Money Isn’t Scary - Money Mindset, Money Anxiety, Intentional Spending, Saving Money, Money Management

This week on the pod, I'm talking about the money decisions we make for a future we can't fully picture yet. From saving for retirement and our kids' college to thinking about the lives we hope to build, so many of our financial decisions are based on assumptions about who we'll be and what we'll want years from now. What happens when our priorities change? How do we plan responsibly for the future without putting our present lives on hold? This conversation is about about flexibility, changing expectations, and taking care of our future selves while still making room for the life we're living right now. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary…

This week on the pod, I’m talking about why it can be so hard to feel like we have enough. We’re often so focused on the next goal, financial milestone, or better version of our lives that we forget to appreciate where we are right now. I’m exploring how we can keep working toward the things that matter to us without making our happiness dependent on getting there. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now officially a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® where I work with you to create greater balance, a higher consciousness and help you transform your relationship with…

This week, I’m talking about the emotional side of letting go of things. From clothes that remind us of a different version of ourselves to toys that bring us right back to when our kids were little, sometimes our stuff holds a lot more than monetary value. We talk about why letting go can feel so hard, the memories attached to the things we keep, and how sometimes it’s not really about the stuff at all — it’s about the chapters of our lives we’re not quite ready to close. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now officially a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® where…

This week on the pod, I’m talking with author Christy Lawrence about what happens when money becomes about so much more than money. Christy’s story really stuck with me because, on paper, she was doing everything “right.” She was earning a great income, had no debt, was saving for retirement, and had built what looked like a really solid financial life. And yet, after her marriage ended, she eventually found herself nearly $100,000 in debt and facing bankruptcy. So what happened? That’s what we get into in this conversation. Christy shares her story and talks about the ways money can become connected to safety, belonging, love, relationships, and taking care of other people. We talk about trauma and money, the caretaking paradox, attachment styles, and why financial struggles aren't always about a lack of knowledge or willpower. I think there is so much here for anyone who has ever wondered, Why do I keep doing this when I know better? You can find more from Christy: Outspent Substack — In Search of the…

In today's episode, I diving into the wild ride that is Fall. If you’re feeling thrown off by all the new expenses and busy schedules… same here. In this episode, I'm sharing grounding practices that actually help, both with your money and your mindset. I’m sharing simple habits like weekly check-ins, jotting down a note or two about your finances, tiny rituals to reset, and giving yourself permission to pivot when things don’t go as planned. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now officially a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® where I work with you to create…

Unexpected expenses have a way of making us question ourselves. In today's episode of the pod, I’m talking about why an unexpected car repair, vet bill, or broken appliance can feel like more than just an expense—and why we’re so quick to turn it into evidence that we’ve done something wrong. We can be responsible, plan ahead, save, and still get blindsided. That doesn’t mean we failed. It means life is unpredictable. I’m also talking about the difference between responsibility and control, the emotional stories we attach to money surprises, and why financial wellness isn’t just about knowing what to do with the numbers—it’s also about learning how to be kind to ourselves when things don’t go according to plan. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website:…

How much of the way you think about money actually belongs to you? In today's episode, I talk about the money beliefs we inherit from our families - often without even realizing it. From “We don’t need that” to “Must be nice,” we absorb messages about spending, saving, work, success, and what it means to be “good” with money. But just because we learned a belief growing up doesn’t mean we have to carry it forever. Today I'm working through how to notice these inherited money rules, question where they came from, and decide which ones still serve us—and which ones we're ready to do differently. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary…

This week on the pod, I'm joined by Monica Packer, founder of the Progress Over Perfection movement, host of the About Progress podcast, and author of Sticky Habits. Together, we explore why so many of us get stuck waiting for the "perfect" time, how to let go of all-or-nothing thinking, and what it really takes to create lasting change. In our conversation, we discuss: What it truly means to choose progress over perfection Why we're wired to seek certainty—and how it keeps us stuck The role of consistency and flexibility in building habits that last Why self-compassion is essential for meaningful growth How lasting change starts with our identity, not just our behaviors Connect with Monica: Sticky Habits: stickyhabitsbook.com About Progress podcast (wherever you listen to podcasts) Instagram: @aboutprogress ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary —…

Last week on the pod, we talked about how life has become one giant optimization project. This week, we're taking that conversation one step further by looking at how that mindset shows up in our summers. Somewhere along the way, summer stopped feeling like a season and started feeling like something we have to maximize. Between bucket lists, vacations, camps, beach days, and the pressure to "make memories," it's easy to feel like we're trying to squeeze every last drop out of these few short months. In this episode, I explore why that pressure feels so intense, how scarcity influences both our spending and our decision-making, and why we often find ourselves buying reassurance instead of experiences. If you've ever felt guilty for having a quiet weekend, staying home on a beautiful day, or wondering if you're doing "enough" with your kids, this episode is your reminder that there isn't a right way to do summer. Maybe the best memories aren't the ones we plan. Maybe they're the ones that happen when we stop…

This week, I'm talking about why every financial decision (and frankly decisions in all areas of life) now suddenly feels so complicated. What started as a simple task of booking a hotel for a family vacation turned into a perfect example of something much bigger. I found myself comparing prices, debating credit card points, reading reviews, wondering if I should wait for a better deal, and questioning whether I was making the "right" decision. Somewhere along the way, planning a vacation stopped feeling exciting and started feeling like homework. In this episode, I explore the pressure to optimize every dollar and how our culture has convinced us that every financial decision has a hidden "best" answer. We talk about the emotional cost of constantly trying to maximize rewards, save a little more, and make the perfect choice—and why sometimes protecting our time, energy, and peace of mind is just as valuable. If you've ever found yourself spending way too much time trying to save a few dollars—or feeling…

This week on the show, I'm joined by financial wellness coach, author, entrepreneur, and Stanford-trained sociologist Tari K. Vickery for a conversation about something I believe is at the heart of financial well-being: the emotional side of money. So often we focus on budgets, investing, and financial strategies, but we rarely stop to ask why we make the financial decisions we do. Tari and I explore how our family experiences, childhood messages, and inherited beliefs shape our relationship with money—and why understanding those stories is the first step toward creating a healthier one. Connect with Tari: 🌐 Website: https://tarikvickeryauthor.com 📖 Book: The Emotional Side of Money: A Roadmap to Financial Wellness (https://tarikvickeryauthor.com/book) 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tari-vickery 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarikvickeryauthor 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarikvickeryauthor…

This week, I'm talking about something that happened to me recently that I think many of us can relate to: consuming financial advice and somehow ending up feeling worse instead of better. After a late-night social media scroll left me feeling behind in about twelve different areas of my life, I started thinking about how much financial advice we're exposed to every day—and how overwhelming it can be. Between social media, podcasts, books, and experts all telling us the "right" way to manage money, it's easy to end up carrying around a long list of financial shoulds that feel more like pressure than support. In this episode, I discuss:• Why too much financial content can create overwhelm instead of clarity• How social media fuels comparison and feelings of being "behind"• The danger of applying someone else's financial advice to a completely different situation• Why context, life stage, and capacity matter when making financial decisions• A simple question to ask yourself before taking on any new financial…

This week, I'm chatting with Jenn Klein—author, podcast host, and philanthropic advisor—for a thoughtful conversation about generosity, giving, and what it really means to be a philanthropist. Many of us think philanthropy is something reserved for the ultra-wealthy, but Jenn challenges that belief. She shares how generosity is not defined by the size of a donation, but by the ways we choose to align our time, energy, resources, and values with the causes and communities we care about most. We explore how our personal values shape our giving, the mindset shifts that can make generosity feel more accessible, and why philanthropy can be an everyday practice rather than a financial milestone. Whether you're looking for ways to make a greater impact in your community or simply want to rethink your relationship with giving, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Connect with Jenn:https://youareaphilanthropist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_jennklein Get her book:…

Have you ever felt like somewhere along the way, you stopped feeling like yourself? Whether it's motherhood, burnout, a career change, or simply years of putting everyone else's needs before your own, major life transitions can leave us feeling disconnected from who we are. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we turn to spending as a way to reconnect with ourselves. In this episode, I'm exploring the emotional connection between spending and identity, why shopping can feel so hopeful during difficult seasons, and how marketing often capitalizes on our desire for transformation. I also talk about the grief that can come with outgrowing old versions of ourselves and why trying to "buy our way back" rarely creates lasting fulfillment. Most importantly, we'll discuss how to navigate identity shifts with more awareness and self-compassion—and why the answer may not be finding the person you used to be, but getting curious about who you're becoming.…

This week on the pod I’m talking about the financial and emotional cost of constantly saying yes during the chaos of event season. May can feel like a nonstop cycle of graduations, weddings, school events, birthday parties, fundraisers, travel, gifts, and social obligations — and while these moments are often joyful, they can also leave us feeling financially stretched, emotionally overwhelmed, and quietly resentful. In this episode, I talk about: The hidden emotional and financial pressure of “event season” The difference between joyful spending and resentment spending Why so many women struggle with boundaries around money, time, and obligations How people-pleasing and guilt influence our spending decisions The connection between overcommitting and nervous system burnout Why saying no doesn’t make you selfish or uncaring Learning to honor your financial, emotional, and energetic capacity without guilt If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by invitations, pressured to participate in everything, or resentful after…

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Tracy Hoth — life coach, professional organizer, systems expert, and host of The Organized Coach Podcast. Tracy’s work goes far beyond organizing physical spaces. She helps people understand the emotional patterns, mindset shifts, and habits that often sit underneath clutter and overwhelm. In our conversation, we talk about the connection between clutter, money, scarcity, and self-worth — and how decluttering can actually become a healing process. Tracy also shares practical strategies to simplify your home and life without falling into perfectionism. Connect with Tracy Her podcast: The Organized Coach Podcast Decluttering Challenge: https://simplysquaredaway.com/declutter Website: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can…

In this week's episode, I’m talking about something that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough—the invisible financial load that so many moms carry every single day. Beyond paying bills or managing accounts, there’s a deeper layer of responsibility: the constant thinking, planning, worrying, and anticipating around money. And in many households, that emotional and mental load quietly falls on moms—often without being seen or acknowledged. I share my own experience with this, and how it can show up as pressure, burnout, guilt, and even resentment over time. We also talk about why this happens, how it becomes normalized, and what it looks like to start bringing awareness to it. This is a gentle, honest conversation meant to help you feel seen—and to remind you that it doesn’t have to feel this heavy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women…

In this episode, I’m joined by Kim O’Hara, coach and host of This Delicious Life, for a really grounding conversation about what it means to build a life that actually feels good—not just one that looks good on paper. We talk about the idea of a “delicious life” and how small, intentional moments of self-kindness can shift how we show up day-to-day. We also explore the connection between our overall wellbeing and our relationship with money—and how feeling more aligned in our lives can lead to more confident, intentional financial decisions. We also get into those all-too-familiar moments of waking up with a sense of dread, and how to gently move through that by creating space for joy, even in small ways. This is an honest, feel-good conversation that will leave you thinking a little differently about what really matters. Connect with Kim: Website: kimohara.com Podcast: This Delicious Life Substack: I Give You Permission…

Do you ever feel like you’re just… tired of thinking about money? Because I do—and that’s what inspired this episode. Today I’m talking about financial fatigue—that low-level mental exhaustion that comes from constantly having to think about, manage, and make decisions around money. It’s not that we don’t care or don’t know what to do—it’s that we’re overloaded. In this episode, I share: What financial fatigue actually looks like in everyday life Why avoiding your finances can be a normal response (not a personal failure) The emotional weight behind money decisions—and why it’s not just about the numbers The cycle that keeps us stuck, and how to start shifting out of it This conversation is really about changing the way we think about being “bad with money,” and creating a relationship with our finances that feels more manageable, more sustainable, and a lot less draining. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode,…

Why does it feel like we’re always trying to keep up? In this episode, I sit down with Ruchika Malhotra, author of Uncompete, to talk about how competition shows up for women—and how it can quietly create a sense of scarcity, impact our confidence, and shape the way we think about success and money. We also explore what shifts when we move toward a more collaborative mindset, and how that can change the way we show up in our work and lives. In this episode, we cover: Competition, comparison, and scarcity The link between self-worth and success How this impacts money decisions Moving from competition to collaboration Connect with Ruchika:Book: Uncompete – Rejecting Competition to Unlock SuccessWebsite: https://uncompetebook.comLinkedIn: Search “Ruchika Malhotra” for her latest work and newsletter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more…

Tax season isn’t just about forms, deadlines, and numbers — it brings up a lot more than we expect. In this episode, I talk about the psychology of tax season — why it can feel so heavy, why so many of us avoid it, and what’s really going on underneath the surface. From procrastination and fear of getting it wrong, to deeper feelings of financial shame, this time of year can quietly stir up a lot. If you’ve been putting off your taxes or feeling overwhelmed just thinking about them, you’re not alone — and there’s nothing wrong with you. This episode will help you understand what’s coming up, so you can move through it with more awareness, less judgment, and a little more ease. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram:…

This week, I'm talking with Courtney Townley, host of the Grace & Grit podcast and a leading voice in helping women navigate health, hormones, and reinvention with intention. Courtney’s work is all about helping women stop self-abandoning, regulate their nervous systems, and build lives rooted in power instead of pressure. We talk about what it really looks like to live in alignment—and how to recognize when you’re stuck in what Courtney calls “integrity pain.” We get into the difference between the kind of stress that drains you versus the kind that actually helps you grow, the subtle hiding habits that keep us stuck, and how self-leadership and consistency shape not just our lives—but our relationship with money, too. Connect with Courtney: Book: The Consistency Code (available at theconsistencycode.com and major online retailers) Website: graceandgrit.com Podcast: Grace & Grit ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode,…

In today's episode, I explore a deeper layer of our spending habits—looking not at what our money is helping us move toward, but what it may be helping us avoid. Building on the idea of the “upgraded self,” I share personal patterns I've noticed in her own life, from spending during moments of mental overwhelm to purchasing things that feel productive but actually delay decision-making. I also touch on the social side of spending—like over-giving or saying yes to things we don’t want—as a way to avoid discomfort in relationships. At the core of the episode is a powerful shift: instead of focusing on discipline or restriction, I invite listeners to get curious. What if your spending isn’t random—but patterned? What if it’s helping you avoid something you already know you need to face? This episode is a reminder that awareness—not perfection—is what creates real change. When you understand the “why” behind your spending, you give yourself the opportunity to choose differently.…

Today I’m really excited to share my conversation with psychiatrist and author, Dr. Ellen Vora. We dive into one of my favorite topics—anxiety—and explore it in a way that feels both grounding and empowering. Dr. Vora takes a holistic, mind-body approach to anxiety, focusing on getting to the root rather than just managing symptoms. As you’ll hear throughout the conversation, there’s a powerful parallel to how we experience anxiety around money—so often, it’s not just about the numbers, but what’s happening beneath the surface. About Dr. Ellen Vora:Dr. Ellen Vora is a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and the author of The Anatomy of Anxiety. She is known for her integrative approach to mental health, combining conventional psychiatry with functional medicine, mindfulness, and lifestyle-based interventions. Rather than viewing anxiety as something to suppress, her work helps people understand it as meaningful information—often pointing to imbalances in the body, mind, or environment. Her approach…

In this week's episode, I explore the idea of the “upgraded version” of ourselves—the elevated identity we imagine when we think about who we want to become. Inspired by a simple desire to buy a J.Crew sweater, I unpack the deeper psychology behind why certain purchases feel like they’re bringing us closer to a more confident, composed, and secure version of ourselves. I discuss how many of us quietly try to spend our way into becoming the person we believe we’re meant to be. But often, what we’re really seeking isn’t better clothes, a nicer home, or a bigger paycheck—it’s emotional safety, self-trust, and a sense of internal stability. This episode invites you to look beyond the aesthetic upgrades and consider the deeper shifts that actually create lasting change. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed…

In today's episode, I'm talking with Amanda Foust, a high-performance neuro coach trained in neuroscience and trauma-informed care. Amanda works with leaders and high performers to help them understand how their brains work, shift the patterns that keep them stuck, and create the lives they truly want. Amanda and I talk about how neuroscience and self-awareness can help us better understand our triggers, break out of old patterns, and show up more intentionally in our lives — whether that’s in leadership, parenting, or the way we approach success and personal growth. Find more from Amanda: https://www.wakeuptoyourlife.co/resources ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary…

In honor of Women’s History Month, today I’m reflecting on the subtle, unspoken money lessons I absorbed from my mom — and how those early patterns shaped my relationship with money in ways I didn’t fully understand until adulthood. In this episode, I talk about how inherited money beliefs often live in our nervous systems, how survival strategies get passed down generationally, and why awareness isn’t the same thing as blame. I also walk you through a few reflection exercises to help you: Identify a money belief you may have inherited Notice how it shows up in your day-to-day decisions Separate yourself from the belief so you can consciously choose something new And I share what rewriting my story has looked like — moving from silence to conversation, from scarcity to sufficiency, and from overwork to enoughness. This episode is about honoring the women who shaped us — seeing their strength and humanity clearly — while giving ourselves permission to build on their foundation instead of unconsciously…

In this week’s episode, I share a relatable story about almost buying a $178 sweater — and then hitting pause. That moment got me thinking about delayed gratification, impulse spending, and why it’s so hard to wait in a world built for instant rewards. I talk about the psychology behind impulse buying, money habits, and self-control, what the marshmallow test teaches us about trust and patience, and how tools like Buy Now, Pay Later affect the way we experience spending. I also share practical tips for pausing before purchases, saving effectively, and practicing financial patience without feeling deprived. Whether you struggle with impulse spending, budgeting, or long-term financial goals, this episode will help you build confidence and trust in your money decisions — one small pause at a time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women…

In this episode, we’re talking about the money anxiety that shows up even when nothing is technically wrong. Bills are paid. There’s no emergency. And yet, you still feel tense, on edge, or like you can’t fully relax around money. I talk through why this happens, how past financial stress can linger in your nervous system, and why quiet seasons can make money anxiety feel louder. We also explore the difference between financial facts and financial feelings, and why anxiety isn’t always asking for a new plan — sometimes it’s asking for safety. This episode is for anyone who feels anxious about money even when they’re “doing everything right,” and wants reassurance without budgeting rules or financial shame. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website:…

In today's episode, I’m sharing my conversation with Leslie Forde — author, CEO, researcher, and advocate for women’s maternal needs. Leslie is the creator of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs, a powerful framework that helps explain why traditional self-care so often falls short for moms. We talk about why so many of the struggles moms face aren’t personal failures, but the result of systemic and cultural pressures — including scarcity and money stress. Leslie shares how growing up with financial instability shaped her relationship with work and options, how financial stress shows up in the nervous system, and why understanding money as options (not just numbers) can be so empowering. We also explore why believing we deserve care is such an essential — and often missing — starting point. Find more from Leslie: 🌐 Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs: https://momshierarchyofneeds.com/ 📘 Repair With Self-Care — available wherever books are sold 💼 Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn…

In today's episode, I talk about why money can feel so urgent when the world feels uncertain—and why that urgency is often anxiety, not clarity. I share what I’ve seen after nearly 20 years of working with people around money: most financial mistakes don’t come from waiting, they come from acting while overwhelmed or trying to feel in control. We talk through what you don’t need to decide right now, why pausing big financial decisions is often the more responsible move, and how choosing steadiness can reduce anxiety and lead to better long-term outcomes. This episode is for anyone feeling pressure to have everything figured out. You don’t need a perfect plan right now—you need a steady enough one. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Earth has been part of my routine lately, especially this time of year. You can use my link below for 20% off at cozyearth.com with the code MONEYISNTSCARY. *And make sure to check out their viral pajamas!…

In today's episode, I’m talking about the quiet, often unspoken ways grief shows up in our relationship with money. Not just the grief of losing someone we love, but also the grief tied to paths not taken, timelines that shifted, dreams that didn’t unfold the way we expected, and the lives we thought we’d be living by now. I share how this kind of grief can sneak into everyday money decisions, show up as tension or self-criticism, and make money feel heavier than the numbers alone can explain. I also talk through gentle ways to notice and name these feelings—without judgment or pressure to “fix” them—so money can feel a little lighter and more honest. If you’ve ever felt a quiet ache around money and couldn’t quite put your finger on it, this episode is for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cozy Earth has been part of my routine lately, especially this time of year. You can use my link below for 20% off at cozyearth.com with the code…

Money avoidance is something most of us do at some point — especially when life feels overwhelming. And it doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible or bad with money. It means you’re human. In this episode, I’m talking honestly about what money avoidance actually looks like, why it feels comforting in the moment, and the quiet ways it can end up costing us more over time — emotionally, relationally, and financially. We’ll explore the shame, overwhelm, and fear that often sit underneath avoidance, and I’ll share gentle, realistic ways to start reconnecting with your money without pressure or judgment. If you’ve ever felt stressed just thinking about checking your accounts, avoided money conversations, or told yourself you’d “deal with it later,” this episode is for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cozy Earth has been part of my routine lately, especially this time of year. You can use my link below for 20% off at cozyearth.com with the code…

January has a way of bringing out the part of us that really wants to do everything right — especially with money. In this episode, I talk about what I call the good girl hangover: that rule-following, people-pleasing energy that shows up after the holidays and leaves us feeling pressured, restricted, and exhausted. We’ll talk about how this “good girl” part learned to keep us safe, how she shows up in our money decisions, and why trying to be perfect with money often backfires. Most importantly, we’ll explore what it might look like to move through January with a little more honesty and kindness toward ourselves — instead of more rules and self-criticism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cozy Earth has been part of my routine lately, especially this time of year. You can use my link below for 20% off at cozyearth.com with the code MONEYISNTSCARY.…

In this New Year episode of Money Isn’t Scary, I’m talking with social psychologist and author Kari Liebowitz about how to get out of winter survival mode and feel more supported by this season instead of just pushing through it. We explore how the way we think about winter can completely shift how it feels in our day-to-day lives, especially when we’re tired, overwhelmed, and juggling a lot. Kari and I dive into the power of mindsets, how our beliefs about winter shape our mood and energy, and how we can start to work with the season instead of fighting against it. We talk about practicing rest without guilt, finding small opportunities in slower seasons, and applying this same mindset to other challenging chapters in life, not just the cold, dark months. If you’re feeling like you’re just counting down the days until spring, this conversation is a gentle invitation to see winter—and yourself—a little differently. You can learn more about Kari and her work here: Her book How to Winter – available wherever…

In today's episode, I'm reflecting on the liminal space between the end of one year and the beginning of the next—the hazy “in-between” where routines fall away, time feels weird, and it’s tempting to either over-hustle with resolutions or completely check out. I explore how this in-between mirrors our financial journeys, where growth is rarely linear and the quiet, uncertain seasons often hold the most potential for clarity, healing, and new stories around money. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now officially a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® where I work…

In this very quick Christmas week check-in, I just wanted to share a simple reminder: you are not failing at the holidays, no matter what your spending, energy, or to-do list looks like. I talk about how this season is set up to make us feel “not enough,” and offer one gentle reflection question to help you soften the pressure and let “good enough” truly be enough, even if you feel both grateful and exhausted at the same time. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these much-needed conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now officially a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® where I work with you to create greater balance, a…

Even in this “season of plenty,” many of us carry a quiet sense of not enough — not enough time, energy, money, or headspace. In today's episode, I share why scarcity shows up more strongly this time of year, how it subtly influences our decisions, and why judging ourselves only makes it heavier. We’ll explore: Why the holidays can amplify feelings of lack The subtle ways scarcity shows up in our thoughts and choices How to lean into curiosity and self-compassion instead of criticism Practical ways to notice misalignment and make grounded choices ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1…

In today's episode, I talk about how easy it is to become invisible during the holiday chaos. Women are conditioned to give to everyone around us — our families, coworkers, communities — while giving almost nothing to ourselves. I dig into why self-kindness and self-investment can feel so uncomfortable, why we default to burnout and “superhero mode” every December, and how the small, quick fixes we reach for aren’t actually meeting our real needs. Instead, we need to reframe the idea of “gifting” ourselves through meaningful support — honesty, boundaries, rest, and choosing what genuinely helps us long-term. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary…

In this episode, I’m diving into the money secrets we all carry — especially during a season where pressure and expectations are louder than ever. I talk about why we hide our financial stress, how holiday “performing” shows up in sneaky ways, and what this secrecy does to our emotional well-being. I also share the small, grounded steps I use to practice more honesty with myself and others, why vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing, and how naming what’s true can be the first real relief we feel in a long time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling with money during the holidays, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to carry it all in silence. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram:…

This week (just in time for Thanksgiving), I'm talking about the money stories that resurface when we’re home for the holidays. Why do old family roles come back so quickly? Why do questions about work, success, or “how we’re doing” feel so charged? And how can we stay grounded when other people’s money beliefs collide with our own? In this episode, we explore:• Why family triggers around money show up• How to recognize the old stories you slip into• Ways to stay centered during tough conversations• What it looks like to rewrite those patterns as an adult This episode is an invitation to notice — without judgment — what comes up for you during the holidays, and to honor the healing you’re already doing. Awareness is what breaks generational cycles, and it’s what allows you to show up with more clarity, calm, and self-trust. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money…

As we head into the season of gratitude, I’m taking a different perspective — one that looks back at the challenges we once resented and the growth they brought. In this episode, I share a personal story about financial stress, burnout, and learning to trust myself when life felt uncertain. We’ll talk about how time and healing can transform resentment into wisdom — and how that same shift can change your relationship with money. Real gratitude isn’t just for the good moments — it’s also for the hard ones that shaped who you are. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, or review Money Isn’t Scary — it helps more women find these conversations. You can also find me here:🎙️ Website: moneyisntscary.com📸 Instagram: @moneyisntscary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you interested in working 1:1 with me? I'm now…

This week, I’m joined by Jackie Nepola, a personal coach and certified breathwork facilitator who helps women reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, presence, and (believe it or not) the simple act of breathing. We dive deep into what it really means to slow down in a world that’s constantly telling us to speed up — and how learning to pause, feel, and breathe can change everything from our mindset to our relationships. In this episode, we talk about: Why it feels so hard to slow down — and how we can start building the tools to do it with intention What it actually looks like to regulate our nervous system in real life (and how to model that for our kids) The power of our mindset — and how noticing our thoughts can change everything How breathwork can help us come back to our bodies and our truth You can connect with Jackie here:🌐 Website: yok-e.com📱 Instagram: @jackienepola💼 Facebook & LinkedIn: Jackie Nepola…

In today's episode, I dive into the subtle pressures and anticipatory anxiety that starts to build long before the first holiday shopping trip. Even as early as November, the “spend now” cues—from Black Friday emails to gift-giving expectations—can spark emotional and financial stress. I talk about: The roots of pre-holiday financial anxiety, from family expectations to the need for control and the trap of perfectionism. Why overthinking, planning, and cultural noise can hijack your peace long before you make a purchase. How emotional triggers—like wanting to be perceived as thoughtful or generous—often drive overspending, and why true generosity comes from presence, not presents. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re talking about something that shows up everywhere in our lives — fear. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Mary Poffenroth — fear researcher, author, and science communicator — to explore how fear shapes the way we think, make decisions, and relate to money. Mary shares such powerful, practical wisdom about recognizing our fear responses, understanding the cultural messages we’ve learned about fear, and using fear as information instead of letting it quietly run the show. More About Mary: Dr. Mary Poffenroth is a fear and courage researcher, author, and educator who’s spent her career helping people understand what fear really is — and how to move through it with more confidence and compassion. She started her career at NASA, supporting payload experiments for the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, before diving deep into the psychology of fear. She now teaches at San José State University and has spent nearly two decades helping thousands of students and professionals turn fear into…

This week on the show, I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind a lot lately — how social media algorithms quietly shape not just what we buy, but how we feel about money and ourselves. And since this happens to be episode 250 (which blows my mind!), it feels like the perfect time to talk about reclaiming our wallets and our worth from the digital noise. We’re unpacking the sneaky ways the algorithm plays into comparison, FOMO, and scarcity — and how those invisible nudges can distort our sense of “enough.” I’ll walk you through the psychology behind it, including how our brains get hooked, and share some real-life ways to take your power back. From curating your feed with intention to setting digital boundaries that protect your mental and financial energy, this conversation is all about awareness and agency — so you can spend, scroll, and live from a place that actually feels good. If you’ve ever felt like what you see online is shaping your money mindset, this one’s for you. Let’s unplug from the…

So often, money feels like something we’re supposed to figure out alone — a private, even isolating part of life. But the truth is, money is deeply relational. It impacts our families, friendships, and sense of belonging far more than we realize. In this episode, I explore how to move from money as isolation to money as connection. I share why talking about money openly is powerful, how generosity can deepen community, and why learning to receive is just as important as giving. Because when we bring money out of secrecy and into community, it stops being scary…and starts building belonging 💛 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Come to my upcoming workshop! This Thursday, 10/23, I'll be joining a circle of incredible women, all about helping each other feel more at ease and in control. We’ll talk about simple, practical ways to shift your money mindset, plan for holiday spending without guilt, and organize your finances so you head into the…

This week, I’m sitting down with Alison Patterson, a philanthropic advisor and coach who helps people bring more purpose and joy into how they give. What I love most about Alison is the way she takes generosity out of the “exclusive club” of the wealthy and makes it something that’s accessible, meaningful, and empowering for all of us—no matter where we are financially. In our conversation, Alison and I talk about:✨ How giving isn’t about how much money you have, but about aligning your resources with your values✨ Why generosity can be a powerful way for women to step into confidence and leadership✨ The role mothers can play in modeling generosity for our kids✨ And how to move from reactive giving to intentional generosity that actually feels good This conversation is such a refreshing reminder that giving isn’t about scarcity or obligation—it’s about abundance, joy, and meaning. You can connect with Alison here:🌐 patterson-advisors.com📧 alison@patterson-advisors.com (Reach out and share where you’re…

In today's episode, I explore the less-talked-about side of money: non-spending attitudes. While spending habits often get all the attention (and guilt!), our beliefs and feelings about NOT spending can be just as powerful—and often more invisible. I will dive into common mindsets around scarcity (“What if I need this later?”), shame about wealth (“If I have extra, people will judge me”), and discomfort with generosity (“What if I give too much and don’t have enough for myself?”). And I will unpack how these beliefs can shape our day-to-day lives just as much as our spending. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Come to my upcoming workshop! This Thursday, 10/23, I'll be joining a circle of incredible women, all about helping each other feel more at ease and in control. We’ll talk about simple, practical ways to shift your money mindset, plan for holiday spending without guilt, and organize your finances so you head into the new year feeling…

In today's raw and honest episode, I chat with Nicole Stanley—founder of Arise Financial Coaching. We talk openly about navigating money with ADHD and the very real challenges that come with managing finances when ADHD is in the mix. Nicole offers practical strategies that actually work for brains wired differently—no rigid rules or “just try harder” advice here. In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why standard money advice often falls flat for women and families dealing with ADHD How Nicole’s lived experience and ADHD-focused coaching help clients ditch shame, build confidence, and design systems that stick Approaches to parenting neurodivergent kids so they feel supported, not stressed out, around money Nicole Stanley is the founder and head financial coach at Arise Financial Coaching. After overcoming her own financial anxiety and transforming her life from being $30K in debt to building a $250K+ net worth by age 27—all on an average salary and without shortcuts—Nicole created the Money Momentum Method.…