Every December starts with good intentions and ends with the same sentence: how did I spend that much? Because Christmas has a way of turning even the most financially competent women into festive chaos elves… not because you’re “bad with money,” but because the whole season is engineered to hijack your brain. This week, Victoria unpacks the psychology behind Christmas overspending and the subtle mind games retailers play that make you feel generous when you’re actually being steered. This isn’t about being a Grinch. It’s about finally seeing the tricks for what they are, so you can have a Christmas that still feels magical, without the financial regret in January.

In this ep:
🎁How one tiny purchase sets off a December domino effect you won’t notice till January.
🎁The invisible cost of trying to look generous, thoughtful, or “like you’ve got it together.”
🎁 Emotional hooks retailers use to convince you you’re being generous… when you’re actually being played.
🎁 The exact moment most regrettable Christmas buys happen (and why you don’t see it coming).
🎁 How this mindset reset that breaks the Christmas spending spell and gives you back control.

LISTEN TO: A Very SOTM Christmas Playlist.The soundtrack for keeping the Christmas magic high and the spending urges low. Think twinkly lights, cosy nostalgia, and zero retail manipulation. Press play every time you’re tempted to add one more present to cart... You've got Christmas at home.

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Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever looked at your payslip and thought “there’s no way I can build anything on this,” this diary is the proof you need. Our Money Diarist started on eight dollars an hour at Macca’s, saved like a girl with a plan, and built a foundation that most of us don’t hit until our thirties.... and she did it before she could legally rent a car. This episode is packed with the stuff that actually matters when you’re starting small. The tiny habits that added up to her first thirty thousand dollars. The mindset that kept her choosing long-term wins over short-term fun. The discipline she built on a low wage that turned out to be her biggest superpower once her income jumped. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start saving “when you earn more,” this diary will change your whole perspective, and maybe your next pay cycle too. If you want the motivation to start with what you’ve got, this diary will light that fire.

Ready to binge more relatable, inspiring, and downright juicy money stories? Check out our ultimate Money Diaries playlist. Listen now

Join our Facebook Group AKA the ultimate support network for money advice and inspiration. Ask questions, share tips, and celebrate your wins with a like-minded crew of 300,000+.

And follow us on Instagram for Q&As, bite-sized tips, daily money inspo... and relatable money memes that just get you.

Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode was created for our First Nations community members. Victoria invited Leah Bennett from the First Nations Foundation on the show to talk through the realities, pressures and systems that shape money confidence for First Nations people today.

Leah shares how history, culture and community responsibilities influence financial literacy, why trust in institutions can be hard to build, and the practical steps that can help you feel more in control. They also discuss superannuation, humbugging, accessing ID, and where to go for free and culturally safe support.

Inside this episode:
• The importance of culturally informed financial education
• How history and systems impact money confidence today
• Practical steps to start building financial security
• What to know about super, beneficiaries and early access
• Support available through financial counsellors and Indigenous banking teams
• Understanding humbugging and setting boundaries that feel right for you

FIrst Nations Foundation Website

FOLLOW: Leah Bennett on Instagram here.
First Nations Foundation on Instagram here.
Rich Blak Women om Instagram here.
First Nations Foundation on Youtube here

LINK: We have created a blog with links for resources, support and education here.

Acknowledgement of Country By Nartarsha Bamblett aka Queen Acknowledgements.

The advice shared on She's On The Money is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. She's On The Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS, TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Devine and She's On The Money are authorised representatives of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN - 321649 27708, AFSL - 451289.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.