171: What is Fun Money? How to Enjoy Guilt-Free Spending

If an emergency fund is for emergencies, a Fun Money Fund is for JOY! A Fun Money Fund is a type of savings or checking account that we can all use tp build in spontaneity, impulse spending, or saving for that not totally necessary purchase that you know will feel good to you, without derailing your financial goals. As a financial therapist (and someone who’s been using this method in my own relationship for nearly two decades), I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to build some joy and spontaneity into your monthly money plan.You’ll learn:🤑 What a fun money fund actually is🤑 How to decide how much fun money per month makes sense for youCreative, fun ways to spend money without it impacting your other financial goals🤑 Tips for using tech to automate your fun budget🤑 How this practice can reduce tension in relationships and make budgeting feel more sustainable💌 JOIN THE FREE WEEKLY MIND MONEY BALANCE NEWSLETTER https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter❓ TAKE A FREE QUIZ TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR MONEY TYPE https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz📝 SUBMIT A QUESTIONFill out this quick form to submit a question for me that I might answer on an upcoming "Ask Mind Money Balance" episode!https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/ask👋🏽 Say Hi!! 👋🏽Website: http://mindmoneybalance.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindmoneybalanceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindmoneybalancePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mindmoneybalance/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindmnybalanceYouTube: https://youtube.com/mindmoneybalance

What even is a recession, and how can we prepare for one without spiraling? As a certified “Millennial who survived the Great Recession” and a financial therapist, I’ve got you. In this episode, I explain what a recession is (beyond just bad vibes), how they work, and how to take care of your emotional and financial well-being when the economy slows down. Chapters0:00 Recession1:43 What is a Recession?5:45 How to NOT Prepare for a Recession15:07 Mental Health Tips20:55 Financial Tips💌 JOIN THE FREE WEEKLY MIND MONEY BALANCE NEWSLETTER https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter

Want to boycott but not sure how? You don’t have to go all-in to make a difference. This boycott guide covers what a boycott is, how to participate, ways to effect change beyond a full boycott, and how to protect yourself from boycott burnout. Corresponding blog: https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/boycott-guide-vote-with-your-dollarsResources referenced:News Clipshttps://youtu.be/rnQQ7TGobb4?si=rOT8s4sUzwbGFBfU&t=25 https://youtu.be/3rQcozbaWsg?si=_a1Eu1nFupnw8Fnb&t=118https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P1yG2VPLVg Sugar Boycotthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/abolition/abolition_tools_gallery_07.shtml Buy Canada MovementToronto Sunhttps://torontosun.com/news/national/many-canadians-willing-to-ditch-u-s-travel-and-alcohol-but-not-streaming-services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdb9gLnkpXY  Target Backlashhttps://www.axios.com/2025/02/18/dei-consumers-shopping-politics-poll https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/19/business/target-dei-boycott/index.html https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/target-cofounder-daughters-dei-efforts-concerns/ Maurice Mitchell, “It’s a Relay Race,” on the Vibe Check Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-a-relay-race-featuring-maurice-mitchell/id1637476174?i=1000684645813  

What New Year resolutions did you set at the beginning of the year? If improving your financial health was on your list, you’re in good company. “Improving financial health” was the second most common resolution for 2024, right behind physical health. But most resolutions don’t make it past February. And by “don’t make it,” I mean they quietly fade into the background as life takes over. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Only about 6% of people stick with their resolutions all year. As a financial therapist, I see this all the time—money goals aren’t just about numbers, they’re about behavior, emotions, and habits. That’s why rigid financial advice often fails and why tailored and sustainable shifts are the key to long-term success. In this episode, I’m breaking down the three most common financial resolutions—paying down debt, spending less, and saving more—and giving you real, practical ways to make them work for you.

I've rounded up the top 10 moments that the Mind Money Balance audience loved! YouTube insights revealed my channel's most-watched and re-watched segments, which I'll share here. I love this round-up because it shows me exactly what my dear listeners enjoy the most. This year, the top moments ranged from definitions to actionable tips, but the overarching theme, in my opinion, was VALIDATION—the moments that helped you realize you're not alone in your experiences.  Tune in for this best-of round-up and take a guess: what do you think the top moment in 2024 was? Get the weekly Mind Money Balance newsletter so you can enjoy life, not track every penny. https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter Financial Archetype Quizhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Most Americans are carrying credit card debt, especially younger folks, like those in Gen Z, the Millennial Generation, and Gen X. In this episode, I’ll break down the three most common credit card traps and share actionable tips to help you avoid them. From overspending to falling for scams, I’ll teach you how to spot these pitfalls and protect your financial health. If you’ve ever felt stuck in credit card debt, this episode is for you! Get the weekly Mind Money Balance newsletter so you can enjoy life, not track every penny. https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter Financial Archetype Quizhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

There are four common credit card myths I need you to stop believing. If you believe these myths, you might negatively impact your credit score, pay unnecessary interest, or miss out on some of the perks (like travel hacking!) of responsible credit card usage. Listen for credit card facts so you can feel more better the next time you tap or swipe your card. Get the weekly Mind Money Balance newsletter so you can enjoy life, not track every penny. https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter Financial Archetype Quizhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Feeling the pressure to overspend during the holidays? It's time to rethink the season with a focus on financial selfishness—putting your financial well-being first, guilt-free. In this episode, financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin explores how to navigate holiday spending in a way that protects your financial goals without sacrificing the joy of the season. You’ll learn why saying "no" to overspending is an act of radical self-care, how to approach holiday gifting, gatherings, and traditions while staying within your budget, and get boundary-setting scripts for tricky situations. By the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to celebrate the holidays without a financial hangover. Join the Mind Money Balance Newsletter: https://mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter Hire Lindsay to Facilitate a Workshop: https://mindmoneybalance.com/speaking

While the holiday season often brings pressure—whether from family, friends, or our own expectations—this episode breaks down strategies to set holiday boundaries, identify emotional spending triggers, and prevent unnecessary expenses. Learn how to manage internal and external pressures to overspend, from navigating gift exchanges to resisting the urge to go all-out on holiday decor. With insights on the emotional effects of spending and simple swaps to boost feel-good hormones without buying, this episode will help you prioritize your financial goals while still celebrating the holiday season meaningfully. Corresponding Blog: www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/financial-self-care-for-the-holidays  Resources Referenced in the Episode Credit Card Traps Video https://youtu.be/paui2ii2wKo?si=HgqfKJ6BtlWd0buu  How to Stop Retail Therapy: Chemicals That Make Shopping Feel so Good https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/how-to-stop-retail-therapy

A layoff or job loss can trigger an emotional rollercoaster, with feelings of shock, anger, sadness, or relief. Financial Therapist Lindsay shares that nearly half of Americans experience layoff anxiety, as recent statistics highlight the prevalence of layoffs due to cost-cutting measures and industry shifts. In this video, you'll learn that a job loss can evoke emotions similar to those experienced after a significant life event. Watch along for compassionate and actionable strategies for coping with a layoff, including prioritizing self-care, regaining control through small tasks, and building a support system. Read the corresponding blog here! https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/how-to-deal-with-a-layoff