“Mom, Can You Apple Pay?”—Money, Stress & Boundaries in Motherhood

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Hey there

“Mom, can you Apple Pay me for lunch?”

“Mom, my friends and I want to go to the fair.”

“Can I order from SHEIN… and maybe Ulta… and I also need something from Sephora…”

It’s like our kids have our wallets on speed dial.

And it’s not just your household—it’s a common thread in every mom group I’m in.

The pressure to provide for their needs—and let’s be honest, wants—can weigh heavy. Especially when it’s tangled up with our own money stories, guilt, and desire to give them more than we had.

This Week’s Focus: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Here’s what I’ve been leaning into:

1. Create a “yes” budget.

Pick a monthly dollar amount for non-essentials. When it’s gone, it’s gone. This boundary helps avoid impulsive spending and teaches your child limits without shame.

2. Delay the yes.

You’re allowed to say: “Let me think about it.” Give yourself space to check in with your budget—and your emotions.

3. Talk about money.

Not everything needs to be shared, but being honest in age-appropriate ways helps kids build awareness and empathy. You might say:

“We’re prioritizing savings this month, so we’re holding off on extras.”

4. Love doesn’t live in Ulta carts.

Your presence, support, and care are more valuable than any overnight delivery.

5. Invite them to earn.

Let them contribute or save toward their wants—it builds patience, confidence, and appreciation.

What I’m Learning About Money (and Myself)

Lately, I’ve been working on shifting my relationship with money—from fear and scarcity to something more mindful and confident.

One thing that’s helped? The Money.com newsletter (this week’s partner). Their tips are practical, relatable, and rooted in real-life wisdom.

Recently, I came across this perspective:

“Spending is a reflection of your values—when you get intentional about your money, you get intentional about your life.”

That stuck with me.

It made me pause and ask:

• Am I spending to relieve guilt?

• Am I saying yes because it’s easier than dealing with disappointment?

• Am I showing my child what financial confidence looks like?

These reflections have helped me move from reacting to responding.

From autopilot to alignment.

If you’re on your own money mindset journey, I truly recommend subscribing to Money.com. It’s smart, grounded, and packed with tips to help you manage money without losing your mind. 

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A Gentle Reminder:

You’re not a bad mom if you say no.

You’re not failing your child by setting financial boundaries.

You’re modeling something that will serve them long after the Ulta gift card runs dry: emotional maturity and financial resilience.

And that’s a gift worth more than anything they can add to cart.

Quick Links & Resources

• Sponsor Love: Money.com  – Practical tools to shift your money mindset

• Favorite Book: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

• Calm in the Chaos: Waitlist Open for my upcoming group – a space for moms navigating stress, worry and guilt.

With you in this,

Moya