Optimal Finance Daily - Financial Independence and Money Advice 3341: My Fear of Spending is a Form of Imposter Syndrome by Kiersten Saunders of Rich and Regular
Nov 4, 2025
Financial transitions can bring emotional stress, as explored by Kiersten Saunders. She connects the fear of spending to imposter syndrome, revealing that even after reaching financial milestones, anxiety can persist. Life changes and parenting add to this financial anxiety. Kiersten emphasizes the psychology of spending, arguing that wealth doesn't erase money fears. She offers practical steps to manage these fears, urging listeners to treat money as a tool for joy rather than a goal. Her insights invite a deeper understanding of personal finance.
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Big Spending After Big Savings
- Kiersten Saunders describes closing on a house and spending $80,000 over three weeks after a year of saving.
- She admits feeling fear and scarcity despite reaching financial milestones and juggling family stress.
Parenting Strain Fuels Spending Anxiety
- Saunders recounts strained routines, a clingy toddler, and weakened willpower during the move.
- She fears using a suddenly increased credit limit as an excuse to overspend.
Psychology Outweighs The Math
- Saunders says the math is easy but the psychology of money is the hard part.
- She realized financial independence exposes emotional issues that money alone won't fix.