P$yFi | Psychological Finance

The Redstone Rocket
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semimonthly

P$y-Fi is the podcast where psychology and finances collide. Host Olivia Pierce, M.S., LPC, AFC® — a licensed professional counselor, Accredited Financial Counselor® and financial readiness program manager at Redstone Arsenal — explores the mental and emotional patterns behind how we earn, spend, save, give and grieve money. Episodes range from multi-part deep dives on financial intimacy in marriages, financial wounds and money as a weapon, compulsive spending and the mental health toll of debt — to interviews with attorneys, clinicians and financial planners who speak honestly into the messier corners of life: estate planning, raising financially literate kids, distress tolerance and the quiet decisions that compound over a career. Built for federal employees, military families and anyone tired of hearing personal finance reduced to a budgeting app. No clickbait. No get-rich-quick. Just the unglamorous, deeply human work of changing how you think about money. Views shared on P$y-Fi are Olivia's own and do not represent the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe wherever you listen, and if an episode helps you breathe a little easier, leave a rating. It's how more people stuck in the same rut find their way here. *The information provided in this podcast does not constitute a formal endorsement of any company, its products, or services by the military. Specifically, the appearance or use of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the military of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. The military does not exercise any editorial control over the content you may find in these resources. The intent is to provide informative material to assist Soldiers and their families in identifying or exploring multiple options.

  1. 4d ago

    Grave Consequences – Handling Debt After Death

    Olivia continues her conversation with attorney Emily Baggett to demystify what happens to debt after someone dies. They explain the legal hierarchy of claims—beginning with administration and funeral costs, then taxes, followed by secured debts, and finally unsecured debts—illustrating how insolvent estates must prioritize payments by law rather than preference. Emily clarifies the creditor claim process, noting that claims don’t get paid automatically, filing first doesn’t guarantee priority, and every claim can be challenged for validity. The episode also addresses how emotional distress can impair decision-making and why choosing a trustworthy, organized executor is essential to moving through financial “surprises” during grief. Olivia and Emily highlight common hidden issues—such as undisclosed debts or judgments—that can surface only after death and complicate probate proceedings. They encourage seeking professional support, noting that estates can often cover legal fees, thereby reducing stress for surviving loved ones and ensuring compliance with state law. The episode concludes with key readiness takeaways: debt persists after death, insolvent estates are more common than many realize, and knowledgeable guidance can prevent costly mistakes. If you would like to hear more from Emily, be sure to look for her previously recorded classes and keep a lookout for her upcoming virtual class series, starting 20 May, at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/:l:/r/sites/HQAMC/Lists/AMC_HQ_AMPE_WellnessEvents?e=TtaQm6 Previous classes include the recording link, which may be limited to Army365 users.

    22 min

  2. May 21

    Till Debt Do Us Part

    Olivia and attorney Emily Baggett unpack common myths about spousal debt and what really happens when a partner passes away. They clarify the differences between joint accounts, authorized user status, and individual accounts—and how each determines whether a surviving spouse is legally responsible for remaining balances. The conversation explores how grief can create vulnerability, making people especially susceptible to pressure tactics from third‑party debt collectors who may misrepresent what a survivor owes. Emily explains the rights and protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the importance of directing creditors to the estate’s representative rather than paying prematurely out of pocket. Listeners learn a step‑by‑step action plan that includes pulling credit reports, obtaining death certificates, requesting written validation of debts, and filing complaints when necessary. The episode emphasizes slowing down, verifying everything, and never letting urgency override legal order or personal protection. If you would like to hear more from Emily, be sure to look for her previously recorded classes and keep a lookout for her upcoming virtual class series, starting 20 May, at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/:l:/r/sites/HQAMC/Lists/AMC_HQ_AMPE_WellnessEvents?e=TtaQm6 Previous classes include the recording link, which may be limited to Army365 users.

    25 min

  3. May 7

    Abundance Mindset: How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain

    Epictetus had it half right — gratitude isn't just wisdom, it's neurochemistry. In this Financial Pain Management Clinic checkup, Olivia maps the brain regions that gratitude activates, why complaint quietly drives debt and avoidance, and the two-week prescription that builds new neural pathways. Olivia explores how shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of gratitude transforms the way we make financial decisions, drawing on philosophy, positive psychology, and neuroscience. She unpacks why complaint and fear-based thinking trap people in cycles of avoidance, debt reliance, and paycheck-to-paycheck stress — and why the brain regions activated by gratitude (the left prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) are precisely the regions that govern approach behavior, distress tolerance, relationship bonding, and financial risk evaluation. The episode walks through the language of scarcity narratives Olivia hears in session — the fixed pie fallacy, survival mode, scarcity of time and knowledge — and offers two evidence-based gratitude exercises, Three Good Things and Grateful Reminiscence, that listeners can begin today. In this episode: The Epictetus reframe: rejoicing for the income, house, and car you have rather than grieving the ones you don'tWhy the antithesis of gratitude is complaint — and why a "neutral" financial mindset usually isn't neutral at allRobert Emmons on gratitude as emotion, mood, virtue, habit, motive, and "way of life"The fixed pie fallacy and why envy of the Joneses is neurologically expensiveHow a scarcity mindset shows up in session: paycheck-to-paycheck narratives, predatory lending, hoarding cash, scarcity of time and knowledgeThe five brain regions reshaped by a gratitude practice — and the specific financial behavior each one governsWhy the ventromedial prefrontal cortex matters: it integrates values into decisions and evaluates financial riskThe Albert Einstein quote on owing his inner and outer life to the labor of othersTwo evidence-based prescriptions: Three Good Things and Grateful Reminiscence

    29 min

  4. Apr 24

    Shape the Brain, Reshape Your Finances

    This episode explores how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and reshape itself—directly influences our financial habits and long-term money behaviors. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, we discuss why breaking old financial patterns feels uncomfortable at first and why repeated practice is the key to lasting change. Using examples like tracking spending and building a $2,000 emergency fund, the episode validates the frustration many people feel when motivation fades and progress stalls. Olivia highlights how new routines literally create new neural pathways over time. You’ll learn why stress and discouragement make financial change harder, and how supportive habits increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to boost motivation and follow-through. Most importantly, the episode reframes financial growth as a bidirectional process where shaping your brain helps reshape your finances. By the end, listeners will feel empowered to embrace small, repeated behaviors that build confidence, reduce financial “pain,” and transform temporary effort into long-term habits.

    27 min

  5. Apr 2

    Fraud Pathology: Why Smart, Capable People Still Fall for Scams

    We often assume older adults are the primary victims of fraud, scams, and financial manipulation. But the data tells a different story: nearly 84% of victims in relationship and confidence scams are middle-aged or younger. In this episode, Olivia breaks down the sociopathology behind financial predators—how they identify vulnerabilities, build trust, and ultimately exploit their prey. Drawing from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, and research published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, she offers a second glance at who is at risk… and why. If this episode leaves you wanting more, join us at the 4th Annual Financial Symposium on April 7th. You’ll hear directly from Tom Manganello, Senior Counsel in the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance. With a decade spent investigating cases for the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Tom will break down today’s most dangerous investment scams—imposter scams, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, military-targeted fraud, and the surge in relationship-based investment scams—and give you practical tools to build immunity using free resources from Investor.gov. You can attend in-person at Redstone Arsenal’s Bob Jones Auditorium or join virtually. Registration required: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQxiSj6kdb7VFuypvxD6aMJlUN… Alongside the SEC session, the symposium features a powerful lineup: Chronic Financial Pain: Managing Long-Term Financial Ailments Join Olivia Pierce, LPC and Accredited Financial Counselor®, host of the award-winning P$yFi podcast, as she explores hidden symptoms of long-term financial strain and provides evidence-informed strategies to strengthen your financial mobility. Estate Planning Rounds A rapid-fire series of consults led by distinguished estate planning attorneys: • Emily L. Baggett, Attorney Advisor, AMCOM • Christine S. K. West, Chief of Client Services, Redstone Arsenal OSJA Topics include: • Till Debt Do Us Part • Passing, Property, and Payouts—A Mortgage Post-Mortem • Grave Consequences Whether you’re easing chronic financial pain, preparing your estate, or protecting yourself from fraud, this symposium delivers practical, high-impact guidance you can use immediately.

    35 min

  6. Mar 19

    Addressing Chronic Financial Pain, Part 6

    This episode shifts the focus from financial deficits to personal strengths, using positive psychology to turn overwhelming pain into a manageable state of "halfway happy." A central analogy compares rebuilding your financial life to refinishing a porch swing, a process that requires psychological "grit" and perseverance. It begins with the most painful step—using abrasive, 80-grit sandpaper to confront the scary, "moldy" realities of your financial situation. The next phase uses a finer, 220-grit paper to represent the daily refinement of habits through small, productive goals. The ultimate aim is to move from merely surviving to truly flourishing, which can be achieved by finding a "psychological flow" where managing finances becomes an intrinsically rewarding activity. This focus releases feel-good neurochemicals that act as a "natural financial performance enhancer," boosting motivation and skill. The final step, applying a protective sealant, represents creating lasting security through concrete actions like estate planning and building a trusted support system. Join us for the 4th Annual Hybrid Financial Symposium, "Addressing Hazards to Your Wealth," on April 7 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. A major highlight is a special briefing on fraud pathology from Tom Manganello, a senior counsel and former investigator with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He will teach you how to identify and build immunity against today's most dangerous investment scams, from Ponzi schemes to military/civilian-targeted fraud. The event also features expert sessions on managing chronic financial pain and navigating complex estate planning issues with an Accredited Financial Counselor® and award-winning attorneys. Register now to attend this event in-full or for individual sessions and safeguard your financial health: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQxiSj6kdb7VFuypvxD6aMJlUNUpGQ09IVTg1NzVVQ1dIR1BYT1NDNTFSVC4u

    23 min

  7. Mar 5

    Addressing Chronic Financial Pain, Part 5

    This episode explores the personal barriers that prevent us from following a financial plan, going beyond a simple lack of knowledge. It explains how forgetfulness, emotional factors like anxiety, and a lack of "financial health literacy" can create significant roadblocks to progress. Sometimes, the financial action plan itself can feel like a barrier due to its complexity, high costs, and the discouraging lack of immediate benefits. The episode also discusses "condition-related" barriers, such as asymptomatic financial problems where you don't feel the negative effects of overspending until it's too late. To overcome these obstacles, the discussion introduces motivational interviewing as a tool to understand the natural stages of change and address feelings of ambivalence. The key to success lies insimplifying the plan, using reminders, and embracing care coordination to stay on track. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that setbacks are normal learning opportunities on the path to financial well-being.

    34 min

  8. Feb 19

    Addressing Chronic Financial Pain, Part 4

    This episode tackles why sticking to a financial action plan is so challenging. It explores how initial motivation often fades over time, leading to non-adherence and feelings of failure. The goal is to validate this common struggle and help listeners understand their financial suffering in order to start healing. Several key behaviors that sabotage financial progress are identified, mirroring those seen in physical chronic pain management clinics. These include skipping appointments, inaccurate or non-existent tracking, and failing to follow up on referrals to specialists. These actions are often driven by avoidance and canlead to a destructive "restrict-and-binge" spending cycle. The episode argues that a major barrier to progress is a simple lack of knowledge, or financial illiteracy. The key to overcoming this is pursuing financial education to understand core concepts like debt and responsible borrowing. Building financial literacy empowers you to ask the right questions, gain confidence, and finally adhere to a plan that leads to long-term financial well-being.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

P$y-Fi is the podcast where psychology and finances collide. Host Olivia Pierce, M.S., LPC, AFC® — a licensed professional counselor, Accredited Financial Counselor® and financial readiness program manager at Redstone Arsenal — explores the mental and emotional patterns behind how we earn, spend, save, give and grieve money. Episodes range from multi-part deep dives on financial intimacy in marriages, financial wounds and money as a weapon, compulsive spending and the mental health toll of debt — to interviews with attorneys, clinicians and financial planners who speak honestly into the messier corners of life: estate planning, raising financially literate kids, distress tolerance and the quiet decisions that compound over a career. Built for federal employees, military families and anyone tired of hearing personal finance reduced to a budgeting app. No clickbait. No get-rich-quick. Just the unglamorous, deeply human work of changing how you think about money. Views shared on P$y-Fi are Olivia's own and do not represent the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe wherever you listen, and if an episode helps you breathe a little easier, leave a rating. It's how more people stuck in the same rut find their way here. *The information provided in this podcast does not constitute a formal endorsement of any company, its products, or services by the military. Specifically, the appearance or use of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the military of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. The military does not exercise any editorial control over the content you may find in these resources. The intent is to provide informative material to assist Soldiers and their families in identifying or exploring multiple options.

Information

  • Creator
    The Redstone Rocket
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Redstone Rocket
  • Show Website
    P$yFi | Psychological Finance

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