The Broke Generation

Welcome to the final episode in our 3 part style & spending mini series! Today we're finishing off with the aspect of your style that comes entirely from your mindset. From breaking up with your fantasy self, to finding acceptance for who you are and changing the way you see yourself, we'll leave you inspired to silence that inner critic and start seeing style differently. Get your event tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379832?embed Join the Wardrobe Project waitlist here: https://mailchi.mp/7dbdeba873ab/atq5ho25bz Download Carted and start your wishlist today: https://www.carted.com/ Where to find Maddy: Instagram: @_madaboutfashion TikTok: @madaboutfashion Website: www.mad-aboutfashion.com.au Where to find Emma: Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Master Your Style, Master Your Spending mini series, celebrating our upcoming Melbourne event this May, hosted by me, Emma Edwards, and my cohost and stylist, Maddy Forster. In this episode we're delving into your spending and buying patterns, including vulnerably sharing our own, in order to understand the cycles we might be stuck in, and how we can break them. Get your event tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379832?embed Join the Wardrobe Project waitlist here: https://mailchi.mp/7dbdeba873ab/atq5ho25bz Download Carted and start your wishlist today: https://www.carted.com/ Where to find Maddy: Instagram: @_madaboutfashion TikTok: @madaboutfashion Website: www.mad-aboutfashion.com.au Where to find Emma: Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Master Your Style, Master Your Spending mini series, celebrating our upcoming Melbourne event this May, hosted by me, Emma Edwards, and my cohost and stylist, Maddy Forster. In this episode we're starting off in your wardrobe, exploring what we can learn from the things we already have. From what to do with those items you don't wear but can't let go of, to what we can learn from the things we do and don't feel good in, you'll leave this ep hungry to go and get stuck into your wardrobe and audit your clothes. Get your event tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379832?embed Join the Wardrobe Project waitlist here: https://mailchi.mp/7dbdeba873ab/atq5ho25bz Download Carted and start your wishlist today: https://www.carted.com/ Where to find Maddy: Instagram: @_madaboutfashion TikTok: @madaboutfashion Website: www.mad-aboutfashion.com.au Where to find Emma: Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne style and spending event tickets are on sale now!!! Early bird until 7 April https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379832?embed  In this episode I chat to stylist, Maddy Forster from Mad About Fashion about the power of finding your personal style, for your happiness, your bank account, and your confidence.  This episode originally appeared as part of my 6 week group experience, The Wardrobe Project, where we hit pause on our clothing consumption and untangle our spending habits as they relate to our style. Keen to hear when the next round enrols? Join the waitlist here: https://mailchi.mp/e60be6e4205a/eyhjwar1s8 Also mentioned in this episode: I Hired a Stylist and Here's What it Taught Me About Consumption. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zR3cFszEbKIocRVoUazHr?si=ix9wzCDYSnS-4ps3OGkOBg Where to find Maddy: Instagram: @_madaboutfashion TikTok: @madaboutfashion Website: https://www.mad-aboutfashion.com.au/ Where to find Emma Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegenerationTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.brokegeneration   Order my book, Good with Money!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I dive into the critical difference between explanations and excuses when it comes to our financial situations. I explore how identifying this difference can transform our money mindset, help us take meaningful action, and prevent future regrets. By learning to shift from excuse-making to explanation-seeking, we can break through psychological barriers and create genuine financial progress. Episode Highlights: Explanations vs. Excuses: I break down how explanations clarify with facts and context, while excuses shift responsibility and provide psychological comfort that ultimately holds us back. The Self-Employment Example: I share my personal tendency to use "I'm self-employed, so it's harder" as an excuse, and how transforming this into an explanation creates actionable pathways forward. Four Questions to Identify Excuses: I provide a framework to determine if you're making excuses or giving explanations, including asking if it's specific, if there's a way forward, if you'll stand by it in five years, and if there's anything you're not telling yourself. The Future Self Perspective: I discuss how our future selves will thank us for turning excuses into explanations that we can act upon, rather than letting opportunities pass us by. Life's Regrets: I reference Bronnie Ware's "Top Five Regrets of the Dying" to highlight how excuse-making can lead to unfulfilled dreams and missed opportunities for meaningful connections. What you will learn: How to differentiate between legitimate explanations and limiting excuses in your financial life Practical techniques to transform your excuses into explanations that enable action Why psychological comfort from excuses can lead to long-term regret How to balance accepting real financial challenges while still moving forward Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When are we buying to fix ourselves, and when are we "investing in ourselves"? In this solo episode I dive into the sometimes-dangerous advice I see on social media about "investing in yourself" (which is basically just fixing yourself and/or emotional spending in disguise), and unpack the differences between healthy investments in yourself and toxic pseudo investments in yourself. Then, we move onto a model you can use to explore 7 ways you can invest in yourself in a meaningful way, and side step that toxic side of self-investment.  Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of this slap-a-dappin episode on self-image and financial health, I explore four additional powerful strategies to build self-acceptance and stop the cycle of emotional spending. Building on the foundation laid in part one, this episode dives deeper into identifying your "fantasy self," recognising spending triggers, working with what you already own, and developing a framework to intercept negative self-talk. Discover how liking yourself more can become your financial superpower and free up mental space previously consumed by self-criticism. What you will learn:  How to identify your "fantasy self" and break the spending cycle tied to that unrealistic image Techniques to recognise and distance yourself from triggers that lead to emotional spending Why working with what you already own can radically shift your relationship with yourself A practical A.A.D.E. framework (Acknowledge, Articulate, Dispute, Evidence) to intercept negative self-talk The connection between self-acceptance and improved financial decision-making Episode Highlights How identifying your "fantasy self" can help you intercept emotional spending before it happens (5:40) Why your triggers for disliking yourself are powerful clues for changing your relationship with money (12:30) The radical act of deciding you can like yourself with what you already own (18:20) Introduction of the A.A.D.E. framework for transforming negative self-perception (22:35) Why liking yourself is actually a "cheat code" for financial wellbeing (28:15) My personal journey from self-criticism to neutrality and how it transformed my spending (30:25) The connection between women's self-image struggles and engagement with personal finance (32:10) Mentioned in this episode: The Spending Trap of Your Fantasy Self episode: https://thebrokegeneration.com/blog/episodes/friday-faves-the-spending-trap-of-your-fantasy-self/?portfolioCats=362 Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into my time machine: for this week's Friday Fave we're going all the way back to 2023 to hear a fave ep about the link between a lack of self love and financial self sabotage, WOOF! Buckle up, it's a juicy one. When we exist in a society that conditions us (especially women and marginalised groups) to constantly pursue "better" versions of ourselves, our finances often suffer as a result. I share how my own struggles with self-esteem in my teens and early twenties led to financial leakage, and how therapy and self-awareness have transformed my relationship with both myself and my money. Highlights: Emotional Spending Cycles: How using shopping as a coping mechanism creates a vicious cycle of temporary highs followed by financial regret Self-Sabotage Patterns: Why we unconsciously derail our own financial progress when operating from a place of low self-worth The "Worthiness" Factor: How feeling undeserving can prevent you from saving, negotiating better pay, or charging what you're worth Identity-Based Purchasing: The danger of buying things to "become" someone else rather than to enhance who you already are The Awareness Solution: Practical first steps to notice the connection between your self-esteem and spending habits What you'll learn: The 7 specific ways low self-love sabotages your financial confidence How to identify when you're spending to fill emotional gaps rather than actual needs Why struggling financially might feel like your "comfort zone" (and how to break free) The psychological difference between healthy vs. toxic identity-based purchasing Simple reflection practices to begin healing your relationship with both yourself and your money If you're stuck in a cycle of taking one step forward and two steps back with your finances, this episode will help you understand the underlying self-worth issues that might be holding you back. Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I explore the profound connection between self-acceptance and financial wellness. Discover why the journey to liking yourself isn't a simple switch to flip, but rather a transformative process that can revolutionise your relationship with both your self-image and your spending habits. I had SO MUCH TO SAY it's ended up being a two parter, so tune in next Thursday for 4 more ways to like yourself more. What you'll learn: Why self-acceptance is a gradual journey of neuroplasticity, not an overnight transformation The surprising ways our self-perception drives our financial decisions Practical strategies to break the cycle of "improvement" spending How to begin separating your self-worth from the standards we've been conditioned to meet Episode Highlights: The Self-Love Switch MythWhy we've been conditioned to believe self-acceptance is instantaneous rather than a gradual rewiring of our thinking patterns. The Money-Image ConnectionExplore the hidden relationship between how we see ourselves and where our money goes—particularly through "enhancement" purchases that promise to make us more acceptable. Breaking the Consumption-Confidence LoopLearn why stopping certain consumption patterns might actually be more effective than adding new ones when building self-acceptance. The Mirror of JudgmentDiscover how our perception of others directly influences our self-criticism and spending habits, and what we can do to break this pattern. Neutrality Before PositivityMy journey of moving from self-hatred to self-neutrality before reaching self-acceptance, and why this middle step is crucial. The True Cost of Self-CriticismUncover the financial impact of constantly trying to "fix" yourself through purchases, and what happens when you begin to step away from this pattern Quotable Moments: "When you're relying on that externality, that was just a complete sinkhole of spending because there is no end there. It's just a cycle that's going to keep going around."  "If you see it as a project of changing the way you see yourself, rather than just going from disliking yourself to liking yourself, it will feel a lot more manageable." Stay tuned for Part 2 next week! Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all love a good actionable list, and this week I'm taking you through ten wallet-friendly ways to level up your life without burning a hole in your budget. From sprucing up your morning routine to splurging on fancy hand soaps, I explore practical strategies for enhancing your lifestyle without breaking the bank. With the current cost of living, it's never been more important to prioritise upgrades that improve your life long-term (that includes improving your happiness!). Have a listen, and let me know on socials what small thing you fit into your budget that leaves you feeling like the baddie that you are! Episode highlights: Practical strategies for upgrading life affordably. The importance of carving out time for personal choice and enjoyment. How to enhance your daily routine, and indulgences without overspending. “When is a spend lifestyle creep that is going to be damaging and when is a spend actually a perfectly reasonable expression of lifestyle elevation?"Emma [05:19] “When we're actually looking at taking care of ourselves, looking after ourselves and prioritising ourselves, we have to consider the financial component."Emma [04:31] “Sometimes having something in stock and available to you is actually a really good way to stop yourself from like having that scarcity..."Emma [21:20] Where to find The Broke Generation Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/?v=518f4a738816 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.brokegeneration TikTok: @the.brokegeneration  Order my book, Good with Money! Sign up to The Glue: the weekly money psychology and mindset newsletter www.thebrokegeneration.com/subscribe, where you’ll also get your free Financial Values workbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.