Frugal Friends Podcast: How Our Nervous System Impacts Our Spending with Michelle Grosser

Episode Details:

• Title: How Our Nervous System Impacts Our Spending with Michelle Grosser
• Release Date: February 4, 2025
• Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
• Guest: Michelle Grosser, Former Attorney and Nervous System Expert

Introduction

In Episode 482 of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the intricate relationship between our nervous system and financial behaviors with expert guest Michelle Grosser. Grosser, a former attorney and host of the Calm Mom Podcast, brings her expertise in somatics and neuroscience to explore how our body's regulatory systems influence spending decisions.

Understanding the Nervous System's Role in Spending

Michelle Grosser opens the discussion by explaining the foundational role of the nervous system in everyday decision-making, particularly around finances.

• Key Insight: "Our nervous system is like our body's command center, constantly running under the surface, gathering information...its primary focus function always is our safety." (02:15)

Grosser emphasizes that over 95% of our financial decisions are governed unconsciously by the nervous system, shaped by early life experiences and familial attitudes toward money.

Examples of Spending Decisions Linked to Nervous System Dysregulation

The conversation highlights how a dysregulated nervous system can lead to impulsive and non-strategic financial behaviors.

• Notable Quote: "These are spending decisions based on a dysregulated nervous system...the scarcity mindset is rooted in our nervous system." (09:43)

Grosser cites examples such as overspending on self-help courses without completing them, driven by a subconscious need to resolve underlying fears and ensure safety.

Distinguishing Nervous System Dysregulation from Mindset and Cognitive Biases

Jen and Jill explore how nervous system dysregulation interacts with mindset shifts and cognitive biases.

• Notable Quote: "I don't think they're mutually exclusive. I think that it's actually our nervous system that's positioning us for each of those different things." (11:29)

Grosser explains that while mindset and cognitive biases influence spending, they are often manifestations of deeper nervous system states. Addressing the body's regulation is crucial for aligning mindset with rational financial decisions.

Indicators of Nervous System Dysregulation

Identifying signs of a dysregulated nervous system is pivotal for managing finances effectively.

• Notable Quote: "When we are in a stress response...it's so flipping frustrating because like we still don't do the things that we know we're supposed to do." (14:03)

Grosser outlines mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and chronic muscle tension, which can all adversely affect financial decision-making.

Impact of Dysregulation on Physical Health

Jill shares a personal anecdote to illustrate the profound effects of nervous system dysregulation.

• Notable Quote: "My body reacts very, very poorly...two weeks ago I had a seizure...stress is what has caused them." (16:28)

This testimony underscores the physical toll that financial stress and nervous system imbalance can take, reinforcing the need for holistic approaches to financial wellness.

Tools and Practices to Regulate the Nervous System

Michelle provides actionable strategies to restore nervous system balance, thereby improving financial decision-making.

• Notable Quote: "Our body doesn't understand a verbal language...how does our body communicate? Breath, movement, sound, touch, temperature changes." (22:50)

Recommended Practices:

1. Shaking: *"60 to 90 seconds of just standing up and like shaking out your body"... (27:30)
2. Breathwork Meditation: Engaging in deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system.
3. Havening Techniques: Gentle touch to soothe and regulate emotional responses.
4. Grounding Exercises: Focusing on the five senses to bring awareness back to the present moment.

Movement vs. Somatic Practices

The hosts discuss the difference between traditional exercise and somatic practices in regulating the nervous system.

• Notable Quote: "Nothing heals by pushing harder...when we're already experiencing a ton of stress, intense movement can send us over our limit." (34:54)

Grosser clarifies that while exercise is beneficial, it can sometimes exacerbate stress if the nervous system is already on edge. Somatic practices focus on gentle, intentional movements that promote regulation without additional strain.

Anticipated Outcomes from Regulating the Nervous System

Regulating the nervous system leads to more conscious and rational financial decisions.

• Notable Quote: "When we are regulated...we have access to our prefrontal cortex...the part of our brain that makes good decisions." (36:51)

Grosser envisions a shift from fear-driven actions to empowered financial planning, enhancing both personal and financial well-being.

Lightning Round: Personal Money Situations

In a candid lightning round, Jen and Jill share recent financial challenges influenced by their nervous system states and how they managed them using the discussed strategies.

• Jen's Story (45:41): Handling a cross-country move by engaging in physical activity to regulate stress, leading to strategic financial decisions like holding a garage sale instead of hiring movers.

• Jill's Story (48:54): Managing the overwhelming experience of fluctuating travel costs by choosing to stay home, thereby avoiding impulsive spending driven by stress.

Conclusion and Resources

Michelle Grosser encourages listeners to explore somatic practices and provides her resources for further support.

• Contact Information:
  • Podcast: Calm Mom Podcast
  • Website: michellegrosser.com

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the invaluable insights shared by Grosser, emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotional regulation and financial health.

Listener Feedback

A heartfelt review from listener Kathleen123 highlights the podcast's impact:

"Frugal Friends makes learning about new ways of thinking around money and frugality easy and friendly... I feel hopeful about the future. Now I'm making changes and have told friends who are now listening, which means, hey, I have frugal friends too." (54:42)

Final Thoughts

Frugal Friends Podcast successfully bridges the gap between financial management and emotional well-being by elucidating how our nervous system profoundly influences spending behaviors. Michelle Grosser's expertise provides listeners with both understanding and practical tools to foster a regulated nervous system, ultimately leading to more mindful and effective financial decisions.

Listen to the full episode here to gain deeper insights and implement strategies for financial and emotional balance.