The Wealthy Barber Podcast #38 — Melissa Leong: Money Should Support Happiness, Not Compete With It
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Jan 6, 2026 In this engaging discussion, Melissa Leong, a national media personality and author of "Happy Go Money," explores the link between money and happiness. She shares brain hacks for better spending decisions, like the 24-hour rule and the use of spending summaries. Melissa emphasizes that experiences trump material goods for lasting joy and highlights the importance of anticipating joyful moments. The conversation also addresses financial challenges women face and offers practical steps for healthier money management without guilt.
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From Crime Reporter To Money Communicator
- Melissa traced her path from journalism to finance, seeing money as the story of people's lives.
- She found behavioural finance powerful for explaining why knowledge doesn't always change actions.
Make Saving Automatic And Delay Impulses
- Automate savings to remove reliance on willpower and make progress consistent.
- Institute a 24-hour waiting rule for unplanned purchases to reduce impulse buys online.
Algorithms Turn Strangers Into Comparisons
- Social media magnifies comparison by making distant people your reference points.
- That curated exposure increases FOMO and can worsen financial choices and mental health.
