Why we financially sabotage ourselves, and how to stop

Most of us don’t just make money mistakes, we repeat them.Why? Because our money beliefs and money psychology are quietly running the show.In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook dives into how financial self-sabotage happens, with guest Nick Alcock, a tax debt coach and chartered accountant who uses financial therapy techniques.From compulsive buying and gambling, to financial enabling, money avoidance, and even being too scared to ask for a pay rise, it’s all on the table.Nick explains how childhood money stories, financial flashpoints, and subconscious money beliefs shape the way we spend, save, and manage debt.He shares real client examples of people earning six figures but still trapped in tax debt, the common red flags like financial infidelity or compulsive shopping, and why shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset can change everything.Whether you’re struggling with overspending, stuck in fear of negotiating your salary, or trying to understand why you keep sabotaging your financial goals, this conversation will help you spot the patterns, and start building healthier money habits.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.