Graphic for Podcast Episode 54 featuring financial expert Claudia Müller and podcast host Olli Schmidt
Psyche

Episode 54: How Can I Get My Finances Under Control?

Why do so many people find it hard to keep track of their money—and what does that have to do with Klarna, ADHD, and, above all, their own beliefs? Our guest: Claudia Müller, financial expert and founder of the “Female Finance Forum.”

Social role models and beliefs such as “I’m not good with money” influence how well we manage our finances and save. In the podcast, Claudia Müller shares practical strategies and tips for greater financial security—from automatic savings to the first steps in retirement planning. 

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Find out in this podcast:

  • Why Role Models Shape Our Relationship with Money
  • What Beliefs Have to Do with Financial Control
  • How to Save Money in Small, Clear Steps
  • How to Stay in Control During a Breakup
  • Three Steps to Planning for the Future

 

Excerpt from the podcast interview

Beliefs and Personal Obstacles

Olli Schmidt: What are some typical beliefs you encounter time and again among your clients?

Claudia Müller: If I keep telling myself, “I’m not good with money,” or am firmly convinced that I’m just not good with money, then I’ll never be good at it. Subconsciously—people don’t do this on purpose—I then find reasons to say, “I absolutely need this right now” or “It was on sale.” And in doing so, we reinforce what we already believe: our core beliefs. We keep repeating them over and over.

Another classic is: “It doesn’t really matter what I do—by the end of the month, the money’s gone.” Interestingly, there’s also the saying: “Money corrupts character.”

Yes, money is evil.

Claudia Müller: Money is evil; money alone doesn’t bring happiness. […] And I find myself thinking: What kind of choice is that? Why can’t we just be rich and healthy? Who decides that? […] That’s the point: Money promotes good health, and money also brings happiness. Money also leads to more positive—that is, stronger and better—relationships. […]

If I go through a breakup and want to remain financially independent, what are the very first steps I should take to ensure I’m reasonably secure?

Claudia Müller: I would recommend that everyone have their own bank account, regardless of gender. Always have your own account. […] In most cases, the woman has less money simply because she took care of his children. […] But she wasn’t just sitting around doing nothing at home—she worked incredibly hard. And that’s why she’s entitled to 50 percent.

Cheerful to stormy - the everyday podcast with Olli Schmidt

Welcome to "Heiter bis stürmisch" - the everyday podcast. Cheerful or saddened to death: life has its ups and downs. That's what we're all about: everyday crises such as arguments with your partner, parenting issues, work overload, insecurities and anxiety. We talk to experts and give you practical tips to help you deal better with crises and challenges.

You can listen to our podcast on all known podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Audible etc.)! Questions, suggestions, criticism, wishes? Feel free to write to us at: podcast@familienservice.de

zero Write down positive thoughts: Never brood again

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Body & Soul

Write down positive thoughts: Never brood again

When winter just won't end, it can really put a damper on your mood. In such phases, we often forget the positive moments that keep us going.

We would rather brood over negative things that have failed, upset or hurt us. However, positive thoughts are not only better for our well-being, they also help us sleep much better. Our health expert Petra Dinkelacker has a really good tip on how to change your mindset in the long term by writing down your positive experiences.

Store good experiences and ensure a lasting sense of well-being

Writing things down can help us to better remember positive experiences. By writing things down, we can determine over time which approach helps us to develop things in a positive direction and which strategies we should develop in the future.

This is how it works:

  • Get yourself a nice book and a nice pen that you use for the sole purpose of jotting down your thoughts.
  • Take five minutes before going to bed. That's often all it takes.
  • Now write down your successes and positive experiences of the day and ask yourself the following questions:
    ​​​​​​​
    • What worked well for me today?
    • How did I manage it or what did I do to ensure that it went well?

Think about three things and answer these two questions for each of them.

Plan to practise this method for at least three weeks and write down your experiences. If it doesn't work on one day, don't put yourself under pressure. Revisit your thoughts later or skip a day. But keep going and leaf back through your book from time to time to see what insights you can derive from it.

I wish you many positive thoughts!

Health impulses with our 5-minute exercises

Our 5-minute exercises give you ideas for more relaxation, balance, activity and feel-good moments in your everyday work and private life. They are not a substitute for professional help from counselors and psychologists.

Please seek professional advice, for example from life coaching (Link opens in a new window) ( Link opens in a new window) , if you are permanently depressed, suffer from persistent excessive stress and have deeper mental problems.