ChooseFI Episode 552: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money with Shauna Game

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: Brad (ChooseFI)
Guest: Shauna Game, CFP, Host of Everyone's Talking Money Podcast, Author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money: Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life

1. Introduction: Welcoming Shauna Game

Brad Kickstarter opens the episode by introducing Shauna Game, highlighting her expertise as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and her contributions to the financial well-being of many through her podcast and new book. He emphasizes the alignment between Shauna's work and the core principles of ChooseFI, setting the stage for a deep dive into the psychological aspects of personal finance.

Notable Quote:
Brad ([00:00]): “This episode has a little bit of everything...how to unravel them, how to move forward and take action and make your life better.”

2. The Genesis of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money

Shauna shares her motivation for writing her book, explaining that after two decades in the financial industry, she recognized that traditional financial advice often overlooked the emotional and psychological dimensions of money management. She coined herself a “money storyteller” to address the narratives and traumas people associate with money, which go beyond mere numbers and budgets.

Notable Quote:
Shauna ([01:35]): “I was just like you just said, about 97% therapist and about 3% let's plug in the numbers...”

3. Exploring Personal Money Stories

The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes, with Shauna candidly discussing her upbringing in a financially comfortable but emotionally complex household. Despite her family's affluence, her father's volatile relationship with money instilled in her a deep-seated anxiety around finances.

Notable Quotes:
Shauna ([04:26]): “I share in this book the story of me never looking at my ATM receipt for like 10 years.”
Brad ([07:13]): “Maybe it was just the talk around the table of, you know, money wasn't.”

4. Emotional Triggers and Their Impact

Brad and Shauna delve into how early experiences shape our financial behaviors. They discuss common triggers, such as feeling undeserving of certain purchases or experiencing guilt after spending, which can hinder financial independence. Shauna emphasizes the universality of money trauma, noting that it’s not limited to those who have faced financial hardships.

Notable Quote:
Shauna ([07:27]): “...this is something that I think all of us experience.”

5. Steps to Unraveling Your Money Relationship

Shauna outlines practical steps to become aware of and address one's financial narratives:

• Self-Reflection: Ask yourself, “How do I feel about money?” and probe deeper into initial responses to uncover underlying beliefs.

• Mindfulness: Recognize bodily reactions to financial situations (e.g., racing heart when checking bank balances) and approach them with curiosity rather than judgment.

• Intentional Decision-Making: Implement pauses before making financial decisions to break automatic, emotional responses.

Notable Quotes:
Shauna ([13:36]): “...ask yourself just this very simple question, how do I feel about money?”
Brad ([17:21]): “It's just about awareness. Like, how can you be aware?”

6. Practical Strategies for Financial Mindfulness

The discussion highlights actionable techniques to manage emotional spending:

• 24-Hour Rule: Shauna recommends a waiting period before making non-essential purchases to allow rational decision-making.

• Spending Plans vs. Budgets: Instead of restrictive budgets, create spending plans that allocate funds to different “buckets,” giving permission to spend without guilt.

• Autopilot Finances: Automate savings and bill payments to reduce day-to-day financial stress and limit reactive spending.

Notable Quotes:
Shauna ([21:22]): “Know thyself.”
Shauna ([31:37]): “...a manic spending account... you can tap into that whenever you want and spend it however you want.”

7. The Balance Between Optimization and Well-Being

Brad and Shauna discuss the misconception that personal finance must always focus on optimization. They advocate for prioritizing mental peace over maximizing every financial opportunity. Brad shares his personal approach of maintaining a substantial buffer in his checking account to eliminate financial stress, valuing peace of mind over potential investment gains.

Notable Quote:
Brad ([34:52]): “That's the best five to ten thousand dollars I have in my entire net worth. Because I never ever have to think about...”

8. Simplifying Personal Finance Narratives

Shauna criticizes the complexity often associated with financial planning, advocating for simplicity and self-authored financial rules. She introduces the concept of a “Money Manifesto,” a personalized mission statement that defines one's relationship with money and sets boundaries to foster healthier financial behaviors.

Notable Quote:
Shauna ([31:37]): “...create something like this [Money Manifesto] for all of the aspects of money, not just investing.”

9. Empowerment Through Self-Awareness

The episode emphasizes empowerment through self-awareness and intentionality. By understanding and restructuring personal financial narratives, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their true values and goals, ultimately fostering a healthier relationship with money.

Notable Quote:
Brad ([46:40]): “...you can learn just about anything. That’s one of the beauties of being human.”

10. Conclusion: Taking Small Steps Toward Change

In wrapping up, Brad and Shauna reiterate the importance of taking incremental steps to improve one's financial relationship. They encourage listeners to examine their money habits, identify emotional triggers, and implement strategies that promote intentional and stress-free financial management.

Notable Quote:
Shauna ([39:14]): “...look at the patterns...introduce boundaries that work for you.”

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Component: Personal finance is predominantly influenced by psychology and emotions, not just numbers.

• Self-Awareness: Identifying and understanding one's money-related emotions and triggers is crucial for financial well-being.

• Intentionality Over Automation: While automation can reduce immediate stress, intentional decision-making fosters a deeper, healthier relationship with money.

• Simplification: Simplifying financial strategies and creating personalized rules can lead to more sustainable and enjoyable financial practices.

• Empowerment: Taking control of financial narratives empowers individuals to make choices that align with their values and life goals.

Resources Mentioned:

• Shauna Game's Book: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money: Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life

• Everyone's Talking Money Podcast: Find Shauna on Instagram (@Shawnagame) and visit everyonestalkingmoney.com for more resources and her Street Edition series.

This episode offers a profound exploration of the intricate relationship individuals have with money, blending practical advice with psychological insights. Whether you're on the path to financial independence or simply seeking a healthier financial mindset, Brad and Shauna provide valuable tools to transform your financial life.