back when they’re ready—rather than feeling forced into something they’re not prepared for.

*NOTE: I do believe there's a need to weed out people who are a YES versus playing the "I'm too uncomfortable to flat-out say "No" because I'm a people-pleaser. So I'm pretending I could be a yes." Ugh, those are annoying too. But I found that when you lead with service and empower people with information to understand what it is that they want (regardless of price), you won't get too many of these. 

Bridging the Mindset Gap—For Both Buyers and Sellers

At the end of the day, money and mindset go hand in hand—for both the person making the investment and the person offering the service.

If you’re a coach, the way you handle financial objections can either reinforce scarcity thinking or open the door for future possibilities. And if you’re on the buying side, shifting from “I can’t afford it” to “How can I afford it?” can change everything.

Changing your perspective on money isn’t about tricking your mind—it’s about creating opportunities where there seemed to be none.

When you stop saying “I can’t afford it” and start asking “How can I afford it?”, you shift from feeling powerless to taking control.

Whether it’s adjusting how you sell, shifting your own mindset, or being open to unexpected opportunities, the key is believing in possibilities. Money flows where attention goes, and when you remove mental blocks, you’ll be surprised at what starts showing up.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a financial block—whether as a coach or a client—stop. Reframe. And open yourself up to what’s possible.

And if you’re a coach, the way you respond when someone says 'I can’t afford it' matters just as much. Creating a judgment-free space can lead to deeper trust—and ultimately, better results for both you and your clients.