Jen Sincero didn't start out as a success story. Far from it. She spent years living in a converted garage, eating whatever was cheap, and basically accepting that being "broke and creative" was just her destiny. Then everything shifted. Not because she suddenly stumbled into a pile of gold, but because she decided to stop treating money like a dirty secret. If you've been looking for a sign to fix your finances, the You Are a Badass at Making Money book is usually the first thing people recommend, and for good reason. It isn't a spreadsheet manual. It’s a loud, often profane wake-up call about why you’re scared of being rich.
Most people approach wealth from a place of "how." How do I invest? How do I save? Sincero argues that the "how" doesn't matter if your "why" is broken. She taps into the idea that our subconscious beliefs about money—those weird little scripts we heard from our parents about how "money is the root of all evil" or "rich people are greedy"—are actually the things driving our bank accounts into the dirt. It sounds a bit "woo-woo," I know. But when you look at the psychology of self-sabotage, it starts to make a lot of sense.
The Mental Blocks You Didn't Know You Had
Most of us have a deeply weird relationship with cash. We want it, but we also feel kind of gross wanting it. Sincero’s book, You Are a Badass at Making Money, tackles this head-on by forcing you to look at your "Money Mantra." Think about the last time you saw someone driving a Ferrari. Was your first thought, "Wow, good for them," or was it, "I bet they're a jerk"? If it's the latter, you're basically telling your brain that having money makes you a bad person. Why would your brain ever help you become something you despise?
It's a barrier. A big, invisible wall.
She uses her own life as the primary case study. Sincero wasn't some trust-fund kid. She was a freelance writer who struggled to pay for basic stuff. The shift happened when she started investing in herself—sometimes in ways that felt terrifyingly expensive, like hiring a coach that cost more than her car. The core argument here isn't just "spend money to make money," but rather "value yourself enough to invest in your future." If you don't think you're worth the investment, nobody else will either.
Why This Isn't Just Another "Get Rich Quick" Scheme
There is a massive difference between a scam and a mindset shift. The You Are a Badass at Making Money book gets lumped into the self-help category, which makes some skeptics roll their eyes. Honestly, I get it. The world is full of fake gurus. However, Sincero focuses on the "Universal Intelligence" or "The Vortex"—terms that basically mean "the energy you put out is what you get back." If that’s too spiritual for you, just swap "Universal Intelligence" for "Reticular Activating System." That’s the part of your brain that filters information to show you what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for reasons why you’ll stay poor, you’ll find them. If you’re looking for opportunities, those start popping up too.
She talks about "The Big Snooze." That’s her term for the ego. The ego loves the status quo. It loves staying safe in the garage apartment because, hey, at least we aren't dead, right? Taking a risk to start a business or ask for a raise is a threat to the ego's safety. So, it sends you "protection" in the form of fear, doubt, and excuses. Recognizing that fear is just a sign you're growing is a huge part of her philosophy.
The Practical Side of the Woo-Woo
While the book is heavy on mindset, it’s not devoid of action. You can't just meditate your way to a million dollars while sitting on your couch eating cereal. Sincero is very clear: you have to do the work. But the work feels lighter when you aren't fighting yourself.
One of the most effective exercises in the book involves writing a letter to money. Seriously. If money were a person, what would you say to it? Most people realize they’ve been treating money like a neglected ex-boyfriend or a terrifying monster. "I love you, but stay away from me because I don't trust you." It sounds silly until you actually do it and realize how much baggage you're carrying.
She also emphasizes the power of specific goals. Saying "I want more money" is useless. The universe (or your brain) doesn't know what to do with "more." Do you want five cents? That’s more. You need a specific number for a specific reason. Maybe it’s $5,000 for a down payment or $50,000 to quit your job and launch a brand. Specificity creates a roadmap. Without it, you're just driving around in circles.
Breaking the "Starving Artist" Myth
A lot of the people who gravitate toward the You Are a Badass at Making Money book are creatives. There’s this toxic idea that to be a "real" artist or a "good" person, you have to be struggling. Sincero shreds this. She argues that having money actually allows you to be more generous. You can’t donate to charity if you can’t pay your rent. You can’t help your family if you’re stressed about your own grocery bill. Being rich doesn't make you bad; it makes you "you," but with more options.
Money is just a tool. Like a hammer. You can use a hammer to build a house or break a window. The hammer isn't "evil." Neither is the cash.
Dealing with the Naysayers
When you start changing your mindset, the people around you might get uncomfortable. This is a real thing Sincero warns about. If your friends all bond over being broke, and suddenly you’re talking about "abundance" and "wealth goals," you’re breaking the social contract. They might try to "pull you back down" to keep the group dynamic the same.
It's not that they're bad people. They're just scared. Your growth highlights their stagnation. Sincero’s advice? Surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be. If you’re the richest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
Actionable Steps to Apply the Badass Philosophy
If you’re ready to actually use the concepts from the You Are a Badass at Making Money book, don't just read it and put it on the shelf. You have to actually move.
- Identify Your Money Junk: Spend ten minutes writing down every negative thing you’ve ever said or heard about money. "Money doesn't grow on trees," "Another day, another dollar," "Must be nice to be rich." Look at that list. That’s your mental programming.
- Rewrite the Script: Take those negative statements and flip them. Instead of "I can't afford that," try "How can I afford that?" It shifts your brain from a dead-end to a problem-solving mode.
- Get Specific About the Number: Figure out exactly how much money you need to live your "ideal" life for one year. Not a "billion dollars," but a real, calculated number. This makes the goal tangible.
- Take One "Scary" Action: Fear is usually a compass. What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels "too big" or "too expensive"? Maybe it’s signing up for a certification, calling a potential high-end client, or finally opening a high-yield savings account. Do it today.
- Change Your Environment: Start listening to podcasts or reading books by people who view wealth as a positive force. You need to drown out the "broke" noise with "abundance" signal.
The biggest takeaway from Sincero is that your external world is a mirror of your internal state. If your bank account is empty, check your beliefs. It’s a tough pill to swallow because it means you’re responsible. But the flip side is also true: if you’re responsible for the mess, you’re also the only one who can clean it up. Making money isn't just about the math; it's about the permission you give yourself to succeed.
