How to Identify Unhealthy Financial Behaviors Before You Find Yourself in a Money Freefall

Our weekly #CreditChat started in 2012 to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics (e.g. saving money, paying down debt, improving credit scores). Each chat is hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter) and all are welcome to participate. DM us any questions.

Join us for this week’s #CreditChat as we dive into the hidden patterns behind unhealthy financial behaviors and how to stop a money spiral before it starts. From emotional spending to social pressures, we’ll explore the subtle signs of financial stress and share practical tools to build healthier habits. Bring your insights, questions, and stories—we’re talking real change and real empowerment.

Topic: How to Identify Unhealthy Financial Behaviors Before You Find Yourself in a Money Freefall

When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 3 p.m. ET.

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: Felicity Watts: Author at American Consumer Credit Counseling; Jeanne Kelly: Credit expert, identity theft expert, speaker and founder of JeanneKelly.net; Leslie H. Tayne, Esq: Founder and Managing Director of Tayne Law Group, P.C. (f/k/a The Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne, P.C.); Patrina Dixon, CFEI, RFC Founder and CEO of It’$ My Money®; Lawrence D. Sprung: CFP® President of Mitlin Financial, Inc.; Rahkim Sabree: Financial Therapist, AFC®, Financial Trauma Expert and Speaker at RahkimSabree.com; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Gift Card Giveaway
Enter here for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! We will be announcing a winner at the end of the chat. Entry Period: Raffle open now and closes at the end of this chat at 4 p.m. ET. Complete rules here.

Questions we will discuss:

1. What’s one healthy financial habit you’re most proud of?
2. What are some unhealthy financial behaviors or spending habits people should be aware of?
3. How can overspending patterns show up in everyday life, and why do we sometimes not recognize them?
4. What are subtle signs of financial stress that people often overlook?
5. How does emotional spending play a role in creating unhealthy financial behaviors?
6. What role does denial play in keeping people from facing their money struggles? How can they overcome it?
7. How do social pressures (like keeping up with friends on social media) play in developing bad money habits?
8. How can a significant other or an accountability partner help you identify unhealthy financial behaviors and empoweryou to change them?
9. What tools or resources can you utilize to help you change your unhealthy financial behaviors?
10. What’s one healthy financial habit anyone can start today that makes a big long-term difference?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.