Navigating Financial Anxiety: The Stories That Shape Our Decisions

Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

What if the way you think about money isn’t really your story at all?

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Newcomb, Ph.D., a behavioral economist who helps us unpack the powerful money stories we carry—many of which we didn’t choose. Sarah shares how the beliefs we picked up in childhood—about scarcity, success, and self-worth—can quietly shape our financial decisions for decades.

We talk about her surprising journey from aspiring opera singer to financial wellness advocate, and how rewriting her own money story helped her step into a life of purpose and confidence.

Together, we explore how emotions, family expectations, and old habits show up in our financial behavior—and how becoming aware of them can be the first step toward real change.

This conversation is part inspiration, part self-inquiry, and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your narrative and take control of your financial future.

Takeaways:

• The most powerful tool in your financial toolkit is the narrative you construct about your personal money experiences, which shapes your financial behaviors.
• Understanding that the stories we tell ourselves regarding finances often originate from childhood experiences can profoundly impact our current beliefs about wealth and scarcity.
• The transition from viewing money as a source of anxiety to recognizing it as a tool for empowerment requires a reevaluation of one’s personal financial narrative.
• Engaging in introspective practices, such as writing down desired life stories and seeking evidence to support those narratives, can facilitate a healthier relationship with money.

Links referenced in this episode:

• If you like Boomer Banter, check out The Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined Podcast
• You can find Sarah Newcomb on LinkedIn.
• Email me, Wendy Green with any questions.