Stop Overspending: The Truth About Dopamine, Money Habits, and Frugality with Frugal Friends

In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I'm joined by Jen and Jill from the Frugal Friends podcast and authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke to explore the often misunderstood concept of frugality and how it ties to intentional spending, personal values, and financial empowerment. They dive deep into the psychology of spending, the role of dopamine in impulse buying, and practical strategies to align your money habits with what truly matters. Together, they break down how to redefine frugality as a positive practice of resource management rather than deprivation and share actionable tips to curb emotional spending, embrace imperfection, and make empowered financial decisions. Whether you’re a spender, saver, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your money and your life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why dopamine hits are highest in the anticipation of shopping, not the act itself. How to redefine frugality as a form of financial freedom, not sacrifice. Why understanding your personal values is the secret to intentional spending. Tips to curb impulse shopping without feeling deprived. How mistakes in your financial journey can be your greatest teacher. The importance of asking non-shaming questions about your money habits. How frugality can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling experiences. LINKS Frugal Friends podcast n this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, Shannah is joined by Jen and Jill to explore the often misunderstood concept of frugality and how it ties to intentional spending, personal values, and financial empowerment. They dive deep into the psychology of spending, the role of dopamine in impulse buying, and practical strategies to align your money habits with what truly matters. Together, they break down how to redefine frugality as a positive practice of resource management rather than deprivation and share actionable tips to curb emotional spending, embrace imperfection, and make empowered financial decisions. Whether you’re a spender, saver, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your money and your life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why dopamine hits are highest in the anticipation of shopping, not the act itself. How to redefine frugality as a form of financial freedom, not sacrifice. Why understanding your personal values is the secret to intentional spending. Tips to curb impulse shopping without feeling deprived. How mistakes in your financial journey can be your greatest teacher. The importance of asking non-shaming questions about your money habits. How frugality can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling experiences. LINKS Frugal Friends podcast Buy What You Love Without Going Broke book CONNECT WITH SHANNAH Preorder my book, Unraveling Your Relationship with Money: Discover and Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life: Preorder Here Instagram: @shannahgame Submit a money question for Shannah to answer in an upcoming episode https://tinyurl.com/askshannahq  Leave a 5-star Review here https://ratethispodcast.com/etm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices