“It’s not just about money, it’s about mindset”: Leah McMahon on financial well-being

In a world where rising costs and financial uncertainty are at the forefront of people’s minds, Irish financial educator Leah McMahon is on a mission to make financial well-being more accessible.

For Leah, financial well-being goes beyond simply having enough money to cover the bills. “Financial well-being is about feeling secure and confident in your finances,” she explained. “It’s not about being wealthy, but about having control, knowing you can deal with unexpected expenses and still plan for the future.”

She pointed out that stress about money doesn’t always come from a lack of income, but from not having the knowledge or systems in place to manage it.

Financial literacy, the ability to understand and make informed money decisions, is at the heart of Leah’s work. She argues that many people are never formally taught the basics. “We learn algebra in school, but no one explains how a pension works or what interest rates mean,” she said. “That gap leaves people feeling powerless.” By improving literacy, people can move from reacting to money stress to proactively managing their financial lives.

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When it comes to pensions, Leah cuts through the jargon. “Think of your pension as paying your future self,” she said. “The earlier you start, even with small contributions, the more you benefit from compound growth.”

On investments, she stresses that it’s not just for the wealthy. “You don’t need thousands to begin. It’s about understanding risk and time horizons, making your money work for you rather than sitting in a savings account losing value to inflation.”

Perhaps the most striking part of Leah’s approach is her emphasis on mindset. “Money is emotional,” she noted. “We attach shame, fear, or even pride to it. Building financial well-being means unpicking those beliefs and creating healthier habits.”

Leah recommends small steps like tracking spending, setting up an emergency fund, and automating savings. “Those actions build confidence, and confidence compounds, just like interest.”

Leah is particularly passionate about reaching younger generations. “The earlier you engage, the easier it is,” she said. “Don’t wait until you’re stressed or in debt. Building good money habits in your 20s or 30s gives you freedom later.”

Her ultimate goal is to empower people to see money not as a source of stress but as a tool to create options, stability, and peace of mind. “It’s not just about money. It’s about mindset, and the freedom to live life on your terms.”