Most people think credit card rewards are free money, especially if they pay the balance off every month. But research shows credit cards change how much we spend... often costing us far more than the rewards give back.

In this episode, I break down the psychology behind credit cards, why rewards feel so good, and the data showing people consistently spend more when they use them, even when they’re disciplined.

What we cover:

Why paying with credit cards reduces “spending pain”

The research showing people spend 12–18% more with credit cards (and sometimes far more)

How rewards become permission to overspend

A real example of how “free” travel actually cost tens of thousands

Why this isn’t about debt or irresponsibility—it’s about awareness

Simple mindset shifts to help you spend more intentionally

This episode isn’t about telling you to stop using credit cards. It’s about challenging the belief that rewards equal savings, and helping you notice how small mindset shifts can lead to real financial clarity.

If this helps you pause and think differently about how you spend, that’s a win.

If you'd like to learn more about Andrea, visit her website: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/welcome.html

Interested in receiving Killer Subject Lines: How to Grab Subscribers’ Attention and Get Your Emails Opened for free? Join The Andrea Pearson Show newsletter list: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/killer-subject-lines.html

Most people don’t end up running an animal sanctuary on purpose.

In this episode, I’m joined by David Corneal, Executive Director of Friends in Need Animal Sanctuary in Eagle Mountain, Utah—a large animal and exotic sanctuary caring for 300+ animals and supported by a growing volunteer community.

David’s journey started unexpectedly through court-ordered community service. Years later, he became the owner of the very sanctuary where he first volunteered—and had to learn quickly that running a nonprofit still requires budgeting, planning, fundraising, and long-term vision.

We talk about:

The mindset shifts required to build something sustainable

Why asking for donations is harder than most people think

How events fuel both funding and community connection

Creating experiences people want to be part of—including a live nativity scene with real animals and actors in costume

Staying motivated when the mission matters more than recognition

We also touch on the quieter moments—like David coming home to find people sitting in his angel garden, praying—and how those moments redefine success.

If you’re building a nonprofit, a mission-driven business, or anything that relies on people showing up and caring, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, responsibility, and impact.

Check out David and Haven Ranch Sanctuary here: https://www.facebook.com/havenranchsanctuary

Call or text him here: (801) 823-7223

If you'd like to learn more about Andrea, visit her website: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/welcome.html

Interested in receiving Killer Subject Lines: How to Grab Subscribers’ Attention and Get Your Emails Opened for free? Join The Andrea Pearson Show newsletter list: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/killer-subject-lines.html

For some people, it feels like settling. Like if you’re grateful, you’re supposed to stop wanting more or stop acknowledging that life is hard. For others, gratitude feels fake. It's "forced positivity" used to shut people up when they’re struggling.

Neither of those is true.

In this episode, I’m reframing gratitude as a mindset—not complacency, not denial, and not toxic positivity. We’ll talk about why so many people resist gratitude, how it quietly affects your peace, motivation, and growth, and why you can be deeply grateful for what you have and still pursue what’s next.

Gratitude isn’t pretending everything is fine. It’s changing the frequency you’re operating on, so you’re not burning yourself out chasing fulfillment that never arrives.

If you'd like to learn more about Andrea, visit her website: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/welcome.html

Interested in receiving Killer Subject Lines: How to Grab Subscribers’ Attention and Get Your Emails Opened for free? Join The Andrea Pearson Show newsletter list: https://www.theandreapearsonshow.com/p/killer-subject-lines.html