Podcast Episode 373: The Personal Spending Paradox: Why It’s Harder to Buy That Dress Than Pay for Everyone Else
Ever noticed how we moms won’t think twice about shelling out for a singing, dancing, light-up toy that will be ignored in 24 hours, but agonize over buying ourselves a much-needed new shirt? You’re not alone! This “personal spending paradox” is a real thing, and it hits moms hard.
Turns out, our brains get a little hit of happiness (dopamine!) when we spend on others. So, buying that kid’s toy feels great. But spending on ourselves? That can trigger a whole cascade of guilt and conflicting beliefs. It’s almost like we’re programmed to believe our needs come last.
But here’s the kicker: constantly putting yourself last teaches your kids a less-than-ideal lesson. They see you sacrificing, and that can shape their expectations for themselves and their future relationships. We’re basically telling them that being a “good mom” means being last.
If you’re tired of feeling guilty every time you consider a personal purchase, you’re in the right place. It’s time to understand why this happens and get some tips to break free from the cycle.

In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:
- Why “selfless spending” gives your brain a happy hit (dopamine!) but spending on you can trigger all the guilt. Seriously, your brain is a complicated place.
- The shocking truth about how you’re accidentally teaching your kids that moms are basically sacrifice-machines. (Spoiler: It’s not a good look for their future relationships!)
- That time Brie bought fancy tequila for her husband and got COVID in return. (No self-spending guilt there, just… consequences!)
- Tips for tackling that “I’m not worthy!” money block, starting with honest conversations (and maybe some word-vomit journaling).
Resources We Shared In This Episode:
Get our Stop Doing Checklist absolutely FREE, so you can start taking tasks off your plate today!
Join our FREE No Guilt Mom Podcast group
Check out our No Guilt Mom Amazon Shop with recommended books and books from our podcast guests HERE!
Learn all about Balance VIP HERE!
No Guilt Mom YouTube Channel Check us out and subscribe to be notified every time we have new videos added for parents and kids, as well as video footage from our podcast episodes!
Read the transcripts HERE
Support the podcast by visiting our ah-maz-ing sponsors HERE!
#parentingpodcast #parentingtips #selfcare #mentalload #kids #teenager #toddler #preschooler #baby #noguiltmom #spendinghabits, #emotionalhealth, #womenempowerment, #self-worth, #guilt
Don’t forget to Rate & Review the podcast!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast! If you could take a moment to Rate & Review the No Guilt Mom Podcast on Apple here we’d be so grateful! Not sure how to do it? We got you covered! Check out this short video we made to show you how to leave a review.
Listen on Spotify? You can rate us there too!
Check out our latest podcast episodes:
- Podcast Episode 373: The Personal Spending Paradox: Why It’s Harder to Buy That Dress Than Pay for Everyone Else Transcripts
- Podcast Episode 373: The Personal Spending Paradox: Why It’s Harder to Buy That Dress Than Pay for Everyone Else
- Podcast Episode 372: Real Housewives, Real Pressure: Jackie Goldschneider Gets Real About Eating Disorders and Perfection Transcripts
- Podcast Episode 372: Real Housewives, Real Pressure: Jackie Goldschneider Gets Real About Eating Disorders and Perfection
- Podcast Episode 371: Puberty at 8?! What Parents Need to Know About The Crucial Years Transcripts