Moms, Stop Going Broke to Prove You’re a Good Parent
If you’ve ever felt pressure to spend money to feel like a ‘good enough’ mom, this is for you.In this episode of MOMents, host Madge Booth sits down with Janine Horn, CEO of The Dragonfly Institute, to unpack the emotional and financial pressures modern moms face. From "mom guilt" to the impact of social media-fuelled spending, this conversation dives deep into how our values, mindset and money habits shape parenting.Janine offers practical budgeting tips (like the 50/30/20 rule), discusses the importance of financial literacy at home, and shares powerful stories that will help you rethink how you spend, save, and show love to your family—without going broke or burning out.If you've ever spent out of guilt or felt the pressure to give your kids "the best," this one’s for you.Watch, share, and don’t forget to subscribe!TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest BackgroundMadge introduces Janine Horn and sets the theme: Parenting, guilt & money.00:01:33 – Why Moms Feel Financial GuiltJanine explores the disconnect between “mommy-ness” and “money-ness.”00:03:08 – Societal & Social Media PressuresHow Instagram-worthy parenting fuels comparison, guilt, and overspending.00:05:41 – The True Cost of ParentingCompulsory expenses, rising costs, and the trap of neglecting planning.00:07:30 – The 50/30/20 Budget RuleA breakdown of this simple, effective budgeting formula.00:09:52 – Financial Conversations with KidsWhy it's vital to talk to children about money—starting now.00:11:03 – Reframing “There’s No Money”Language tips for teaching kids about budgeting and boundaries.00:12:13 – Boundaries & OverspendingHow unclear limits lead to guilt spending and burnout.00:16:14 – Values-Based SpendingSpending on luxury isn’t wrong—if it aligns with your values.00:18:33 – Investment vs. IndulgenceThe fine line between setting kids up for success vs. spoiling them.00:21:19 – Teaching Budgeting to KidsPractical ways to raise financially smart children.00:23:34 – Real Budgeting HacksSide hustles, conscious spending, and recycling rewards.00:26:48 – Covid’s Impact on Spending HabitsHow the pandemic reshaped family priorities.00:28:30 – Saving for Kids’ FuturesWhy starting early matters—and how to do it smartly.00:32:38 – Education vs. DebtHow to weigh school fees against financial freedom.00:39:00 – Open Family ConversationsNormalising money talks and reducing financial shame.00:39:14 – When Partners Aren’t AlignedJanine explains “financial dating” and resolving value clashes.00:43:48 – Final 5 QuestionsQuickfire reflections on motherhood, legacy, and Janine’s parenting North Star.
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