The Problem of Money Podcast

"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, you...

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...

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...

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...

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 beyon...

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...

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 anxietie...

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 reve...

What does it feel like to reach the pinnacle of your career? Most of us imagine it's a moment of pure euphoria, a feeling of finally arriving. But when the world's best golfer, Scottie Scheffler, was asked about his own success, he gave a surprisingly honest answer that has us all asking a deeper question: "What's the point?" In this episode of the Problem of Money Podcast, we're diving into the s...

Ever feel like your bank account is a direct report card on your intelligence? You're not alone! We've all been there: a bad investment, a poor spending choice, or just the feeling of being left behind by a financial world we don't understand. We believe our net worth is our self-worth, and that one "stupid" money decision can haunt us forever. But what if the number in your account has nothing to...

"The most powerful financial education you can give your kids might NOT be what you think." In this insightful episode, Shabbar and Tim turn the lens from being shaped by parents' money experiences to how we, as parents, consciously and unconsciously transmit our money beliefs to the next generation. Shabbar shares personal reflections on trying to instill his own "right way" of managing money in...

"What if your entire financial path was secretly shaped by something that happened when you were just a kid?" In this deeply personal episode, Shabbar reveals a money trauma from his childhood—the repossession of his family home—and how it cast a long shadow over his adult financial decisions. But beyond dramatic events, he and Tim explore the subtle, chronic patterns woven into our upbringing tha...

We often define wealth by numbers in a bank account, but what if true richness (or poverty) runs far deeper? In this thought-provoking episode, Shabbar reflects on the personal tension between enjoying a luxury golf trip and the stark reality of global suffering. This isn't just about charity or guilt; it's an invitation to confront the unseen dimensions of wealth, scarcity, and human connection....

Ever felt a subtle pang of discomfort when treating yourself to something nice? What if that feeling hints at a deeper tension, far beyond just the cost? In this intriguing episode, Shabbar wrestles with a common inner conflict as he plans a luxurious golf getaway. It's a candid dive into the unspoken dilemmas many of us face when balancing personal desires with the awareness of a world in need. J...

Ever chased a "deal" only to end up more stressed than satisfied? What if the pursuit of "value for money" is actually blinding you to what truly matters? In this eye-opening episode, Shabbar and Tim dissect the common phrase "value for money" and reveal how our obsession with price tags can overshadow genuine well-being. Using a real-life voucher dilemma, they explore the hidden psychological cos...

Ever received a gift or a bonus, only for it to become a source of stress instead of joy? In this candid episode, Shabbar shares a personal "problem of money" that many of us can relate to: his obsessive quest to "maximize value" from a £200 Amex travel voucher. What started as excitement for a special trip with his wife quickly spiraled into hours of frustrating research, turning a thoughtful ges...

Stock markets tumbling, trade wars brewing, global uncertainty soaring… If the news has your portfolio (and your stomach) in knots, you're not alone. But what if your financial fear is about something much deeper than just the numbers? In this timely and insightful episode, Shabbar and Tim dive into the psychology behind our reactions to market downturns. They reveal why our minds jump to "under t...

Inheritance. It sounds like a blessing, right? But what if receiving a large sum of money actually brings up unexpected anxieties, guilt, or even a sense of paralysis? In this deeply insightful episode, Shabbar and Tim go beyond the numbers to explore the complex emotional landscape of inheritance and why "free money" can come with a surprising hidden cost. Drawing on real-life stories, they revea...

Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach when someone gives you a gift? Or found yourself silently calculating the "value" of what you've received? In this revealing episode, Shabbar and Tim delve into the often-unspoken complexities of money, gift-giving, and the surprising emotional weight that comes with being on the receiving end. They explore how family dynamics shape our perceptions of mone...

Are you constantly chasing the next big thing, only to feel more stressed and less fulfilled? In this powerful episode, Shabbar Kassam and Tim dive deep into the "hustle culture" and its hidden costs. They explore how the relentless pursuit of "MORE" can actually derail your true purpose and rob you of the present moment. This isn't just about money or success; it's about the profound impact of co...

Do you ever wonder if your pursuit of "value for money" is actually costing you precious family moments? In this candid episode, join Shabbar and Tim as they peel back the layers on parenting, money, and the unexpected ways our financial mindsets can hijack the joy of shared experiences. They dive into a personal story about a climbing trip with Shabbar's daughter, revealing how easily our expecta...

In this captivating episode, join host Shabbar as he sits down with the insightful Tim Malnick to dissect the surprising truth behind why so many high earners remain tethered to careers that drain them. Prepare to challenge your perceptions as they explore the invisible chains and how societal pressure and the relentless pursuit of financial milestones can subtly hijack our deepest desires and cre...

In this episode, Shabbar & Tim challenge the conventional views on financial planning, urging listeners to focus on their current experiences and needs while preparing for the future. The dialogue questions the realities of retirement and ponders on the significance of community and relationships, and the need for mental and physical well-being. They debate the importance of living a fulfilling li...

In this episode, Tim and Shabbar explore the common belief that financial wealth equates to personal freedom, questioning the validity of this notion.  Through various examples and personal anecdotes, they discuss the nuances of financial freedom, the role of marketing in shaping perceptions, and the importance of agency in decision-making. Explore the impact of Tim Malnick's work at: https://timo...

In this conversation, Shabbar and Tim explore the complex relationship people have with money, emphasizing the emotional entanglements that often accompany financial decisions. Delving deeper into the distinction between life path and money path, they discuss the importance of reclaiming experiences and shed light on the illusion of status associated with luxury. They also address the psychologica...