The Psychology of Spending
🧠 Why We Go Into Debt (It’s Not As Simple As “Bad Choices”)
Most people assume debt is a math problem. In reality, it’s far more emotional than logical.
Here are a few patterns many of us experience, especially at this time of year:
1. Emotional Spending
Sometimes we spend to feel better, calmer, or in control — even if that feeling only lasts a moment. It’s not about the item; it’s about soothing something inside us.
2. Wanting to Belong or Show Love
Gifts, dinners, events… it’s easy to slip into the belief that spending equals caring. For some, giving more than they can comfortably afford comes from a deep desire to connect or be accepted.
3. Avoidance & Anxiety
When money feels overwhelming, many people simply look away — avoiding bank accounts, balances, or bills. Avoidance gives temporary relief, but often leads to long-term stress.
4. “Money Martyrdom”
This shows up when you consistently put others’ needs ahead of your own — buying for everyone else, easing others’ financial discomfort, or using money to manage relationships.
None of these patterns mean anything negative about you. They’re information for you so that you become aware of what’s driving behaviour around spending money.
🔍 The Habits Underneath
Behind every money habit is a belief — usually one we didn’t consciously choose. You might notice things like:
- “I have to spend to show I care.”
- “It’s embarrassing to talk about money.”
- “I’ll never have enough.”
- “I’m just not good with money.”
These beliefs often start early in life, long before we ever had our own bank accounts. They show up again every December because holidays tap into belonging, identity, obligation, and emotion—all the places where our money stories live.
Understanding them allows us to soften them.
Elevated Moment
🌱 Ramit Sethi’s Philosophy of a Rich Life (Hint: It’s not about being rich — it’s about being intentional.)
Ramit Sethi, author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, has a philosophy that surprises many people:
“A Rich Life isn’t about having a huge bank account.
It’s about living a life that feels meaningful, expansive, and aligned with what matters to you.“
Want more?
Click link for Further Explorations.
Elevated Insight
✨ What a “Rich Life” Really Means
According to Ramit, a Rich Life is:
- Deeply personal — you choose what matters
- Values-based — your spending reflects what you truly care about
- Guilt-free — you spend lavishly on what you love, and cut ruthlessly on what you don’t
- Clear and intentional — your money becomes a tool for designing the life you want
It’s the opposite of generic financial advice like “stop buying lattes” or “just budget harder.”
It’s about asking:
“What does a meaningful, fulfilling life look like for me?”
and then using money to bring that vision to life.
This shifts money from a source of stress into a source of possibility.
Elevated Awareness
💡 The Core of Ramit’s Philosophy
Ramit believes:
“You should spend extravagantly on the things you love — and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.”
This is liberating for people who grew up with:
- guilt around spending
- fear of running out
- beliefs that joy must be earned
- pressure to always put others first
A Rich Life says:
You are allowed to experience joy.
You are allowed to choose what matters.
You are allowed to build a life that feels nourishing, not draining.
Further Explorations
Because curiosity deepens awareness.
Each month, I share a few favourite resources for anyone who wants to dive a little deeper — articles, podcasts, books, and research that build on what we’ve been exploring together around the mind, body, and conscious living.
Just click the links below to read, listen, or save them for later. Follow your curiosity — and see what new insights show up along the way.
🎧 Podcast — Jay Shetty Podcast: Scott Galloway often reminds people that true financial security comes from resilience — not luck, not timing. His philosophy is simple: spend less than you make, invest consistently, build skills that increase your earning power, and design a life where you’re not constantly one bad break away from crisis. This link takes you to 25:02 of the podcast, the whole episode is 1 hr 30 min.
🎧 Podcast — Diary of a CEO: Ramit Sethi talks about designing a “Rich Life” based on what truly matters to you—not what society tells you should matter. He challenges the guilt and shame many of us feel around spending and encourages intentional choices that align with our values. This link takes you to 2:05 of the podcast, the whole episode is 1 hr 50 min.
📖 Book — The Psychology of Money explores how our beliefs, emotions, and personal history shape the way we handle money. Morgan Housel uses short, engaging stories to show that financial success isn’t about math — it’s about behavior. A great read if you’re curious about why you make the money choices you do. (6–8 hr read / ongoing reflection).
Entry Points
When you’ve tried to think your way through something but nothing seems to stick.
Private sessions help you uncover the root cause behind what’s holding you back.
Using the guided approach of Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT), Conversational Tranceformation™, and Mental Fitness Coaching, we work beneath the surface challenge to create meaningful emotional and behavioral change — helping you step into deep, lasting transformation.
Workshops: Tools for the Mind is a monthly 60-minute, in-person coaching workshops explore how your mind works to create harmony between thought, emotion, and body. You’ll deepen self-understanding, strengthen emotional awareness, and leave with clarity you can feel right away. Come for one topic or return each month to keep expanding your toolkit for mindful living.
| December 2025 | No workshop, pausing for the holiday season |
| January 2026 | Habit Shift: Small Steps, Real Change |
| February 2026 | Confidence from the Inside Out |
Wellness Walks: Step outside and reconnect.
These guided Walks help you slow down, engage with the land, and explore how the mind works in nature. Each walk includes a 15-minute pause for deep listening to support integration and reflection.
Available for individuals or groups from February through November, just outside Kimberley, BC on 270 acres of private land.
Understanding Anxiety Online Coaching (Coming 2026)
💻 Live online
Anxiety doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your system is working hard to keep you safe—sometimes too hard.
This course helps you understand what anxiety really is, why it shows up, and how to calm your mind and body using tools that work.
Over four weeks, you’ll build awareness, emotional regulation, and the confidence to respond differently—one small shift at a time.
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✨ Weekly coaching sessions via Google Meet
✨ Practical tools you’ll actually use
Join from anywhere and learn to train your mind like a muscle. 💪💜
🕓 1 hour weekly for 4 weeks
📅 Starts: Early 2026
Join the interest list for updates.
The Elevated Day Journal
This is more than a planner — it’s a guided diary for habit-stacking, emotional clarity, nervous system support, with intentional living.
✨ Now available in printable digital format on Etsy for $9.95CA
Tracks & Courses on Insight Timer
If you enjoy learning through audio, you’ll find guided practices that help you feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself.
My work on Insight Timer includes mental rehearsals, visualizations, and practical tools designed to support emotional awareness, stress relief, and everyday mental fitness.
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