Cost of living is spiralling higher and higher - but we're here to help you tackle it. In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv and Jennie discuss the psychology of spending, the traps that make it easier to overspend, and how to (gently) retrain your brain so your money decisions feel more intentional and less impulsive. We unpack the “Want Monster” - that little voice in your head telling you to buy the coffee, click the sale, upgrade the phone, or treat yourself because you “deserve it”.  

This episode covers:

• What the “Want Monster” is, and why it's so dangerous in today's cost of living crunch
• How instant gratification, social media, and constant sales shape our spending habits
• Common spending traps like buy now pay later (BNPL), credit cards, interest-free loans, sales, and subscription creep
• Why these habits can become even more impactful when money is already tight
• Simple ways to create friction, reset habits, and make better spending decisions
• Practical ideas like tracking your spending, using separate accounts, trying a no-spend challenge, and finding free ways to socialise

This episode is a reminder that money decisions are not always just about maths... they’re often about habits, mindset, and the stories we tell ourselves. You'll walk away armed with a realistic, kinder approach to spending less without feeling deprived, and some small ideas for changes which could make a big difference over time.

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.