Does talking about money make you uncomfortable? Do you feel overwhelmed by business finances or personal budgeting? You’re not alone.
In this episode, Claire O’Brien (Honest and Goodness) sits down with Shirley Dempsey, (Balanced by Shirley) a financial mentor and educator, to discuss the fears, misconceptions, and emotional roadblocks that hold many people back from financial confidence.
Shirley shares her personal journey from the corporate finance world to mindfulness-based financial mentorship, explaining why money isn’t just numbers - it’s deeply emotional. She discusses how limiting beliefs, cultural influences and financial literacy gaps shape our relationship with money, often leading to financial stress and avoidance.
This episode will help you feel more confident, in control, and mindful about your finances—whether in business or everyday life.
Key Topics Covered:
Bridging the gap between business owners and accountants
How financial stress impacts mental health and decision-making
Why financial literacy should be taught from an early age
Mindfulness and finance: How to shift from scarcity to abundance
Breaking limiting beliefs and reshaping your money mindset
Understanding debt: When it’s helpful vs. when it’s harmful
Intentional spending and how to avoid emotional financial pitfalls
Building an emergency fund and financial routine that works for you
Whether you're a business owner, struggling with personal finances, or just looking for a healthier relationship with money, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh perspective on financial success.
What You’ll Learn:
How fear and avoidance create financial roadblocks
Why your accountant works for you and how to communicate better
The biggest financial mistakes business owners make
How to teach kids about money without fear or scarcity thinking
Why savings is non-negotiable, even in uncertain times
How limiting beliefs shape your financial reality and how to shift them
The importance of routine and tracking for long-term financial health
How to move from financial stress to financial empowerment
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Financial Mentorship
02:53 Bridging the Gap: Business Owners and Accountants
05:53 The Fear of Finances: Breaking the Stigma
09:11 Personal Experiences: The Impact of Financial Stress
12:06 Mindfulness and Finance: A New Approach
14:58 Education and Financial Literacy: A Call to Action
17:40 Cultural Influences on Money Mindset
20:15 Parenting and Financial Education for Children
26:21 Cultivating an Abundant Mindset
28:23 Breaking Limiting Beliefs
30:16 The Importance of Routine in Financial Health
32:31 Understanding Personal and Business Finances
36:34 Simplifying Financial Tracking
38:08 Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation
39:47 Navigating Debt Wisely
43:43 Building an Emergency Fund
44:38 Intentional Spending and Emotional Spending
45:46 Planning for Financial Success
46:38 Connecting with Shirley Dempsey
About Shirley Dempsey, Founder of Balanced by Shirley
At Balanced by Shirley, we specialise in empowering entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools for growth, financial awareness, and clarity.
As a finance educator and business mentor, I help you navigate the complexities of building and developing your business while ensuring mindfulness remains at the core of everything we do. My mission is to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to grow your business with confidence and clear direction
Website: https://balancedbyshirley.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedbyshirley?utm_source=qr&igsh=aWZmOTNoM3Y5eWs5
Personal Finance Ebook: https://balancedbyshirley.com/product/ebook-mind-your-money/
Get 10% off any product offered by Balanced by Shirley with the discount code Podcast10
