By the time we hit our 50s, we’ve lived through a lot. We’ve raised families, managed households, changed careers, survived heartbreak—and yet, when it comes to money, many of us feel like we’re flying blind.
You’re not alone. So many women tell me, “I wish I had learned this earlier” or “I’m just not good with money.”
But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to get wise, clear, and confident with your finances.
Today, we’re unpacking the five most common money mistakes I see women over 50 make—and how you can avoid them. Please don’t feel any guilt or shame around where you are financially. This is to help you become aware, plus some smart next steps.
1. Believing It’s Too Late
This mindset is one of the biggest dream-killers out there.
Many women over 50 feel they’ve “missed the boat” when it comes to building wealth. You have spent decades raising children, working part-time, and possibly letting someone else handle the finances. Now, you feel behind and don’t think you can do anything about it.
But here’s the truth: it’s not too late. Your financial future is still being written. You have time, experience, and wisdom on your side. You don’t need to become a millionaire overnight. You just need to start where you are and take one step forward.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
💡 Try this: Write down one financial goal you’d love to reach in the next year—big or small. Then ask: What’s one step I can take toward that this week?
2. Ignoring Your Numbers
Let’s be honest—sometimes it feels easier to just not look. Maybe you avoid checking your bank account, delay opening bills, or have no idea what your superannuation balance is.
But burying your head in the sand doesn’t protect you. It disconnects you from your power.
When you don’t know your numbers, you can’t make empowered decisions. You don’t know what you can say yes to, what needs adjusting, or how close you are to the life you want.
💡 Try this: Set a weekly “money date” with yourself. Light a candle, grab a cup of tea, and spend 15 minutes reviewing your accounts, bills, and budget. The more familiar you become with your finances, the more confident you’ll feel.
This can feel really scary to do, but I promise it is worth it.
3. Thinking Budgeting Means Deprivation
Many of us grew up thinking budgets were strict, joy-killing documents designed to stop us from spending money on anything fun. No wonder we avoid them.
But a good budget isn’t about deprivation—it’s about direction. It helps you put your money where your values are. Want to travel? Budget for it. Want to give to causes you love? Budget for it. Want to stop living paycheck to paycheck? That starts with telling your money where to go.
💡 Try this: Create a simple “values-based spending plan.” Start with your essentials, then add categories that reflect what matters most to you—joy, generosity, future security, adventure. You’re not cutting things out—you’re making space for what matters.
4. Giving Financial Power Away
Many women tell me they didn’t handle the money in their marriage or they let someone else (partner, advisor, accountant) make all the big decisions. Now, after a divorce, a loss, or a big life change, they feel overwhelmed or out of their depth.
But here’s the thing: you are smart, capable, and entirely able to understand your money. It may feel unfamiliar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn.
Taking back your financial voice isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about making sure you’re informed, confident, and in control of your future.
💡 Try this: Choose one financial topic that confuses or intimidates you—like investing, superannuation, or retirement planning—and spend 30 minutes this week reading or listening to a podcast about it. Learning even one new thing builds confidence.
5. Carrying Around Old Money Beliefs
This one is subtle—but powerful.
Many of us were raised with beliefs like, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” “Rich people are greedy,” or “It’s wrong to want more.” These old stories get buried in our subconscious, but they still influence how we save, spend, and think about wealth.
If you believe money is stressful, or shameful, or just not “for people like you,” it’s going to be very hard to let yourself build wealth with ease and joy.
But God calls us to renew our minds—and that includes the way we think about money, abundance, and our worth.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
💡 Try this: Start listening to your self-talk about money. When you catch a negative belief—like “I’m terrible with money”—pause and ask, Is that actually true? Or is it just an old story I’ve been carrying?
And if you want help uncovering and rewriting those beliefs, be sure to grab my free Money Beliefs Worksheet here. It’s gentle, eye-opening, and a great starting point.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Here’s what I want you to know: your financial story is still unfolding. You don’t have to fix everything overnight. You just need to start. With one choice, one mindset shift, one small act of courage.
And remember—wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about freedom, peace, choices, and the ability to live a life that reflects who you are.
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.
💰 Want support to create your next money chapter?
If this blog hit home and you’re ready to feel more confident, calm, and capable with your finances, let’s talk.
👉 Click here to book a session and we’ll build your roadmap—together.
Love Kay