How to Stop Letting “Things” Control You and Start Manifesting Your Financial Freedom with 8 Lessons

Introduction: The Day I Realized My Things Were Controlling Me

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and coach at The Richness Academy, I help people achieve financial freedom—but for a long time, I struggled with a hidden problem myself.

It wasn’t about investments, income, or debt. It was about my things.

One evening, I found myself looking at my overflowing wardrobe. Shirts I hadn’t worn in years, gadgets I never used, books I bought but never read. Each item represented money spent, space occupied, and energy drained. Yet, I kept adding more, believing that possessions equaled success.

That day, I realized something profound: Things were controlling me instead of the other way around.

That moment led me down a journey of decluttering—not just my space, but my financial mindset. And what I learned transformed my approach to wealth, happiness, and financial freedom.

Let me share with you eight lessons that changed my life—and how they can change yours too.

1. Owning More Doesn’t Mean Living More

We often believe that having more means being more successful—a bigger house, a newer car, a fancier phone. But does that truly bring happiness?

I’ve seen clients chase possessions at the cost of their financial security. A senior executive once told me, “Taresh, I earn in crores, yet I feel trapped by my lifestyle.” His life was dictated by EMIs, loans, and maintaining an image of success rather than actually enjoying wealth.

The Shift: Redefine Wealth

Wealth is not measured by how much you own but by how much freedom you have. Instead of spending on things that add clutter, focus on investing in assets that create freedom—mutual funds, real estate, and financial security.

What You Can Do:

• Audit your monthly spending. Are you buying things that add value or just clutter?

• Redirect 20% of impulse purchases into investments.

• Adopt a “Buy One, Sell One” rule—before buying something new, sell or donate an old item.

2. Memories Are Not in Things—They Are in Us

A client once told me she couldn’t sell her old car because it had “memories.” But the truth is, memories don’t live in objects. They live in us.

Holding onto things for emotional reasons often leads to clutter, stress, and unnecessary financial burdens—from keeping a big house filled with old furniture to storing expensive but unused jewelry.

The Shift: Free Your Mind

Letting go of possessions tied to the past creates space for new experiences. Instead of keeping physical clutter, focus on preserving memories through digital albums, written reflections, or simply cherishing the moments.

What You Can Do:

• Digitize sentimental items—scan old photos, convert CDs to digital files.

• Create a “memories jar” where you write down special moments instead of hoarding objects.

• If something brings guilt instead of joy, let it go.

3. The Less You Own, The More You Value What You Have

Do you remember the last time you truly appreciated something? Not just owned it—but really valued it?

I once worked with a high-earning entrepreneur who had 10 luxury watches but wore only two. He admitted he never appreciated them anymore. Why? Because too many choices dilute the value of what we own.

The Shift: Quality Over Quantity

When we own fewer but meaningful things, we appreciate them more. Instead of collecting possessions, curate your wealth.

What You Can Do:

• Apply the 80/20 rule: If you only use 20% of what you own, declutter the other 80%.

• Choose quality over quantity in your purchases—fewer but better investments.

• Instead of buying five mediocre investments, make one strong financial decision.

4. Decluttering Is About Freedom, Not Just Cleanliness

Most people think decluttering is about organizing your home. But it’s actually about freeing your time, energy, and finances.

A friend who decluttered her home told me, “I didn’t realize how much mental stress my stuff was causing.” Less stuff meant fewer things to clean, maintain, and worry about.

The Shift: Financial Freedom Through Simplicity

The same principle applies to money management. The more complex your finances, the harder it is to grow wealth. Simplify your investments, automate your savings, and focus on what truly matters.

What You Can Do:

• Reduce unnecessary financial accounts—close extra credit cards, merge old investments.

• Automate your savings and investments to eliminate decision fatigue.

• Focus on three core wealth-building strategies rather than chasing trends.

5. Buying More Is a Distraction from Deeper Issues

Many people shop to feel better. A bad day at work? A new gadget. Feeling bored? A new dress. But emotional spending leads to financial instability and stress.

One of my clients admitted he used shopping to escape job dissatisfaction. But what he needed wasn’t more things—it was a career change.

The Shift: Identify the Real Issue

Buying things won’t fix what’s missing inside. Financial stability comes from solving root problems, not covering them up.

What You Can Do:

• Identify your emotional triggers for spending.

• Before buying, ask: “Do I need this or am I escaping something?”

• Redirect emotional spending into self-growth investments—courses, books, experiences.

6. Letting Go Is a Skill—The More You Do It, the Easier It Gets

A client once told me, “I can’t let go of my old investments even though they’re underperforming.” But holding onto bad financial decisions out of attachment keeps you stuck.

The Shift: Learn to Release

Whether it’s bad investments, toxic relationships, or unnecessary expenses, letting go creates space for better opportunities.

What You Can Do:

• Review your portfolio—cut deadweight investments.

• Exit unnecessary subscriptions and memberships.

• Apply the “If I lost it today, would I replace it?” rule.

7. True Happiness Comes from Living, Not Owning

Financial success isn’t about owning more—it’s about experiencing more.

The Shift: Invest in Life

Instead of accumulating things, invest in experiences, learning, and personal growth.

What You Can Do:

• Prioritize spending on health, education, and travel over material things.

• Set financial goals based on life experiences, not just wealth accumulation.

8. You’ll Never Regret Letting Go of What You Don’t Need

The best lesson? Once you let go, you won’t miss what you didn’t need. Financial clutter is the same—when you clear it, you gain control, clarity, and confidence.

Final Thought: Manifesting Your Financial Freedom Starts Today

Are you ready to stop letting things control you and start creating true financial freedom?

Your first step: Declutter your financial life. Simplify, invest wisely, and focus on what truly enriches you.

Want to take this journey with expert guidance? Join me at The Richness Academy and let’s build your financial freedom together!