Money and Me: Retire at 35? The Real Secret Isn’t Money - It’s Your Money EQ

Money and Me: Retire at 35? The Real Secret Isn’t Money - It’s Your Money EQ

From Your Money with Michelle Martin by MONEY FM 89.3

May 4, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Michelle Martin interviews Michelle Lee about the relationship between financial success and personal fulfillment, exploring the concept of Money EQ.

She walked away at the top - so what does freedom really cost? Michelle Martin sits down with Michelle Lee, Founder of Better MoneyEQ, who retired at 35 after a stellar financial advisory career - and chose a radically different relationship with money. They unpack why financial success doesn’t always translate into fulfillment, and what “Money EQ” reveals about our deepest money patterns. From childhood conditioning to emotional triggers like fear, guilt, and avoidance, this episode explores why even smart investors make poor decisions. Michelle Lee shares how identity - not discipline - is the true lever for lasting financial change, and how small, intentional shifts can break old cycles. If you’ve ever felt stuck between earning well and living well, this conversation offers a new way forward - hosted by Michelle Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Martin

Guest: Michelle Lee

Topics covered

  • financial independence
  • money EQ
  • emotional triggers
  • financial success
  • personal finance
  • retirement planning

Keywords

  • retirement
  • money EQ
  • financial decisions
  • emotional triggers
  • financial change

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Better MoneyEQ

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