Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #631 – Struggle With Spending

Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: Allison Puryear

Introduction

In Episode #631 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into a common yet challenging issue faced by many therapists and private practitioners: struggling with spending. The episode addresses how financial habits can impact both personal well-being and the growth of a private practice. Through insightful discussions and practical strategies, Allison guides listeners toward cultivating a healthier relationship with money that aligns with their professional and personal values.

Listener's Concern: Overspending and Its Emotional Impact

Allison begins by presenting a listener's question:

"I'm bad with money. I spend too much. It makes me feel like a bad business owner and a bad adult. I've heard you talk some about spending on Instagram. Can you say more?"
— Listener [00:35]

This concern highlights the emotional toll that financial mismanagement can take, affecting self-perception and professional confidence.

Mindset Matters: Scarcity vs. Abundance

Allison emphasizes the importance of mindset in shaping spending behaviors. She distinguishes between scarcity-based thriftiness and abundance-based thriftiness:

• Scarcity-Based Thriftiness: Rooted in fear and anxiety, leading to restrictive financial behaviors that can result in rebound spending. Allison draws a parallel to eating disorder behaviors, where constant restriction may lead to bingeing (similar to spending when stressed).

• Abundance-Based Thriftiness: Characterized by intentional and thoughtful spending that aligns with one's priorities and values. Allison admires individuals who maintain peace about their spending without succumbing to consumerism, exemplifying "abundance-based thriftiness" (02:10).

"Scarcity-based thriftiness might feel really noble and responsible, but it's often fear-driven. In contrast, abundance-based thriftiness is intentional and thoughtful."
— Allison Puryear [02:10]

Aligning Spending with Values and Business Goals

A critical component of overcoming spending struggles is ensuring that expenditures reflect one's personal values and business objectives. Allison encourages listeners to:

1. Identify Priorities: Reflect on what matters most in both personal life and business.
2. Evaluate Spending Patterns: Assess whether current spending habits support or hinder these priorities.

"Is your spending aligned with your values and your business goals? If you're not sure, don't worry. We're going to break it down together."
— Allison Puryear [03:05]

Practical Strategies for Intentional Spending

Allison offers actionable steps to foster intentional spending:

1. Invest in Your Practice: Prioritize expenditures that directly contribute to business growth, such as consulting programs, marketing courses, or tools that enhance efficiency.

2. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Spending: Encourage delaying purchases that offer immediate gratification but do not support long-term goals. Implementing a 24-hour wait period before making non-essential purchases can significantly reduce impulsive spending.

"Sometimes there's no extra money to invest and that's okay. But when you do have resources, think about where they're going to make the biggest impact."
— Allison Puryear [04:30]

3. Single Change Focus: Make one intentional change at a time to avoid overwhelming restrictions that can lead to a restrictive-binge cycle.

"Make just one intentional change. Whether it's setting aside money to invest in your practice or cutting out an unnecessary expense, your money is a tool."
— Allison Puryear [06:10]

Overcoming Challenges: Prioritizing and Maintaining Boundaries

Allison addresses the difficulty of balancing generosity with boundaries. She differentiates between:

• Scarcity-Based Generosity: Often results in poor boundaries or martyrdom, where giving is driven by fear or obligation.

• Abundance-Based Generosity: Involves responsible and intentional giving, accompanied by healthy boundaries to prevent financial strain.

"Scarcity-based generosity often leads to poor boundaries or martyrdom. Whereas abundance-based generosity is responsible and intentional."
— Allison Puryear [03:45]

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Aligned Spending

By aligning spending with personal and professional values, therapists can foster both personal peace and business growth. Allison concludes by urging listeners to take proactive steps:

• Reflect on Priorities: Continuously assess and realign spending habits with evolving goals.
• Utilize Available Resources: Access free worksheets and financial resources to support intentional spending.

"By aligning your spending with your values and with your goals, you are not only going to grow your practice but also feel a lot more at peace and empowered by your decisions."
— Allison Puryear [06:50]

Call to Action

Listeners are encouraged to:

• Access Free Resources: Visit abundancepracticebuilding.com for a free private practice checklist, worksheets, and more.
• Join the Abundance Party: For those seeking deeper support in building their practice, Allison invites them to join her membership program, the Abundance Party, which offers step-by-step guidance to enhance income and achieve greater freedom.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Scarcity-based thriftiness might feel really noble and responsible, but it's often fear-driven. In contrast, abundance-based thriftiness is intentional and thoughtful."
  — Allison Puryear [02:10]

• "Is your spending aligned with your values and your business goals? If you're not sure, don't worry. We're going to break it down together."
  — Allison Puryear [03:05]

• "Sometimes there's no extra money to invest and that's okay. But when you do have resources, think about where they're going to make the biggest impact."
  — Allison Puryear [04:30]

• "Scarcity-based generosity often leads to poor boundaries or martyrdom. Whereas abundance-based generosity is responsible and intentional."
  — Allison Puryear [03:45]

• "Make just one intentional change. Whether it's setting aside money to invest in your practice or cutting out an unnecessary expense, your money is a tool."
  — Allison Puryear [06:10]

• "By aligning your spending with your values and with your goals, you are not only going to grow your practice but also feel a lot more at peace and empowered by your decisions."
  — Allison Puryear [06:50]

Additional Resources

• Free Worksheets and Checklists: Available at abundancepracticebuilding.com.
• Membership Program – Abundance Party: Step-by-step guidance to build a thriving private practice. Visit abundanceparty.com for more information.
• Contact for Support: Email help@abundancepracticebuilding.com for further assistance.

Empower your private practice by transforming your relationship with money. Align your spending with your deepest values and watch both your personal and professional life flourish.