If you've ever thought, "I know what I'm supposed to be doing with my money, so why can't I just do it?"–– this episode is going to change everything.

I'm sitting down with Dr. Nick, a licensed neuropsychologist and executive cognition specialist, to unpack the brain science behind why smart, capable women still make emotional financial decisions. We're going into the dopamine deficit that makes long-term financial goals feel impossible to start, the norepinephrine surge that only kicks in when things become an emergency, and why "I'm bad with money" is a story your brain makes up — not a fact about who you are.

Dr. Nick breaks down how emotional dysregulation silently drives impulse spending, financial avoidance, and the boom-bust cycle so many of us know too well, and more importantly, how to build systems, practice self-compassion, and rewire your brain's relationship with money, one small win at a time.

Dr. Nick’s links:

Website: https://www.drnicolemurray.com/

Visit ⁠https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod⁠⁠ to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show.

If you're feeling stressed about money, we've created a money plan to help you, no matter where you're getting started. Taking a quick 2-minute quiz to get your money plan at https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod

In this episode:

00:00 How Emotional Decisions Shape Your Finances

01:47 Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The Brain Science

02:56 The Role of Dopamine in Financial Decisions

05:11 How to Create Urgency Before a Crisis

07:52 "I'm Just Bad With Money" — Debunked

10:15 What Is Emotional Regulation (And Why It Matters)

14:52 The Intensity Gauge: Rating Your Emotions

15:02 Managing the "Always at an 8" vs. Numb Baseline

17:29 Making Financial Decisions at a 5, 6, or 7

19:19 Replacing Mindless Spending With Systems

29:54 Willpower Is a Myth — Here's What Actually Works

32:11 The Case for Self-Compassion Over Willpower

35:43 The Boom-Bust Cycle of Financial Motivation

39:28 How Emotional Regulation Changes With Age

42:24 Preparing for Life's Transitions

49:00 Rebuilding Trust With Yourself and Your Money

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