We often applaud people who save aggressively, track every penny, and avoid debt at all costs. But what if those habits are actually symptoms of something deeper—something that’s quietly holding them back?

In this third episode of our Money Dysmorphia series, I’m joined by Ashley Franklin, Vice President of Branch Operations at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, who breaks down the hidden emotional roots of financial behaviors that look healthy on the outside but may be quietly sabotaging our well-being.

From over-saving and chronic budgeting to the fear of investing and the myth of “having enough,” this conversation is a powerful reality check. We talk about growing up with layaway, modern-day buy-now-pay-later traps, and the impact of comparison culture on our financial choices—especially for Millennials and Gen Z navigating money in an always-on, influencer-saturated world.

You’ll walk away with:

A new understanding of how over-saving can create financial stress instead of security

Why budgeting to the extreme can backfire—and how to build in breathing room

The emotional roadblocks behind fear of investing

How income ≠ wealth, and why self-worth often gets tangled in both

The power of creating a “Board of Directors” for your life—and how to pick the right financial confidantes

Why separating fact from feeling is the real key to healing money dysmorphia

This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Am I being smart with my money… or just scared?” Let’s unpack it together.

Follow the show on Instagram  @everyonestalkinmoney

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