EPISODE 23
What mental barriers stop people from investing?
Why fear, shame and self-doubt show up, and why getting started is actually much easier than you think
published: June 10, 2026
When you hear “investor,” what comes to mind? For many people, it’s someone wealthy or financially savvy, and that can make you think investing’s not for you. But financial planner Kay Russell says that’s totally wrong – investing is for everyone, and she’s seen the proof over and over. The first step is overcoming your imposter syndrome.
In this episode of Money On Your Mind, host Michael Liersch talks with Kay about why you don’t need to be rich to invest, why it’s never too late to begin, and how fear, shame and lack of time often keep people stuck on the sidelines.
Michael and Kay also share the personal stories that sparked their passion for making investing more accessible and less intimidating, no matter where you’re starting from – and highlight the ways many people are already investing without realizing it.
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Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
An index is a portfolio of specific securities (such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite), the performance of which is often used as a benchmark in judging the relative performance of certain asset classes. Indexes are unmanaged portfolios and investors cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.