False Ideas of Freedom and Independence: Psychological and Philosophical Reflections on Money

I used to think financial freedom was all about numbers — having enough money in the bank to feel secure, to live without limits, or to achieve some magical point where “I’d never have to worry about money again.”

But over time, I’ve learned that this idea — while common — can quietly lead us away from true freedom and peace of mind.

The Illusion of Money as Freedom

Peter Koenig’s insights in 30 Lies About Money reveal a powerful paradox: the more we project qualities like security, power, or independence onto money, the more elusive those qualities become.

We’ve all heard the belief that “money is freedom.” Yet if you scratch beneath the surface, this belief often drives behaviours that diminish our present-day freedom. We may push ourselves to work longer hours, chase promotions, or avoid rest — all in pursuit of a future where we’ll finally “feel free.”

But here’s the catch: if we can only feel free once we’ve reached a financial milestone, that sense of freedom is fragile at best — and endlessly postponed at worst.

Why True Freedom Starts Within

Koenig’s work shows that money is often an empty slate — a canvas onto which we project our hopes, fears, and insecurities. For example:

• If we associate money with security, we may hoard wealth yet still feel anxious about losing it.
• If we link money to power, we might overwork ourselves chasing influence, only to feel powerless inside.
• If we see money as independence, we risk isolating ourselves in pursuit of self-reliance — forgetting that healthy dependence on others is what creates meaningful relationships.

The key to shifting this pattern? Learning to reclaim those projected qualities — security, power, or freedom — from money itself.

Reclaiming Inner Security and Freedom

Coaching approaches like life coaching or cognitive-behavioural frameworks offer powerful tools to break free from this cycle. These approaches guide us to:

• Identify the beliefs we’ve unconsciously linked to money. What stories about financial security or success have shaped your behaviour?
• Reclaim the emotions we’ve projected onto wealth. Instead of saying “Money makes me feel secure,” we can practice affirmations like “I create security in my life through my choices, my relationships, and my values.”
• Cultivate abundance in everyday life. True abundance doesn’t always mean wealth — it’s about recognising and building on what you already have, from friendships to skills to moments of joy.

A Practical Step to Start Today

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll feel secure when…” or “I’ll finally be free when…” — pause. Notice that belief, and ask yourself:

                     What would it look like to feel secure, powerful, or free right now — with or without more money?

This mindset shift isn’t about ignoring financial realities; it’s about recognising that the sense of peace, power, or freedom we’re chasing starts within us — not in a bank account.

The Real Gold is Learning These Skills

Learning how to detach emotions like security, power, and independence from money is the real treasure. When we build these qualities within ourselves, money becomes what it’s meant to be — a useful tool — rather than the place where we store our sense of self-worth.

The path to true financial empowerment isn’t just about earning more or spending less. It’s about learning to cultivate the inner strength and clarity that allows us to make wise financial choices — from a place of calm confidence rather than fear or avoidance.

Curious to explore this deeper? I am here to explore how to shift your financial mindset in an engaging, structured and skilful manner, over a private 1-1 conversation with me, to envisage the options you have & get you started as you see fit .

Sincerely yours,

Dr Sophie

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Inspired by :

Koenig, P. (2009). 30 Lies About Money: Liberating Your Life, Liberating Your Money. BOD – Books on Demand.

Housel, M. (2020). The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness. Harriman House.