184: Are You Shopping for “The Right Thing” or a Feeling?

Our brains are wired to seek things that help us feel better, which is why so many of us turn to shopping when we want a mood boost. So-called "retail therapy" can improve your mood in the short term. But by understanding what you’re really looking for—novelty, connection, happiness, or relief—you can find ways to meet that need that involve spending less or not at all. 💌 JOIN THE FREE WEEKLY MIND MONEY BALANCE NEWSLETTER https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter❓ FREE QUIZ: FIND YOUR MONEY ARCHETYPE https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quizChapters:00:00 - 00:51 Intro00:51 - 02:37 DOSE spending02:37 - 04:01 Does retail therapy work?04:01 - 06:17 Diderot effect06:07 - 10:19 Low-cost ways to meet your emotional needs10:19 - 11:09 Closing and coping resources

Money shame is an internal belief that a person is bad with money. Secrecy, silence, and judgment make money worse (which are rampant in the personal finance community and in the real world). Tune in to learn four ways to help alleviate money shame, straight from financial therapist and financial wellness advocate, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin. 

Common ADHD traits like time blindness, difficulty starting tasks, and emotional regulation challenges can show up in ways the workplace doesn’t always “get.” It might look like delaying invoices, missing reimbursement deadlines, or jumping into conversations before others finish. Over time, these patterns can impact income, job performance, and opportunities for raises or promotions. But ADHD also comes with strengths like creativity, high energy, and the ability to hyperfocus on meaningful work. When supported, these traits can become powerful assets. Learn how to build ADHD-friendly systems that support your brain, improve your work experience, and strengthen your financial well-being.💌 Weekly(ish) Newsletterhttp://mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter❓ What's Your Money Archetype Quizhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Your nervous system sends messages between the brain and body, and money stress can absolutely impact it. When your nervous system is over- or under-stimulated, you can make financial choices you regret. In this video, financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin of Mind Money Balance covers what your nervous system has to do with your money, how your financial archetype can offer insight into typical nervous system responses, and free and low-cost ways to regulate your nervous system that can help you make wiser financial decisions.💌 Weekly(ish) Newsletterhttp://mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter❓ What's Your Money Archetype Quizhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Financial wellness–or the lack of it–shows up at work. When we have workplace financial wellness, we can improve morale, reduce burnout, and increase productivity and longevity. In this video, financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin breaks down ways to improve your financial wellness at work at the individual level, as a team member, and for people in leadership/HR roles.

Financial anxiety doesn’t clock out when you do. I’m talking about how financial anxiety at work shapes behavior, from overworking and constantly seeking reassurance, to team tension, to rigid leadership decisions that feel “strategic” but are stress-driven. I’ll share how financial stress and work productivity are connected, what financial anxiety symptoms can look like in individuals, colleagues, and leaders, and how financial wellness at work is already influencing your workplace culture. I’ll also share actionable questions you can use right away to shift from anxiety-based decisions to more intentional, strategic ones. 💌 Weekly(ish) Newsletterhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter❓ What's Your Money Archetype Quiz https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin is a licensed social worker, certified financial therapist, author, and founder of Mind Money Balance, helping people feel better about money without the shame. Her work blends mental health, social justice, and financial wellness, offering support for individuals, workplaces, and brands alike. Learn more about what she does as a financial therapist, the windy path that took her to the field, and who she works with in this re-introduction episode. 🥼 Mind Money Balance Method™https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/mmb-method 💌 Weekly(ish) Newsletterhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter ❓ What's Your Money Archetype Quiz https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz📝 Send Lindsay 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: / mindmoneybalance TikTok: / mindmoneybalance Pinterest: / mindmoneybalance Twitter: / mindmnybalance YouTube: / mindmoneybalance 🗣️ LEGAL DISCLAIMERThe information and content provided by Lindsay Bryan-Podvin LMSW, LLC/Mind Money Balance is for entertainment and informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal or financial advice. You should consult with an attorney or other professional to determine what may be best for your individual needs. No one should make any investment changes without first consulting his or her financial advisor and conducting his or her research and due diligence. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin LMSW, LLC/Mind Money Balance disclaims any and all liability in the event any information, opinions, advice and/or recommendations prove to be inaccurate, incomplete or unreliable, or result in any investment or other losses. 🆘 Psychotherapy Disclaimer 🆘The entertainment provided in these videos is not a substitute for psychotherapy and does not count as a social work service/therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of help, seek services from a licensed healthcare professional: https://www.therapyden.com https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/🗣️ Affiliate Disclaimer:Note this description may contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn some money (thanks for the extra popcorn toppings!) when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

Get insight on shifting your mindset from saving to spending when entering retirement, how to manage money with a partner when the shared account gets low at the end of each month, and dealing with anxiety when you have debt directly from Michigan’s first financial therapist, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin. Sometimes, hearing from others with similar conundrums can help you understand your own stressors and think about different ways to cope or overcome them. JOIN THE FREE WEEKLY MIND MONEY BALANCE NEWSLETTER & GET INFO ON NOT ANOTHER BUDGETING CHALLENGEhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletterREAD THIS INSTEADhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/ask-a-money-therapist 

Self-care isn’t always about adding more to your skin care routine or journaling regimen; often, it starts with doing less. It's a simple, therapeutic reframe: what if the best thing you can do for your well-being, or your finances, is take something off your plate? If you're craving a low-maintenance life that actually supports your mental and financial health, this is your invitation to try a new and much gentler approach. In this episode, financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin explores self-care by subtraction. She shares how simplifying your money life can ease burnout, reduce overwhelm, and reconnect with what actually matters.READ THIS INSTEADhttps://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/financial-self-care-by-subtraction

In this episode, financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin walks you through the essential legal and financial documents unmarried couples (and poly partners or cohabitating besties!) should consider, like cohabitation agreements, estate planning tools, and property titles. Whether you’re sharing a home, finances, or a life together, these protections can offer clarity and peace of mind, without a marriage certificate.Planning while you're in love and of sound mind is one of the kindest things you can do for your future selves. TL;DR: If you don’t make a plan, the state will make one for you.READ THIS INSTEAD:https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/blogandvideos/protecting-your-relationship-without-marriageJOIN THE NEWSLETTER:https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/newsletter