Coming into significant wealth, whether through inheritance, selling a business, or another financial windfall, can feel like a dream come true. But for many women, instead of excitement and security, it brings stress, self-doubt, and even guilt.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money rather than empowered, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as Sudden Wealth Syndrome (SWS), at Seymour and through Fliss‘ coaching, we see it all the time.
What Is Sudden Wealth Syndrome?
Sudden Wealth Syndrome happens when a big financial windfall leaves you feeling anxious, uncertain, or even paralysed instead of confident and in control. It’s more common than you might think, especially for women who are the first in their family to build or inherit significant wealth.
Many women struggle with making financial decisions, worrying they’ll make the wrong move and lose everything. Others feel guilty about their wealth or face pressure from family and friends about what to do with it. Some keep large amounts of money in cash because investing feels too risky.
In particular we find this is really common with first-generation business owners who have built their wealth from scratch and women inheriting family money. There’s often a deep emotional attachment to this wealth, making it hard to know what to do next.
How Imposter Syndrome Makes It Even Harder
If Sudden Wealth Syndrome wasn’t enough, many women also struggle with Imposter Syndrome, that nagging feeling that they don’t really deserve their success. Instead of feeling proud, they downplay their achievements, believing they just “got lucky.”
This self-doubt can make taking action with money even harder. Many women hesitate, second-guess, or avoid dealing with their wealth altogether. They may put off financial planning, keep their money sitting in cash instead of making it work for them, or feel pressure to justify every financial decision. Even those with significant assets sometimes struggle to see themselves as truly wealthy.
Why Ignoring Wealth Isn’t the Answer
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when a large sum of money lands in your lap. But avoiding financial decisions won’t make the stress go away… in fact, it usually makes things worse. Without a plan, wealth can slip away faster than you think. Taxes, inflation, and missed investment opportunities can all erode your money over time.
We’ve seen this happen to women who feel uncomfortable talking about money or fear making the wrong decision. They put off planning, hoping things will just work themselves out. But the truth is, without a clear strategy, wealth can feel like a burden rather than a blessing.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Managing your wealth doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right guidance, you can take control of your money in a way that aligns with your values and long-term goals. Whether that means investing wisely, protecting your wealth, or making a meaningful impact, having a plan gives you the confidence to move forward.
At Seymour, we provide a judgment-free approach to financial planning additionally, our head adviser Fliss, is also a trauma informed financial coach who specialises in helping clients who are new to wealth. We get that money isn’t just about numbers, it’s emotional, personal, and sometimes overwhelming. Our goal is to help you feel secure and in control of your financial future.
From Overwhelmed to Empowered
If you’ve come into wealth and feel unsure about what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We recognise that money can carry emotional weight, so we help you navigate those feelings and build confidence in your financial future. The emotions you’re experiencing are valid, but they don’t have to hold you back.
Book a call with Seymour Financial today and let’s create a plan that gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
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