Wealth and Shame: The Discomfort of Having Money

Why doesn’t having money necessarily feel good? In this episode, Mary Beth and Neela explore the complex emotions tied to wealth—whether it's guilt over having more, shame around not having enough, or discomfort with financial privilege. They unpack how money can affect identity, belonging, and relationships, and share tools to help you reframe your money story, build financial confidence, and align your wealth with your values.

For additional resources, information, and a full transcript of the episode, visit our website. To access our podcast disclosure information, visit this page.

 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• How to understand the two sides of wealth shame: having too much vs. not enough
• How comparison, identity, and belonging may fuel financial discomfort
• The emotional and psychological effects of inherited wealth
• How to develop financial confidence and reframe your money story
• How to find purpose and impact through intentional money choices

 

Resources Mentioned:

• People With Parents With Money: 14 Adults Come Clean About the Down Payments, Allowances, and Tuition Payments That Make Their New York Lives Feasible – New York Magazine’s Intelligencer | February 10, 2025 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/parents-money-family-wealth-stories.html
• Brené Brown is known for her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership.

 

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the If Money Were Easy newsletter
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• Connect with Mary Beth on Instagram and on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Neela on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Join the Abacus community by connecting with us on .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}