Money Mindset: Understanding the Feelings Behind Your Spending

Money decisions are rarely just about numbers.

A bill, a shopping trip or a conversation about saving can bring up fear, pride, guilt or memories of how money was handled at home.

In this episode, Ron Fiedler and Samantha Boardman speak with Carol Buchanan of Moveon Counselling about the stories people carry into their adult financial lives.

Samantha shares how paying rent while living with her parents helped shape her understanding of contributing to household costs.

She also reflects on receiving hand-me-downs as a child and why buying something new can still carry a special sense of achievement.

Carol explains how experiences like these can influence decisions long after circumstances have changed.

The conversation looks at spending for a quick lift, holding tightly to money out of fear, and feeling pressure to appear successful.

Carol encourages listeners to become curious about what they think and feel before making a money decision.

Awareness can create room for a different choice, particularly when an old habit is causing stress.

Ron, Samantha and Carol also discuss financial learning for young people and the value of seeking help early.

Their shared message is encouraging: you do not need to feel ashamed or work everything out alone. A conversation, a spending plan or emotional support can be a useful first step.

Key talking points

• Why money can stir up strong feelings beyond the figures in a bank account.
• How messages heard in childhood can shape adult spending and saving.
• Samantha’s experience of paying rent while living at home.
• The different money habits that can grow from periods of uncertainty or plenty.
• Why some purchases offer a brief emotional lift.
• The pressure to look successful, even when finances are stretched.
• Samantha’s connection between childhood hand-me-downs and her preference for buying new.
• How to notice an automatic money reaction before acting on it.
• Why Carol suggests responding to old feelings with compassion.
• The difference between enjoying a planned purchase and spending in a way that creates stress.
• Why young people could benefit from learning about both money and emotions.
• Carol’s supportive approach to helping clients reach their own insights.
• How Samantha uses a spending plan to help clients see beyond a difficult few weeks.
• Why talking to someone can reduce the pressure of keeping money worries to yourself.
• The reassurance that support is available without judgement.

Co - Host: Samantha Boardman

🌐 Website: https://www.spendingmadeeasy.com.au

📅 Bookings & Callbacks: Available via the website

Co - Host: Ron Fiedler

Senior Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Podcast City

Ron is a radio and podcast host, producer, and media mentor passionate about giving people a voice and creating conversations that educate, empower, and connect communities.

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Guess: Carol Buchanan

Carol Buchanan is a counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist at Moveon Counselling. With a background in nursing, she supports people experiencing stress, overwhelm and unhelpful beliefs, helping them understand their patterns and move towards change. In this episode, she brings that perspective to the emotions behind spending and saving. 

🌐 https://moveoncounselling.com.au/

Produced by:

Podcast City – Business & Lifestyle Network

🌐 www.podcastcity.com.au

Producer: Ron Fiedler