“Shame is the enemy of change. We can’t shame ourselves into better financial behavior.”
— Nate Astle

In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman talk with financial therapist Nate Astle about the emotional side of personal finance and why our financial habits are often shaped long before adulthood.

Nate explains how childhood experiences, family dynamics, and cultural influences shape the way we think about spending, saving, and financial security. The conversation focuses especially on relationships, where many financial conflicts are actually about deeper issues like autonomy, respect, and feeling heard.

They also discuss the powerful role shame plays in financial decision making, and why replacing judgment with curiosity can help people make healthier financial choices.

Finally, Nate shares practical tools couples can use to communicate about money, reduce conflict, and build a more collaborative approach to managing finances.