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

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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want!   

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 books are sold Website: https://kariliebowitz.com Newsletter: subscribe via her site at https://kariliebowitz.com/substack​ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want!   

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 with you to create greater balance, a higher consciousness and help you transform your relationship with money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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 higher consciousness and help you transform your relationship with money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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: @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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want!   

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 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 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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 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 money. This goal of this work is to guide you to a deeper understanding of the unconscious beliefs and patterns we carry that create stress and fear and hold us back from living the life that you want. You can book a quick 15-minute call here so I can learn more about you and your goals for the program.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with you on a deeper level and help you discover what's blocking you from living the life you really want! 

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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 fuel. Mary holds a Ph.D. in psychology (plus three master’s degrees — in biology, psychology, and science communication!) and has spoken at TEDx London, Harvard, and SXSW. Her new book, Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day, offers practical, science-backed ways to work with fear instead of against it   Connect with Mary:  Get her new book: Brave New You – available wherever books are sold  Find her Neurohacking Cards: hellobravenewyou.com Website: marypoffenroth.com Social: @marypoffenroth ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 algorithm and come back to what’s real — your values, your truth, and your peace. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Come to my holiday planning workshop this week! 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 lighter. You’ll get honest support, real steps you can use, and even a chance to work side-by-side as you put your plans into action. It's just $17, and if life gets in the way, you’ll have access to the replay whenever you need it. Sign up here: https://meghandwyer--apurposedrivenmom.thrivecart.com/finish-strong-finances/  

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 new year feeling lighter. You’ll get honest support, real steps you can use, and even a chance to work side-by-side as you put your plans into action. It's just $17, and if life gets in the way, you’ll have access to the replay whenever you need it. Sign up here: https://meghandwyer--apurposedrivenmom.thrivecart.com/finish-strong-finances/  

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 📧 https://meghandwyer--apurposedrivenmom.thrivecart.com/finish-strong-finances/  

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 lighter. You’ll get honest support, real steps you can use, and even a chance to work side-by-side as you put your plans into action. It's just $17, and if life gets in the way, you’ll have access to the replay whenever you need it. Sign up here: https://meghandwyer--apurposedrivenmom.thrivecart.com/finish-strong-finances/  

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. Her approach focuses on helping professionals, especially women and those with ADHD, eliminate financial stress and build confidence with practical, shame-free strategies. Nicole and her ADHD-informed team have guided over 600 clients worldwide, helping them save an average of $20,000 within six months. She has been featured by TIME, Yahoo Finance, and CNET and lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and two children.   Find More From Nicole:  Website: https://www.arise.financial/about IG: @arise.financial.coaching ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    

This week, I'm breaking down the very real (but mostly unspoken) phenomenon of financial dysmorphia: that nagging feeling where your bank statement says one thing, but your emotions tell a totally different story. I share some relatable, everyday examples (hi, back-to-school budget spiral!) and explain why even "doing all the right things" financially can still leave you feeling stuck, not enough, or overwhelmed.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

On this week's episode, I'm sharing my conversation with Dr. Corinne Low—she’s an absolute powerhouse economist who helps to break down some big, sticky ideas about women, money, and why we’re always chasing that impossible dream of “having it all.”   In our conversation, we tackle:  Why the whole “having it all” thing is kind of a myth—and how the systems around us keep pushing that pressure, even when it stresses us out The actual health benefits of saying NO (yes, it’s allowed!) and why protecting our boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s survival Simple, doable ways to get a grip on your money and claim some much-needed emotional independence, even when the world feels chaotic Corinne shares her story, plenty of lightbulb moments, and some practical advice for anyone feeling the weight of expectations.   Find More from Corinne:  Get her book: https://www.corinnelow.com/book Website: https://www.corinnelow.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/corinnelowphd/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------