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 💛 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 struggling—she’ll help you figure out how to get started!) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

In this week's episode, I exploring how money and achievement get tangled up, especially for women juggling family, work, and endless expectations. I talk about the cultural reasons why financial success becomes a scorecard: social validation, security, gender roles, and capitalism’s push for productivity, as well as provide practical tips for untangling achievement from income.    And in case you need the reminder: Your worth isn’t measured by your paycheck or to-do list—it’s found in daily acts of intention, kindness, and resilience   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 quick but honest episode, I’m I'm about back to school season - and all the pressures that come with it, especially to keep up. In this episode, I'll be unpacking: Why this season can push us toward spending for appearances How to spot the difference between performative and value-aligned spending A simple question to ask yourself before swiping your card If you’ve ever felt “less than” scrolling through everyone else’s highlight reels — this is your reminder: you don’t need to prove anything. You are already enough. 💛 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid-August has a vibe, you guys — and it’s kind of a strange one. Summer’s not over, but it’s fading. The structure of fall is coming, but it’s not here yet. And in this weird in-between space, our energy, emotions, and money habits can get a little wonky. In this episode, I’m unpacking why this time of year feels so emotionally heavy — and how that heaviness shows up in our spending. Whether you’re cramming in last-minute summer fun, stocking up for a super-organized fall, or just avoiding your bank account entirely, there’s often more going on beneath the surface than we realize.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 on the podcast, I’m digging into why it’s actually so hard to unplug – and how our constant connection to devices impacts not just our mental health, but our relationships with money too.  Topics I talk about: Why “unplugging” is much harder than it seems, especially for parents and professionals juggling work and family The effects of digital addiction on our nervous systems, mental health, finances, and relationships How social media and online marketing create FOMO, encourage impulsive spending, and undermine willpower The blurred lines between “on” and “off” in our work-from-home world—and why we rarely feel fully at rest Also check out my conversation with Hannah Brencher here --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! 

Today's episode was so much fun - I'm talking about the cross-section of memory and money—delving into how nostalgia shapes our spending habits. I dig deeper into why nostalgia is such a powerful force in our emotional decisions and the science behind it, the emotional drivers that tug at our wallets, and quick tips for navigating nostalgia spending in a healthy, self-aware way.    Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 on the pod, we talk about financial anxiety! I share my own experiences and also dig deeper into the emotional and psychological layers behind it - specifically the scarcity mindset, and the emergency mindset (where we’re constantly bracing for disaster and end up stuck in a cycle of fear and over-preparing).  Things We’ll talk about: Why financial anxiety thrives on silence—and what to do about it How loss aversion makes spending feel like failure, even when it’s planned The double-edged sword of being “too prepared” How to shift from scarcity to real resilience And simple ways to start feeling more confident, calm, and in control of your money -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! 

Today, I'm exploring the all-too-common experience of financial relapse—when old money habits like impulse spending, avoidance, or secrecy resurface, even after a period of positive change.  I talk about: Why it happens, coping mechanisms and emotional triggers, why its not about willpower at all, and how we can move forward with self-compassion.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 explore how Summer offers a unique opportunity to rethink what it means to be truly wealthy. Moving beyond the traditional focus on money, I talk about the five forms of capital that contribute to a rich, fulfilling life. Tune in for practical ideas and fresh perspectives on how to make this summer your richest yet, in every sense of the word. *Shout out to my prior episode on redefining wealth: Episode #196 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 sharing some science-backed reasons why we often feel withdrawal from not spending. I also provide some real-life examples so that we can begin to notice these feelings and behaviors when they come up in our own lives and encourage positive behavior changes.   Do you have a personal story around spending withdrawal? I'd love to hear it! Connect with me on Instagram or on my website -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 sharing my conversation with Behavioral Economics and Author, Etinosa Agbonlahor. Etinosa is the author of the book “How to Talk to Your Parents About Money”, a guide to having important financial conversations. Passionate about helping people improve their financial wellbeing, Etinosa works with organizations to understand the psychology behind financial decisions and uses this knowledge to achieve better results for clients and businesses. Her work has been featured in MarketWatch, Morningstar, and other leading platforms, highlighting her focus on how behavior drives financial outcomes. In our conversation, Etinosa and I talk about:  Why its important to challenge rules of thumb and our own biases when it comes to using our money The importance of preparing ourselves difficult conversations and using ‘I’ statements to approach topics gently The nuances of meeting the other person where they’re at and understanding where and when to push more And so much more... Get her book: How To Talk To Your Parents About Money Find More from Etinosa: https://etinosaa.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 explore the power of embracing a long-term perspective in life, money, and personal growth. Challenging my own hard-wired beliefs, I am discovering why thinking long-term isn’t just about patience—it’s about building resilience, making more intentional decisions, and ultimately creating a more meaningful, empowered life.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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!