The Problem of Money Podcast
Shabbar Kassam (Financial Advisor) and Tim Malnick (Organisational Psychologist) explore the complex relationship people have with money. They discuss the psychological aspects of money and how it can block personal growth, reflecting on their own journeys with money and the emotional constraints it can impose. Together, they aim to uncover deeper insights into everyday money conversations and the impact of unconscious biases on one's ability to live a life of freedom.
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Ep 53: Why Artists Stay BROKE and Businessmen Stay BORED
05/20/2026
Ep 53: Why Artists Stay BROKE and Businessmen Stay BORED
There's a version of you that comes alive when you're being creative, playful, or fully yourself. And then there's the version that shows up to work. This episode is about the gap between them. Shabbar and Tim explore the artist and the businessman as two archetypes we all carry. Through personal stories and Jungian shadow work, they unpack what happens when we dismiss or avoid the side we don't identify with. Whether you're a creative who struggles with money or a commercial thinker who feels something's missing, this conversation holds something for you. The real question isn't which archetype is right. It's whether you're brave enough to take a step toward the one you've been avoiding. Why what irritates you most about other people might say more about you than them What the artist loses by treating money and commerce as corrupt What the businessman misses by leaving creativity and play out of their work Why the most alive version of you rarely makes it into your professional life How growth often just means taking a 20% step toward the side you've been resisting Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 52: Your Pension Won't Save You From Getting OLD
05/06/2026
Ep 52: Your Pension Won't Save You From Getting OLD
Most of us carry a number in our heads. The number we need before we can stop. The age by which we need to hit it. Underneath all of that planning is a fear we don't talk about much: the fear of getting old in a society that doesn't know what to do with older people. In this episode, Shabbar and Tim pull apart the modern idea of retirement, where it came from and what it is actually promising. They explore how the fixation on a pension figure is itself a symptom of a culture that treats aging as decline, and how that fixation can quietly drain the vitality and curiosity we are trying to protect. The conversation moves toward something more useful: the things that actually keep people vital as they age, which include relationships, learning, and staying open to life, and those can be invested in at any age, with any amount of money. Key themes: Why retirement is a modern industrial invention, and what we lose by treating it as a life goal. How a society that fears old age drives our obsession with the pension number. What actually keeps people curious and energetic as they age, and why it is not the size of their savings. The comparison trap: measuring your number against where you think you should be at your age. Why investing in your health, relationships, and emotional wellbeing matters as much as saving for the future. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 51: Your Passion Won't Pay the Bills. Do it Anyway!
04/22/2026
Ep 51: Your Passion Won't Pay the Bills. Do it Anyway!
There's a voice most of us carry that sounds like common sense. It says: be realistic, pay your bills, this is just how it works. This episode is about that voice, why it's not as trustworthy as it sounds, and what it's actually costing you to keep listening to it. Shabbar and Tim take on the question that's been sitting underneath this whole series on work: can you actually earn a living following your life path? Their answer is honest rather than reassuring. But you're probably already suffering either way, so at least you get to choose. They talk about why the most heartfelt work is the hardest to charge for, why money flowing toward your work is a broken measure of whether you're on the right path, and why a confused global economy that funds weapons before art or healing says very little about the value of what you're doing. They also quietly reframe what the life path even is. It might not be a grand calling. It might be board games with your kids, or getting fit, or finally writing something. The point is that most of us don't follow it, not because we can't, but because we've been told that would be unrealistic. Key themes: Why the inner voice that sounds responsible often has nothing useful to tell you about reality. Why money feels wrong to charge for the closer your work gets to your real values. The two kinds of suffering: the depression of a safe but meaningless job, or the fear of following what brings you alive. Why the global economy funding bombs before healers or artists is not a verdict on your work. Why your life path might be smaller and closer than you ever gave yourself permission to admit. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 50: The Mexican Fisherman Who Had ENOUGH
04/08/2026
Ep 50: The Mexican Fisherman Who Had ENOUGH
You might already be living the life you're working so hard to afford. So why does it feel wrong to stop and enjoy it? Shabbar tells the story of the Mexican fisherman and the Harvard MBA, and it lands differently than you'd expect. What starts as a parable turns into an honest conversation about the battle most of us carry: the part that craves contentment and the part that says contentment is laziness. Together, Shabbar and Tim unpack why social pressure keeps us performing busyness, why we hide the questions we most need to ask, and what it would look like to actually trust that enough is enough. Why admitting you want a simpler life can feel scarier than burnout The inner battle between your fisherman and your hustler, and why picking a winner doesn't work How social settings train us to perform ambition we don't always feel The difference between building a future and missing your present What the dying actually regret, and why it's never the size of their pension Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 49: He Made MILLIONS and Gave Up on Happiness
03/25/2026
Ep 49: He Made MILLIONS and Gave Up on Happiness
You said "busy" the last time someone asked how you were. You probably didn't even think about it. But what if that reflex is telling you something important about how you measure your own worth? Shabbar and Tim unpack hustle culture, not just the entrepreneurial grind-harder version, but the quieter internal pressure most of us carry to always be doing more. They look at the viral Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi conversation, where a young man with a hundred million dollar business admitted he couldn't find happiness. They explore what figures like Gandhi and Mandela suggest about action rooted in stillness rather than restlessness. And Shabbar shares a conversation from his community that offers a genuinely different way to think about work, time, and what blessing actually looks like. Why saying "I'm busy" has become a reflex we're afraid to break What happens when massive financial success still leaves you unfulfilled The difference between outer hustle and the inner pressure we put on ourselves Can you have real impact in the world without burning out to prove it? Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 48: Successful, Comfortable and Doing the WRONG Work!
03/11/2026
Ep 48: Successful, Comfortable and Doing the WRONG Work!
Most of us spend more time working than doing almost anything else, yet we rarely stop to ask whether the work we do is actually ours to do. This episode is about that gap. And why closing it is harder, and more important, than it looks. Shabbar and Tim continue their conversation on work, money, and what we're actually here to do. Drawing on Jung's idea of the persona versus the deeper self, Joseph Campbell's call to follow your bliss, and Matthew Fox's vision of work as a container for human growth, they explore why so many people, across the income spectrum, end up performing a version of their working life rather than living it. The conversation moves between theory and the personal, with Shabbar reflecting on his own experience of reshaping his financial planning practice and the discomfort of doing something that doesn't yet have a clear shape. They also push back on the assumption that meaningful work is a luxury only available to the financially comfortable. The challenges look different at different income levels, but the struggle to become who you actually are is not reserved for the privileged. Why the role you play at work might be a perfect fit for your persona and a very poor fit for who you are. What Joseph Campbell actually meant by follow your bliss, and why comfort and pleasure don't qualify. The moment you commit to your real work is the moment things get harder, and why that might be exactly right. Whether pursuing a deeper calling is something only people with money can afford to think about. Why keeping your head down at work feels safe, and what it quietly costs you over time. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 47: Why We Believe Work Should Be Suffering
03/04/2026
Ep 47: Why We Believe Work Should Be Suffering
Most of us carry a quiet assumption that work is supposed to be a struggle. We didn’t choose that idea. It was handed to us, built into the language we speak and the culture we grew up in. Shabbar and Tim kick off a mini-series on work by tracing just how deep this assumption goes. From the French word "travail" rooted in medieval torture, to the idea of being "compensated" for labour, the very words we use tell us that work is something to endure. Religious frameworks, Catholic and Protestant alike, baked in the same story. They also look honestly at people who earn good money and still dread every working day, and ask why so few of them feel they can admit it. This is not a conversation for people who have it easy. It is for anyone who has ever wondered why work feels the way it does, and where that feeling actually came from. Key themes: Why the language of work, compensation, labour, earning a living, quietly signals that it is supposed to be painful How Christian religious frameworks built a culture where enjoying your work still feels a bit suspect Why well-paid people can suffer just as deeply as anyone, and often feel worse for saying so What it costs to keep assuming work must be a struggle, even when you could think differently Where your own assumptions about work came from, and whether they are actually yours Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or your own stories about money. Reach out and connect with us on LinkedIn: Shabbar: Tim: Explore Tim's work and register for his upcoming workshop: Find out more about Shabbar's financial planning services:
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Ep 46: Is Your ANCESTRY Sabotaging Your Wealth TODAY?
02/25/2026
Ep 46: Is Your ANCESTRY Sabotaging Your Wealth TODAY?
Why are your finances still plagued by peer pressure from the deceased? Have you ever wondered why you can’t stop working, even though your bank account says you’re safe? Or why spending money on a little luxury feels like a betrayal of your roots? We often blame our childhoods for our money hang-ups, but the truth goes much deeper. Your financial behavior might be an unconscious response to events that happened three or four generations ago! In this deep and evocative episode, Shabbar and Tim dive into the world of ancestral money history. We move beyond living memory to explore how the traumas of our great-grandparents—famine, persecution, displacement, and systemic injustice—are "written into our genes" and still dictate our spending, saving, and working habits today. In this episode, you will discover: The science of how financial fear and trauma can be transmitted through your physiology. How to honour your family’s history without being enslaved by their survival mechanisms. Why even the most successful individuals often feel like outsiders who could lose everything at any moment. Why "laziness" is a necessary skill for the chronically over-productive. A simple 3-step practice to thank your ancestors for your life while finally choosing to live your own story. Join us as we uncover how historical "detective work" can turn generational baggage into a source of freedom and profound gratitude. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 45: Why Earning More Than Your Friends Feels Weird!
02/18/2026
Ep 45: Why Earning More Than Your Friends Feels Weird!
The Social Ladder: Why Earning More Than Your Friends Feels So Weird 📈🤐 Do you feel a secret "shot in the arm" when you realize you’re higher up the social ladder than someone else? Or does looking at those with less leave you feeling paralyzed by a sense of "privilege" and "unfairness"? In this provocative follow-up to our previous episode on relating to the wealthy, we flip the script! We dive deep into the uncomfortable psychological territory of how we relate to people who have—or appear to have—LESS MONEY than we do. Shabbar and Tim move past the surface-level "politeness" of financial success to expose the internal "Status Game" we all play. We perform psychological detective work on the stories we tell ourselves when we see a neighbour’s car, hear about a friend’s modest holiday, or encounter someone experiencing homelessness. We reveal why the "number" in your bank account is a hollow proxy for your human value, and how projecting success or failure onto that number actually sabotages your most important relationships. In this episode, you will discover: Why we use other people’s financial situations to reassure ourselves—and why that "reassurance" is a fragile illusion. Why a secondhand vehicle might hide a life of passion, while a luxury car could be a set of "golden handcuffs" for someone who is miserable. A powerful real-life story that shatters our assumptions about who "deserves" to be where on the social scale. Why feeling "guilty" about your success helps no one, and how to move toward genuine, free-flowing generosity. Join us as we explore how to stop letting our net worth objectify the people around us, and how to find a lighter, more authentic way to show up in your community. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 44: Why YOU Act Weird Around People WEALTHIER THAN YOURSELF!
02/11/2026
Ep 44: Why YOU Act Weird Around People WEALTHIER THAN YOURSELF!
The Billionaire Guru Myth: Why You Act "Weird" Around Wealth 🤫💰 Why do we suddenly become tongue-tied, sweating, or acting like "insecure children" the moment we realize someone has a significantly larger bank balance than we do? Whether it’s a client with a million-pound portfolio or a CEO who just sold a business for nine figures, a simple number often acts as a psychological boundary that diminishes our own authority and confidence. In this episode, Shabbar and Tim flip the coin from last week’s conversation. We dive into the "weirdness" of relating to those with more money and expose the unconscious projections that make us inflate others while deflating ourselves. We explore the "Halo Effect"—the dangerous modern tendency to treat billionaires as all-knowing gurus—and reveal why financial success in one area of life often masks profound poverty in others. Through raw personal stories, including Tim’s experience coaching high-powered London lawyers and a moving account of a billionaire, we show you how to see through the numbers to the human being underneath. In this episode, you will discover: Why your brain treats £999,000 differently than £1,000,000, and how that mental trap sabotages your competence. How our awkwardness creates a disconnected dance that prevents genuine human meeting. Why we shouldn't confuse follower counts or bank balances with actual insight. A "brave step" strategy to break the tension in the room and build real rapport with high-net-worth individuals. Stop letting someone else's zeros make you feel like a zero. Learn how to reclaim your authority and meet anyone—from a neighbour to a billionaire—as a peer. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 43: SUDDEN WEALTH: Why Relationships Get Weird
02/04/2026
Ep 43: SUDDEN WEALTH: Why Relationships Get Weird
Have you ever received a massive pay rise or a life-changing bonus, only to find yourself wishing you’d never told your family? It sounds like a "first-world problem," but for many, sudden financial success triggers a wave of unspoken pressure, hidden resentment, and a total shift in relationship dynamics. In this episode, we dive into the raw reality of being the "successful one" in the family. We share the story of a client who, after a significant leap in income, found themselves suddenly expected to fund family holidays and feel responsible for everyone else's financial happiness. Why do people who never used to be "weird" together suddenly feel like strangers when a bank balance changes? We move beyond surface-level advice to perform psychological detective work on the projections we cast onto the numbers. We explore why we feel a "compulsion" to be generous and the crippling fear of being labeled "stingy" or "mean." In this episode, you will discover: The Generosity Trap: Why giving out of pressure isn't actually generosity. The "American Dream" Backlash: How cultural expectations and first-generation success can lead to a profound sense of isolation and being "misunderstood" by those you love most. Why the capacity to say "No" is the only way to ensure your "Yes" is authentic and freely given. How your new "number" triggers projections in others, making you appear like an "idealized superhero" rather than a human being. Whether you’re the one moving up the ladder or you’re feeling "funny" around a friend who has suddenly hit it big, this conversation provides the clarity needed to keep the money from getting in the way of the connection. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 42: Money Does NOT Buy Peace of Mind
01/28/2026
Ep 42: Money Does NOT Buy Peace of Mind
The Great Financial Lie: Why "Peace of Mind" Isn't in Your Bank Account 💸 We kick off the year with a radical realization that sent a marketing consultant back to the drawing board and left a veteran financial advisor questioning his entire professional identity. In this episode, Shabbar reveals a phrase suggested for his new LinkedIn bio that triggered an immediate, visceral "No!"—leading to a deep exploration of the most common myths in wealth management. We often hear that money is the tool for "choices, freedom, and peace of mind," but what if that promise is fundamentally flawed? We dive into the "New Paradigm" of money work, where we decouple the numbers in your account from the qualities of your character. Why is it that a student with a backpack can feel more free than a billionaire in a boardroom? Why does peace of mind remain an internal state that no amount of compound interest can buy? In this episode, you will discover: Why standard financial slogans feel "off" once you understand how money psychology actually works. The "Of Course" Trap: A simple mental exercise to identify the inherited stories that are creating your current financial reality. How shifting the "centre" of your decision-making radically changes your experience of "okayness." Why the future of financial advice requires a blend of spreadsheets and soul-work. Counter-Intuitive Freedom: Real-life examples of how radical freedom often happens when the numbers are at their lowest. Whether you are a professional looking to communicate more authentically or an individual tired of chasing a "number" that never feels like enough, this conversation will challenge you to rip up the old playbook and find a lighter, more honest way to live in 2026. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 41: Are You Planning a WEDDING or Seeking APPROVAL?
01/21/2026
Ep 41: Are You Planning a WEDDING or Seeking APPROVAL?
The Wedding Budget Trap: Are You Planning a Celebration or Buying Approval? 💍💸 Weddings are meant to be a joyous rite of passage, but for many, they have become a source of crippling financial stress and emotional exhaustion. Whether it’s an Asian community wedding with a £50,000 price tag or a modest ceremony, the same question arises: Why does the budget feel like a battlefield? In this episode, we move past the spreadsheets to look at the "gnarly" psychological drivers behind wedding spending. We explore the paralyzing fear of "looking bad" to the community and how the pressure to maintain reputation often overrides our own Life Path. In this episode, you will discover: The "Looking Bad" Tax: Why we spend thousands not to create joy, but to avoid the discomfort of other people's judgment. How to stop focusing on the "number per head" and start focusing on the emotional qualities you actually want your wedding to embody. How to enter marriage with authenticity by balancing respect for tradition with the courage of your own convictions. The Myth of the Number: Why a £10,000 loan won't guarantee a happy marriage, and why "magic" can be created with or without a huge budget. Parental Pressure: How to navigate the guilt of not being a "good provider" when you can’t afford the plush wedding your community expects. Whether you are planning your own big day, supporting a child, or attending as a guest, this conversation will help you navigate the "Wedding Industrial Complex" with a lighter heart and a more conscious wallet. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 40: Why MONEY is The No.1 Cause of DIVORCE in January!
01/14/2026
Ep 40: Why MONEY is The No.1 Cause of DIVORCE in January!
Money Rows: The Real Reason Relationships Fail in January 💔💰 Statistically, January is the peak month for divorce inquiries, and the #1 reason cited is almost always "conflict over money." But is money actually the cause of divorce? In this eye-opening episode, we move past the surface-level arguments about credit card bills and bankruptcy to uncover the deep-seated psychological projections that tear couples apart. We challenge the common narrative that "he spends too much" or "she is too controlling," revealing instead how these money behaviors are often the very qualities we once fell in love with—but now struggle to integrate within ourselves. In this episode, you will discover: Why money doesn't push people apart, but our refusal to accept human difference does. The "Tight-Arse" vs. The "Reckless Spender": Why you were likely attracted to your partner's opposite money style, and why it’s now driving you crazy. Real-life examples of how two couples can face bankruptcy, yet one thrives while the other dissolves. How to move from "unconscious guardrails" to a values-based spending plan that honours both responsibility and spontaneity. Whether you're in a happy relationship, navigating a difficult one, or starting fresh, this conversation provides a radical new lens for understanding the person sitting across the table from you. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 39: Flip the Script on Your MONEY STORY in 2026!
01/07/2026
Ep 39: Flip the Script on Your MONEY STORY in 2026!
We often think our financial struggles are about "reality" - not having enough, getting ripped off, or being "bad" with budgets. But what if the biggest obstacle in your bank account is actually a stuck story you've been telling yourself for decades? In this first deep-dive of 2026, we explore the incredible power of deliberate reframing. We move beyond just identifying your "money path" and show you how to consciously choose a new narrative that creates immediate lightness and freedom. Using a raw and honest example of hiring marketing consultants, Shabbar reveals how he moved from a story of "paranoia and self-blame" (feeling stupid and ripped off) to a story of "Research & Development" (treating expenditure as an investment in learning). Same money spent, same business—but a completely different internal reality. In this episode, you will discover: How "I have to do this" stories create a mental prison that guarantees frustration. How to change your story from "I'm exploiting people" to a different one that still sits well with you. A radical 2026 challenge—can you view a major purchase as an act of trusting life rather than preparing for a "scary future"? Whether you are a self-employed professional struggling to set fees or someone paralyzed by fear of the future, this episode offers a practical, fun, and experimental way to rewrite your financial destiny this year. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 38: (New Year Special) 6 Money Lessons to Transform Your 2026!
12/31/2025
Ep 38: (New Year Special) 6 Money Lessons to Transform Your 2026!
New Year, New Money Mindset: 2025 Highlights & 2026 Resolutions 🎆 Welcome to our 2025 year-end special! In this episode, we’re looking back at the most transformative moments from the past year to help you propel your financial and emotional well-being into 2026. Whether you’re a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, this "greatest hits" summary acts as a masterclass in the Money and Life work we explore every week. We revisit the fundamental concepts that changed the game for our listeners this year—from the three archetypal money movements to the life-changing "detective work" that turns small financial annoyances into profound self-discoveries. We aren’t just looking at bank balances; we’re looking at how to reclaim your vitality, peace, and power from the numbers. In this New Year special, you will discover: The 3 Money Movements: Are you a "grabber," a "pusher," or "stuck behind guardrails"? The Sock Scandal: Why a simple £7 purchase triggered deep sadness. Kronos vs. Kairos: The secret to finding "bridge moments" of peace that money can’t buy. Why trying to "maximize value" in every experience actually robs you of the joy you’re paying for. How to identify where you are spiritually "rich" and where you might be relationally "poor," regardless of your net worth. Why 2026 should be the year you start running "money experiments" to break your rigid, heavy patterns. Join us, Shabbar & Tim, as we turn the lessons of 2025 into powerful resolutions for a lighter, more conscious 2026. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 37 (Christmas Special): The Christmas Spending Trap!
12/24/2025
Ep 37 (Christmas Special): The Christmas Spending Trap!
Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, but for many, it becomes a period of intense financial pressure, overspending, and debt. You know a spike in costs is coming, yet many still use the credit card as a "tap and forget" solution, leading to January anxiety. Why do we keep doing it? This special episode dives into the deep psychology behind our Christmas habits. We explore why the holiday season is the ultimate microcosm of the tension between the Money Path (consumption, pressure) and the Life Path (connection, magic). We expose the unconscious drives that make you spend more than you can comfortably afford: the compulsion to prove you are a "good dad" or "successful family member," and the powerful desire to escape the daily grind and invest in a fantasy of magic and carefreeness. Tune in to discover: Why we seek permission during the holidays to break the rules and live in a temporary financial fantasy, How to distinguish between spending out of genuine choice and spending out of compulsion or guilt. The surprising ancient meaning of gold and why it may have been the gift of choice by one of the Maggi to Jesus at his birth. How to navigate family expectations and the onslaught of commercial marketing to ensure your spending—or non-spending—is a free, conscious choice that serves your actual life. Stop letting pressure dictate your holidays. Find a way to have a truly rich, joyful, and magical Christmas with or without massive spending. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 36: Listeners' Questions - Answered! (Part 2)
12/17/2025
Ep 36: Listeners' Questions - Answered! (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of our listener Q&A special! This episode dives straight into the heavy, real-life financial struggles shared by our community, exploring the deepest psychological roots of money anxiety and self-sabotage. We tackle three profound listener questions that expose the hidden emotional contracts governing your bank account: The Giver’s Trap: Why do I constantly keep giving my money away and find it impossible to save? The Ethics Dilemma: In a world of greenwashing and corporate corruption, is it even possible to invest ethically? The Achilles Heel: How do you cope when a threat to your financial stability instantly catapults you into extreme, debilitating anxiety? This episode is a lifeline for anyone feeling held hostage by their financial fears. Stop letting anxiety dictate your future—it’s time to move toward conscious stability. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 35: Listeners' Questions - Answered! (Special end of year episodes - Part 1)
12/10/2025
Ep 35: Listeners' Questions - Answered! (Special end of year episodes - Part 1)
We’re dedicating our final episodes of the year to you, our listeners! In Part 1 of our Q&A special, we dive into your most profound questions about money, fear, and true contentment. This episode tackles the powerful, unconscious terror that holds many people back, even those with ample savings: the paralyzing fear of running out of money. We explore the shocking truth that this concern often has nothing to do with your bank balance and everything to do with a deeper, existential human fear. We unpack key listener questions: The Enoughness Enigma: How do you find peace with what you have without the lingering, gnawing hunger for more? The Flow Trap: One listener is in a wonderful flow with money but fears it will "dry up." Money and Mortality: We dissect the heavy, unconscious association between financial ruin and the fear of death. If you are fighting your own relationship with money, this episode provides a compassionate framework for turning fear into freedom. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 34: Stop CRUSHING Your Loved Ones' Dreams with MONEY!
12/03/2025
Ep 34: Stop CRUSHING Your Loved Ones' Dreams with MONEY!
Have you ever faced a decision—a career change, a big trip, a new hobby—and immediately heard a voice saying, "But what about the money?" In this crucial episode, we dive into the universal tension between the Money Path (the secure, sensible choice) and the Life Path (the choice that brings genuine vitality and soul). Inspired by Shabbar's story of his daughter choosing between a high-paying finance career and a passionate path in physiotherapy, we expose the silent, unconscious judgments that stop us—and our loved ones—from pursuing true fulfillment. We reveal why instinctively nudging someone toward a higher paycheck is often a response to our own financial fears, and how this seemingly "sensible" advice can inadvertently crush a dream and lead to years of unfulfilled work. In this episode, we discuss: How your own money stories and anxieties prevent us from supporting a loved one's passion. Why true success is measured by qualities (joy, fulfillment, energy) and not just quantities (salary, pension pot). Why taking time to "let go and explore" is a necessary and natural part of the life path, even if it feels terrifying. Simple, transformative questions we can ask to gently encourage a loved one's dream, validating their energy without shutting it down with a "money story." The best thing you can do to find your own path is to help someone else find theirs. Tune in and learn how to listen for the energy that truly matters. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 33: The 40% Inheritance Tax TRAP and What It Means For YOU
11/26/2025
Ep 33: The 40% Inheritance Tax TRAP and What It Means For YOU
The Hidden Reason Why This Tax Makes You SO Angry 😡 Inheritance Tax (IHT) is the financial issue everyone despises, often called a "bloody unfair trap" that takes 40% of what you worked for. But what if your intense anger and deep sense of violation aren't actually about the tax rate at all? In this essential episode, we move beyond tax avoidance strategies to perform crucial emotional detective work. We dive into the profound psychological reasons why the "death tax" hits us so hard, exposing how it touches on our most sensitive fears about aging, mortality, and control. We explore the common, unconscious beliefs that keep people trapped: the illusion of the "heroic individual" who made all their wealth alone, and the fear that society is failing the next generation. In this episode, we explore: What emotion are you really feeling when you curse the taxman? (Hint: It’s not just financial.) Why focusing intensely on protecting every penny is an unconscious way of mourning the loss of power and vitality. How acknowledging society's role in your success can liberate you from anger and allow you to give with a "warm heart." Stop letting this one tax control your feelings. Discover the mindset shift that allows you to manage your wealth with peace, purpose, and confidence, regardless of the percentage. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 32: Why You Won't Spend On Yourself
11/19/2025
Ep 32: Why You Won't Spend On Yourself
Part 4 (of 4) of our "SPENDING" Series. Do you find it easy to buy things for your kids, friends, or partner, but feel a crippling wave of guilt or shame when you spend money on yourself? This familiar tension between self and others is a core battle in our money lives, and it's sabotaging your financial peace. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the emotional "why" behind this pattern. We expose the unconscious entanglements that make you feel like spending on yourself makes you a "bad parent" or "selfish." It's not about the money; it's about a hidden emotional contract you've made with yourself. We use the illuminating framework of Money Psychology to perform detective work on the judgments you fear—like being seen as unloving or greedy—and show you why these judgments are often entirely false. Understanding this truth is the first step toward financial liberation and achieving a balanced, joyful money flow. In this week's episode, discover: How overspending on your kids can be a desperate, unconscious attempt to prove you're a "good parent." Why placing everyone else's needs above your own leads to resentment and limits your overall life energy. The deeper reason you may struggle to allocate resources to yourself, and why recognizing your own importance is critical. Why learning to be deliberately, healthily "selfish" is necessary for your well-being and actually improves your relationships. Stop being held hostage by guilt. Learn to resource yourself with confidence so your tank is full and you can truly give back to the world. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 31: Data-Driven or Gut-Driven? How Do You MAKE PURCHASES?
11/12/2025
Ep 31: Data-Driven or Gut-Driven? How Do You MAKE PURCHASES?
"I need to feel a connection to the car, Dad." "But... it doesn't have Bluetooth." Shabbar's staring at specs, mileage, service history. His daughter's waiting for a car to "speak to her." He thinks she's being ridiculous. She thinks he's missing the point entirely. Turns out? They're both right. And both wrong! The questions we address in this episode: Are you making decisions with your head, your heart, or your gut? And what are you missing by ignoring the other two? In this essential episode, we expose the two opposing forces that secretly drive all your spending—from buying socks to purchasing a house—the rational (Thinking) approach and the deeply intuitive (Feeling) approach. We use real-life stories to show that relying on only one side of your intelligence is a recipe for financial dissatisfaction. Why does the "best deal" often lead to the worst experience? Tune in to discover: Your spending blindspot: Are you shutting down your gut intuition in favour of endless spreadsheets? The problem with perfection: Why the pursuit of the "optimal" purchase is making you miserable and anxious. The dangerous assumption that only measurable things matter - but how the energy you bring to a decision might actually affect the outcome. Tune in to today’s episode to learn how to stop making unbalanced money choices, and access your "whole intelligence" to spend with confidence, peace, and real fulfilment. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 30: The 10-MINUTE EXERCISE That Fixed My Spending Problems Forever
11/05/2025
Ep 30: The 10-MINUTE EXERCISE That Fixed My Spending Problems Forever
Part 2 of the Spending Series gets practical: How do you decide where your discretionary money goes? Tim introduces a powerful exercise learned from coach Rich Litvin. The result? Crystal clarity on your true priorities—and permission to spend guilt-free on what matters while feeling relaxed about the rest. Shabbar shares a client story: Someone with plenty of money felt crushing guilt about going over budget on curtains for their home renovation. The real issue? An unconscious belief that exceeding budget = irresponsible. You'll explore: Why going "over budget" triggers shame even when you can afford it. The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic spending motivators. How to do the post-it note prioritization exercise (step-by-step). Why couples fight over money (hint: different values, not different numbers) Shabbar's dilemma: Golf holidays vs. pension contributions? Life-centered spending in action: Tim's Arsenal tickets, Shabbar's Himalayan trek. The insight: Budgeting shouldn't feel heavy. It should help you spend confidently on your top priorities while releasing guilt about everything else. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 29: The Brutal Psychology Behind Why You Can't Stop OVERSPENDING
10/28/2025
Ep 29: The Brutal Psychology Behind Why You Can't Stop OVERSPENDING
The call came mid-panic. Years of overspending. Mountains of debt. But here's what made it fascinating: this person knew they needed to stop. They just... couldn't. "I can't tell my kids they can no longer order Uber Eats." But what if the real problem wasn't the spending at all? This episode cracks open the psychology behind why some people can't stop buying things that don't make them happy—and why others hoard money they'll never spend, living with constant anxiety despite being wealthy. The uncomfortable questions: What are you actually trying to purchase when you buy that car, that holiday, that private school education? Why does "scaling back" feel like existential failure—even when rationally you know you need to? What if the feelings you're chasing (success, status, security) were never in the purchases in the first place? You'll explore: The two spending traps most people fall into (and why both lead to misery). Why wealthy people still wake up anxious about money Money-centered vs. life-centered spending—and the difference changes everything. Shabbar confesses about his Canadian Rockies trip. Tim reveals why overspending and underspending are two sides of the same psychological coin. No budgeting tips. No "skip the latte" advice. Just the raw psychology of what we're really doing when we spend. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 28: Why Millionaire Golfers Fought Over Getting Paid
10/22/2025
Ep 28: Why Millionaire Golfers Fought Over Getting Paid
What happens when millionaire athletes argue about whether they should get paid for doing what they love? When the world's best golfers gathered for the Ryder Cup, a money debate exposed two completely different worldviews. The Europeans refused payment. The Americans demanded compensation. Both teams are multimillionaires. So why did this become so awkward and controversial? Tim and Shabbar dive into this unexpected money drama to explore deeper questions: Does getting paid change how we experience meaningful work? What happens when "time is money" thinking collides with purpose-driven passion? And why does money seem to "get in the way" of some of our most fulfilling experiences? Using this sports story as a lens, they unpack the tension between transactional and life-centered approaches to work, time, and compensation—with surprising insights for anyone navigating their own relationship with money. You'll discover: * Why clarity (or lack of it) makes money conversations so uncomfortable * The hidden cost of "I should be paid for my time" thinking * How collective endeavour differs from individual compensation * What multimillionaires working for free reveals about human psychology * When NOT getting paid might actually be the better deal Whether you're setting your prices, doing community work, or questioning why you do what you do—this conversation will shift how you think about money, meaning, and what truly matters. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 27: How to Charge What You're Worth (Without the Guilt)
10/15/2025
Ep 27: How to Charge What You're Worth (Without the Guilt)
How do you set your fees? Most people just follow the herd—or worse, tie their pricing to their self-worth. And what if the way you set your fees reveals more about your psychology than your business strategy? Tim and Shabbar dive deep into the uncomfortable territory of pricing, charging, and what it means to ask for money. From vegetarian lunches to annual retreats, they explore how moving beyond numbers-based thinking can transform both your business relationships and your bottom line. You'll discover: Why your fee has nothing to do with your worth as a human The two psychological traps that keep you undercharging or overcharging How to think about pricing when you're self-employed or setting organizational fees Why "time is money" logic limits possibility What happens when you prioritize delight over dollars Perfect for: Self-employed professionals stuck on pricing decisions Anyone who feels guilty asking for money Business owners who suspect they're undercharging (or overcharging) People who want to break free from conventional fee-setting Anyone tying their self-worth to their price tag Warning: This conversation might make you rethink everything you charge. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 26: He Charged WHAT?! A Radical Approach to SETTING FEES
10/08/2025
Ep 26: He Charged WHAT?! A Radical Approach to SETTING FEES
Have you ever wondered what goes on in a coach's mind when they set their prices? For many, it's a simple business calculation around maximising profit, but in a world where money feels rigid and routine, some are choosing to break the rules. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on a radical approach to setting fees that challenges everything you thought you knew about money, value, and worth. You'll hear real stories from Tim's unique charging structures for his coaching and money workshops, including some involving olive oil and honey! You'll also discover how a playful and experimental mindset can revolutionize your relationship with money, and how you can build a business that serves your community and your soul. Join us as we discuss: Why a fixed price can often be a trap, and how flexible fees can lead to greater fulfilment. How to use money as a tool for connection, not just commerce. Why the most valuable transactions often have nothing to do with cash. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 25: Why Does Money Feel So HEAVY?
10/01/2025
Ep 25: Why Does Money Feel So HEAVY?
Do you ever feel like conversations about money are just… heavy? From the daily grind of paying bills to the big decisions about your future, money is often surrounded by a serious, anxious energy. But what if that feeling has nothing to do with money itself? In this episode, we dive into why money feels so serious and tense for so many of us. We expose the subconscious beliefs and hidden anxieties that weigh us down, and reveal why our "money dance"—the unconscious patterns we repeat—keeps us locked in a state of stress. Join us as we explore a radical new way to approach your finances: with playfulness and lightness. Discover how changing your mindset isn't just about feeling better, but about making smarter, more conscious decisions that can truly set you free. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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Ep 24: The Social Cost of Appearing STINGY
09/24/2025
Ep 24: The Social Cost of Appearing STINGY
Ever been at a group dinner where the bill arrives and the atmosphere instantly gets weird? One person grabs for it, another insists they pay, and everyone else is secretly calculating if they're getting a good deal. We've all been there, but have you ever wondered what's really going on? In this episode, we dive into "the unscrupulous diner's dilemma," a fascinating psychological study that reveals why we act so strangely when it comes to splitting the bill. We'll uncover the hidden social anxieties, unspoken rules, and subconscious money patterns that turn a simple transaction into a complex social dance. You'll learn what your behaviour around the dinner table says about your deepest money fears, and how to navigate these situations with confidence and clarity. Tune in to discover the unwritten rules of mealtime money and why a simple meal with friends can be so loaded with emotional drama. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work and register for his upcoming workshop at: Find out more about Shabbar's services at: Feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with them both on Linkedin at:
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