Today we're breaking through the financial “tacky” taboos into the complex relationship between women and money at midlife. In this episode, we unpack the psychological roots of how women view and handle money, exploring personal stories and societal expectations that shape our financial lives. Join us as we discuss everything from inherited wealth to financial independence and the emotional hurdles that come with managing money.

We candidly share our own journeys with money, the mistakes we've made, and the lessons we've learned (it’s a little cringey). We explore how our backgrounds and experiences have influenced our financial mindsets and what we've done to gain control and confidence in our financial lives. This episode is all about normalizing the conversation around money among women and encouraging everyone to take charge of their financial future.

Episode Highlights:

[0:40] - Different experiences with money based on upbringing and life stages.

[1:44] - Suze Orman and the surprising financial illiteracy among successful women.

[3:06] - Laura's personal money story: Growing up financially uninformed.

[4:30] - Colette's money story: Financial struggles and being forced to face it.

[7:33] - The impact of generational wealth and the psychological development it hampers.

[10:58] – Fear of money and the psychological issues surrounding financial independence.

[14:03] - The role of women as spenders and the pressure to provide for the family.

[17:42] - The antiquated belief that a husband's money is for the household and the wife's money is for personal use.

[20:38] - Men’s struggle with their role as financial providers and its impact on their self-worth.

[23:28] - The rise of financial independence among older women and its effect on marriages.

[25:14] - The importance of women developing a well-rounded relationship with money.

[27:15] - Practical advice on saving, investing, and building financial confidence.

[31:03] - Encouragement to discuss money openly and seek financial education.

Resources:

For a worksheet to guide you to begin your journey to an emotionally healthy relationship with money visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org 

If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 [Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]