Unpacking money stories, self-worth, and the hidden blocks that hold women back
💡 Why Smart Women Still Struggle With Money
You can be brilliant at your career, successful in business, and highly educated—yet still feel stuck, ashamed, or overwhelmed when it comes to money. Why?
In this episode of the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, host Jacqui Lewis sits down with Melissa Meagher, founder of Talking Money, who explains that financial success is never just about spreadsheets or strategy. It’s about the stories we carry from childhood and how they silently shape our choices as adults.
“Money is the effect, not the cause. Find out what the cause is instead of just putting a little band-aid over it.” – Melissa Meagher
🧠 Money Beliefs Form Before Age 7
Melissa shares that most of our money beliefs are formed before the age of seven—absorbed from family conversations, cultural sayings, and unspoken attitudes. Phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “we can’t afford that” often become lifelong scripts, influencing career moves, spending habits, and even self-worth.
📌 Fact Check: Studies in behavioral economics confirm that children’s money attitudes strongly predict adult financial behaviors, including saving and spending patterns (Shim et al., 2010).
📉 When Childhood Stories Show Up in Adult Finances
Melissa gives a powerful example of a client who couldn’t bring herself to buy an Apple Watch, even though she had plenty of resources. Why? Because an old story of scarcity and guilt was running the show.
These money stories also show up in:
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Relationships (avoiding financial conversations, fear of dependence)
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Careers (undercharging, undervaluing work, avoiding negotiations)
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Daily life (overspending, hoarding, or financial avoidance)
“I’ll challenge anyone, anywhere: however money was spoken about when you were young is showing up in your adult life today.” – Melissa
🔄 Money and Mental Real Estate
One of Melissa’s most relatable points is how financial stress creates constant “mental gymnastics.”
From bills to budgets to “can I afford this?”—the mental load of money decisions clutters the brain. Once systems are in place, she says, it frees up mental real estate to focus on meaningful goals, relationships, and creativity.
📌 Fact Check: Research shows that financial stress is one of the top contributors to anxiety, reduced productivity, and even physical illness (APA Stress in America Survey, 2022).
👩💼 From Finance to Money Coaching
With over 20 years in financial services as a planner, stockbroker, and seminar facilitator, Melissa realized that technical knowledge alone wasn’t enough. Her own business journey forced her to confront personal money blocks, which led her to create Talking Money—a coaching business that blends practical tools with deep mindset work.
Her superpower? Public speaking. Melissa is a sought-after voice, sharing her insights through Business Chicks, Marie Claire Australia, and national media outlets, inspiring women to step into clarity, abundance, and control.
🌸 Special Retreats & Offers
Melissa doesn’t just talk about money—she creates immersive experiences where people can reset and reconnect with their financial and personal power.
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✨ Talking Money Retreat – A 2-for-1 special offer is currently available (bring a friend and both pay half price).
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🎁 Bonus Gift – Buy a ticket during the promo window and receive a free 1:1 follow-up session (valued at $500).
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📞 Complimentary Discovery Call – Listeners can book a free 30-minute call with Melissa to explore their own money stories.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
“Why Women Need Financial Control with Melissa Meagher”
🎙️ Hosted by Jacqui Lewis on the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast
👉 Check Melissa Meagher here:
✨ Final Takeaway
Money struggles are rarely about math—they’re about meaning. By uncovering our money stories and shifting our beliefs, we can unlock not only financial freedom but also emotional clarity, healthier relationships, and lasting confidence.
“How you do one thing is how you do everything. And that’s very true when it comes to money and finances.” – Melissa
Sources:
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Shim, S., et al. (2010). Pathways to Life Success: A Conceptual Model of Financial Well-Being for Young Adults. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
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American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America: Money and mental health.
