Honestly, the first time you pick up You Are a Badass at Making Money, you’re probably expecting a lecture on compound interest or 401(k) diversification. Maybe a few tips on how to side-hustle your way into a mid-range sedan. But Jen Sincero doesn't really care about your spreadsheets. She cares about the weird, dusty corner of your brain that thinks being rich makes you a bad person.
Sincero spent her 40s living in a converted garage. Tumbleweeds in the bank account. Literally. She was a freelance writer who couldn't figure out why she was constantly broke despite being talented. It wasn't because she didn't know how to work; it was because she had a subconscious script running that said money was "icky" or for "greedy people."
That’s the core of the book. It’s not a finance manual. It’s a mindset overhaul.
The "Universal Intelligence" Problem
Let’s get the weird stuff out of the way first. Sincero talks a lot about "The Universe" and "Universal Intelligence." For some people, this is where they close the book and go back to Dave Ramsey.
She basically argues that money is just energy. If you’re vibrating at a frequency of "I’m broke and life is hard," the universe (or your own subconscious bias) will find ways to keep you there. It sounds kinda woo-woo, right? But if you strip away the mystical language, she’s talking about confirmation bias.
If you believe there are no opportunities, you won't see them when they're standing right in front of you. You'll walk past the open door because you're too busy looking at the "Closed" sign you've projected onto it.
Why You’re Secretly Scared of Being Rich
Most of us have "money blocks." These are the things your parents said at the dinner table.
- "Money doesn't grow on trees."
- "He's rich, but he's probably miserable."
- "We can't afford that."
These sentences get baked into your identity. Sincero argues that you have to treat money like a person you’re dating. If you constantly told a partner, "I don't really need you," or "You're the root of all evil," they’d probably leave. You’ve gotta stop "bad-mouthing" money if you want it to hang around.
The $85,000 Risk
One of the most controversial stories in You Are a Badass at Making Money involves Sincero hiring a coach. Not just any coach. This woman charged $85,000 for six months.
Sincero didn't have $85,000. She had almost nothing.
She ended up borrowing the money. Now, most financial advisors would tell you this is absolute lunacy. It’s high-stakes gambling with your future. But for Sincero, that "uncomfortable" level of investment was the only thing that forced her to actually step up.
She realized that when she spent a little, she played a little. When she spent a terrifying amount, she worked like a maniac to make it worth it. Within months, she had tripled her income. She wasn't just "trying" anymore; she was "doing." It was a total "burn the ships" moment.
Does this mean you should go out and put eighty grand on a credit card for a life coach? Probably not. But the lesson is about the level of commitment. Most people want to be rich, but they aren't willing to be uncomfortable to get there.
Is It All Just "Positive Thinking"?
There is a valid criticism here. Critics often point out that Sincero’s advice ignores systemic issues. Poverty isn't always a "mindset" problem; sometimes it’s a "no healthcare and minimum wage hasn't moved in decades" problem.
Sincero’s approach is very individualistic. It’s about your power and your reality. If you’re looking for a critique of late-stage capitalism, this isn't the book for you. But if you’re looking for a way to get out of your own way, it’s gold.
She pushes you to do "The Work." This isn't just sitting on a meditation cushion and waiting for a check to appear in the mail. It’s about:
- Identifying the lie you tell yourself about money.
- Rewriting that lie into a "truth" (or an affirmation).
- Taking "scary" action immediately.
Action is the bridge. Without it, you’re just a person with a vision board and an empty fridge.
The Practical Side of the Badass Way
The book is surprisingly practical once you get past the high-energy "Go get 'em!" tone. Each chapter ends with exercises. Some are mental—like writing a letter to money—but others are about the math.
You have to get specific. You can't just say, "I want to be rich." You have to say, "I want to make $150,000 this year because it will allow me to hire a nanny, travel to Italy, and donate to this specific charity."
Specificity gives your brain a target. Vague desires get vague results.
High-Frequency People
You’ve probably heard that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Sincero doubles down on this. If your friends are all "broke and proud," they will subconsciously pull you back down the second you start trying to climb.
It’s not that they’re bad people. It’s that your growth makes them uncomfortable with their own stagnation. Sincero suggests finding "high-frequency" people—those who are already where you want to be. They don't think $10,000 is a lot of money. They think it’s a Tuesday.
Being around that energy changes your "normal."
Moving Past the Cringe
Let's be real. Reading a book called You Are a Badass at Making Money in public can feel a little cringe. The title is loud. The cover is bright yellow. But the "sass" is what makes the medicine go down.
Sincero’s voice is like that one friend who loves you but is also tired of your excuses. She’s the one who tells you to stop complaining about your boss if you’re not willing to update your resume.
Her own transformation—from that garage to a multimillion-dollar brand—is the proof of concept. She didn't win the lottery. She didn't inherit a fortune. She changed her internal narrative and then worked her ass off to match that narrative.
Actionable Steps to Master Your Money Mindset
If you're ready to actually apply this stuff, don't just read the book and put it on a shelf. Start here:
- Write down your Money Story. Sit down for ten minutes and write out every negative thing you’ve ever thought about money. Don't filter it. If you think rich people are "snobs," write it down. This is your baseline.
- Flip the Script. For every negative thought, write the opposite. If you wrote "Money is hard to come by," change it to "Money is everywhere and I'm learning how to see it." It feels fake at first. Do it anyway.
- Pick a "Scary" Financial Goal. Not a "safe" one. Pick a number that makes your heart beat a little faster. Then, write down exactly what that money will allow you to do.
- Invest in Yourself. This doesn't have to be $85,000. It could be a $20 book, a $200 course, or a $500 seminar. The point is to put "skin in the game."
- Audit Your Circle. Look at the people you talk to about finances. Are they feeding your fears or your potential? You might need to find a new "money buddy" who thinks bigger than you do.
Wealth isn't just about the numbers in your account; it's about the permission you give yourself to occupy space in the world. Sincero’s message is basically: the world is full of money, and there's no reason you shouldn't have some of it. Stop apologizing for wanting to live a big life.
