Ep. 552 — Unraveling Your Relationship with Money | Shannah Game

Most people think managing money is about spreadsheets and willpower—but what if your biggest financial obstacle is a story you've been telling yourself since childhood? Shannah Game, a certified financial planner and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money, reveals that personal finance is 90% psychology and emotion, not just numbers and logic. She explores how money trauma affects anyone—regardless of background—and how childhood experiences shape adult financial behaviors in ways most people never recognize.

Key Topics Discussed

The Emotional Side of Finance (00:01:35)
Personal finance is 90% psychology and emotion. Shannah discusses her own journey and revelations about money.

Understanding Money Trauma (00:06:48)
Money trauma can affect anyone, not just those from impoverished backgrounds. Childhood experiences have a lasting impact on adult financial behaviors.

Strategies for Intentional Spending (00:12:15)
Implement the 24-hour rule before purchases to reduce impulsive spending. Create space between stimulus and response to make intentional financial choices.

Creating Your Financial Rules (00:16:40)
Set personal financial boundaries and make your own rules. Tailor financial strategies to individual needs rather than following one-size-fits-all advice.

Personal Growth and Self-trust (00:36:17)
Foster a growth mindset to combat feelings of being "bad with money." Build self-trust in financial decision-making.

Key Insights

"It's 90% psychology and emotion, not just numbers and logic." (00:01:15)

"Money should not be a source of struggle; it should bring joy." (00:06:00)

"Create space before spending to make conscious decisions." (00:10:07)

"You have the power to set your own financial rules." (00:16:40)

"Our brains can sabotage our financial well-being." (00:18:39)

Practical Actions

Apply a 24-hour cooling-off period before making purchases to minimize impulsive spending. (00:11:22)

Use highlighters to categorize your spending and uncover hidden patterns affecting your financial decisions. (00:29:23)

Reflect on spending patterns in a relaxed environment to identify emotional triggers. (00:29:23)

Related Resources

Unraveling Your Relationship with Money - Book Link (00:41:01)

Follow Shannah Game:
Website: EveryonesTalkingMoney.com
Instagram: @ShannahGame