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.

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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

• Get her new book: Brave New You – available wherever books are sold

• Find her Neurohacking Cards: hellobravenewyou.com

• Website: marypoffenroth.com

• Social: @marypoffenroth

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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.

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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/