Money Trauma Is Real, And You’re Not Alone
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been traumatized by money in some way. Whether it’s growing up in a household where bills were a constant source of tension, going through a divorce that ripped apart your financial stability, experiencing food insecurity, or navigating years of financial scarcity, every one of us carries money stories. And those stories live in our bodies.
They create something called neuro tags, a concept from neuroscience referring to clusters of neurons that fire together in response to a stimulus. Essentially, your brain links a moment, a feeling, or a situation to a specific response. Over time, if something stressful happens repeatedly, like seeing your account dip into overdraft or hearing your parents argue about money, your brain forms a “tag” around that experience.
These neuro tags are like internal alarm systems. Even years later, when the moment has passed, the body still reacts as if it’s happening again. The nervous system lights up. We tense, brace, spiral, freeze, or go numb.
How Money Trauma Shows Up
Here’s an example: Imagine someone who grew up with food insecurity. As an adult, even if they earn a good income, they may feel deep anxiety at the grocery store. They overbuy, hoard, or feel immense guilt with every swipe of their card. Why? Because the neuro tag says “There might not be enough later.” And the body responds to that tag, reinforcing the belief every single time.
It becomes a loop: trigger → bodily response → emotional reinforcement → behavioral pattern → more proof that the fear is valid.
This Work Became Personal
Even though I’ve worked in finance for over two decades, my own money story didn’t fully come alive until about five years ago.
I was on disability living on 30% of my income, using my investments, going into debt, and scarcity became my daily reality. I was in survival mode, emotionally shut down, trying to control what I could, but feeling like I was barely holding it all together.
Since then, as a business owner, I’ve had to navigate the peaks and valleys of abundance and scarcity again and again. I’ve had to learn how to stay grounded, not just in strategy, but in my body. I’ve had to witness what my stories were telling me, learn how to calm my system, and rewrite what was never mine to carry in the first place.
And I didn’t just dip a toe into healing, I went all in.
Because I had to be different.
So I could show up differently.
I became certified in the Trauma of Money. I completed a life coach training created by The Angry Therapist/John Kim. I’ve worked with therapists, coaches, and healers. I’ve studied trauma, embodiment, spiritual development, positive psychology, neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, all because I needed to understand why we stay stuck in patterns that hurt us.
I did have some healing ground work prior to diving into the money aspect.
This isn’t something I just teach, it’s something I’ve lived. Over and over again.
And I refused to let that be the end of my story.
Healing my relationship with money meant rebuilding more than my finances.
It meant rebuilding my relationship with my body, with trust, with safety, with myself.
Because money isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about who you believe you are.
It’s about what your body remembers.
It’s about what you were taught to fear, avoid, or carry silently.
And, I want to be clear, I heal it every day, I am not at the finish line.
The Work Starts in the Body
So what do we do?
We begin by noticing.
What happens in your body when you pay a bill?
When you invest in yourself?
When you give money away?
When you make a big financial decision?
Is there a sensation, a twinge in your chest, a knot in your stomach, a shallow breath, or even a complete shutdown?
That’s your nervous system responding to a well-worn pathway. That’s the neuro tag lighting up. And that is your access point to healing.
This is where the work begins, not just in mindset, but in the body.
Your brain is a powerful computer, and the beauty is: it can be rewired. You can create new beliefs that serve you. But you can’t change what you’re not aware of. And most people skip over this part because it feels inconvenient, uncomfortable, or too “woo.”
We’ve been conditioned to stay in our heads. To rationalize. To push through. But your body holds the truth. It remembers what your mind has buried.
Becoming Conscious Is Inconvenient, but It’s Everything
Doing this work at a cellular level isn’t easy. Becoming conscious of your behaviors, your triggers, your stories, it takes courage. You have to pause when you want to rush. Sit with feelings when you’d rather escape. Watch your spending, your hoarding, your avoiding, not with shame, but with curiosity.
Most people stay unconscious because it’s more comfortable. But comfort won’t heal you. It won’t change your patterns. And it won’t get you free.
It All Starts With Awareness
Awareness is the beginning, but not the whole story.
To truly heal your relationship with money, you have to go deeper: into your body, into your nervous system, into the places where your patterns were formed and are still being reinforced. This is the work I walk women through every day, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Want to go deeper into healing your relationship with money?
I created a free 5-day email series for women ready to move beyond mindset into embodied financial healing.
Each day, you’ll receive:
A deeper reflection to build self-awareness guidance, j
A guided somatic practice or body cue
A journal prompt to help reconnect with your power
Start the journey here → Join our free 5-day email series
Let’s begin this journey together.
I don’t claim to know it all, I am on this journey beside you, knowing this work matters. If you would like additional support, or if you found this series helpful, please send me a note, I would love to be a domino in your journey.
Your friend in financial empowerment,
Kim
Beyond Mindset: Why Somatic Work Is the Missing Piece in Money Healing
You can repeat all the affirmations.
You can write the goals, visualize the wealth, recite the mantras.
But if your body doesn’t feel safe to receive, hold, or circulate money, none of it sticks.
Mindset work is important. It plants seeds. It opens doors.
But somatic work, that’s the soil it all grows from.
Because here’s the truth most people miss:
You can’t outthink a nervous system stuck in survival.
The Body Remembers What the Mind Tries to Bypass
We’ve been taught that money is about logic, strategy, and discipline. But money lives in the body as much as it lives in your bank account.
And for so many of us, that body holds fear.
Fear of not having enough.
Fear of losing it all.
Fear of being judged, exposed, taken advantage of, or unsafe.
Fear of failing.
Fear of getting it wrong.
You might not think you’re afraid, but notice what happens the moment you pay a bill, invest in something meaningful, or try to raise your prices.
Does your breath get shallow?
Do you tighten your shoulders, your jaw, your belly?
Do you feel like you’re bracing for something?
That’s not mindset.
That’s your nervous system responding to old neuro tags, those imprints from past financial pain, scarcity, or shame.
Your body is doing its job: protecting you.
But protection is not the same as expansion.
Somatic Expansion Is About Breathing Into the Fear, Not Avoiding It
Expansion doesn’t always feel like ease or lightness at first. Sometimes, it feels like discomfort.
Like sitting with the sensation of scarcity without rushing to fix it.
Like breathing into the place where the fear lives, instead of trying to numb or escape.
Somatic work invites us to stay with the sensation. To get curious about what our body is saying.
To re-pattern the response, not by force, but by presence.
This is the work I had to learn for myself.
When I was in survival, living off of 30% of my income, dipping into investments, and watching debt pile up, mindset didn’t land. My body was on high alert. Everything felt like a threat.
And even now, as a business owner, I still dance between the edges of scarcity and abundance. I’ve had to learn how to feel my way through the valleys and the peaks, how to breathe through fear, stay in my body, and anchor back into trust.
This is the difference between intellectual understanding and embodied transformation.
Your Nervous System Is the Gateway to Wealth
This is the part most people skip, because it’s uncomfortable. It’s much easier to try to outwork it, bypass it, or push through it. But you’ll keep hitting the same ceiling until your body believes it’s safe to go further.
So ask yourself:
• What does safety with money feel like in my body?
• Where do I tighten, shut down, or dissociate around money?
• Can I soften into those places, even slightly?
The goal isn’t to “feel good” all the time. The goal is to stay present through the discomfort, so the pattern can shift.
Try This: A 3-Minute Somatic Practice for Safety + Money
This is a gentle check-in you can do before making a financial decision, spending, saving, or even just looking at your bank account.
1. Sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes. Bring your attention to your breath. No need to change it, just notice it.
2. Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Can you feel your breath move under your hands? Notice if one area is more tense or restricted.
3. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4. Pause. Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of 6. Do this for 3–5 rounds.
4. Ask yourself gently: What am I feeling in my body right now? What does this moment remind me of? Can I stay with it, even if it’s uncomfortable?
5. Affirm to yourself (silently or out loud): “I am safe in this moment. I can meet this with awareness.” Let this be enough for now. No fixing. Just presence.
This Is Where Mindset Meets the Body
If you’ve tried affirmations, budgeting tools, or manifestation techniques and still feel blocked, this is why. Your body holds your lived experience. It remembers every financial fear, every moment of scarcity, every pattern of shutdown or over-control. The real work begins when we stop bypassing the body and start listening to it. You don’t have to push harder. You don’t have to force a new mindset. You get to gently reconnect with your body and expand your capacity to hold more, with clarity and calm.
Want to explore what mindset work alone can’t reach?
Join my free 5-day email series and dive into the somatic and nervous system layers of money healing.
Each day, you’ll receive:
• A deeper reflection to help you move from fear into presence
• A body-based practice to begin unwinding old patterns
• A journal prompt to support you in building trust with yourself and your money
Start the free journey here → Join our free 5-day email series
This is where everything starts to shift.
Who Are You When You Feel Safe With Money? The Identity Shift After Survival Mode
Most of us know who we are when we’re trying to survive. We know how to hustle, how to shrink, how to control, how to over-function. We know how to do the math, delay the desire, hold our breath until the bill is paid or the number in the account changes. We know what it feels like to live in a constant state of “what if.”
But what happens when your body stops bracing?
Who are you when you’re no longer in survival?
The Space That Opens When Survival Loosens Its Grip
When your nervous system begins to regulate, when money no longer feels like a threat, when the fight-flight-freeze response softens… you’re left with space.
And for many, that space feels unfamiliar, maybe even terrifying.
We’re so used to being busy surviving that safety can feel like a void.
But in that space, something powerful happens:
You begin to meet the version of yourself who isn’t ruled by fear.
The version who isn’t constantly waiting for the rug to be pulled.
The version who isn’t defined by debt, or lack, or the need to “get it right.”
Money Healing Is Also Identity Work
As your relationship with money changes, you change.
• You stop needing to prove your worth through productivity or control.
• You stop tying your value to what’s in your bank account.
• You start making decisions from grounded clarity instead of panic.
• You begin to trust yourself, not because you have all the answers, but because you know how to stay with yourself no matter what.
This is the part most people don’t talk about.
We think the goal is more money, less debt, a bigger cushion, and yes, those things matter.
But deeper than that?
The goal is to feel at home in your body and safe in your decisions.
To become a woman who can hold abundance without betraying herself.
To embody the energy of someone who is no longer living a life based on fear and lack.
This Is the Work Beneath the Strategy
Yes, we build systems. Yes, we clarify goals and automate where we can.
Yes, we talk about spending, saving, and investing wisely.
But the real transformation?
It happens when a woman remembers who she is without the noise of fear.
When she stops outsourcing her power to a number.
When she feels safe enough in her own skin to choose differently.
Ask Yourself: Who Am I Without Scarcity Calling the Shots?
Take a quiet moment. Breathe.
Ask:
• Who am I when I’m not surviving?
• What becomes possible when fear isn’t running my decisions?
• What kind of choices would I make if I trusted myself fully?
Let the answers come gently. No need to rush. This is a becoming.
Where We Go From Here
You don’t have to stay in fight-or-flight. You don’t have to repeat the same cycles. You don’t have to carry old stories into a new chapter.
You get to expand. You get to lead. You get to create from safety, not scarcity.And that’s what we’re doing next.
Journal Prompt: Meeting the Version of You Who Feels Safe
Find a quiet moment. Light a candle, make tea, or sit with your breath for a few minutes before you begin. Let your body settle.
Then reflect:
1. Who am I when I’m no longer trying to survive?
2. What thoughts, patterns, or beliefs begin to fall away when I feel safe with money?
3. What does the abundant, regulated, grounded version of me believe about money, about life, about herself?
4. What one decision could I make this week from that version of me, instead of the version that’s trying to stay safe?
Let whatever needs to rise come through your pen.
Let Her Rise
When survival mode softens, something beautiful happens: you begin to meet the version of yourself who’s been there all along, calm, grounded, and clear.
This is what healing your relationship with money actually gives you. Not just more income, but a stronger sense of identity, safety, and power in who you are and how you lead your life. You don’t need to wait for more money to become her.
She begins to show up the moment you feel safe enough to allow her in.
Ready to meet the version of you who leads from safety, not fear?
Join my free 5-day email series, where I’ll guide you through the process of becoming the woman who can hold more—with trust, with calm, and with clarity.
Each day you’ll receive:
• A guided reflection to reconnect with your truth
• A nervous system cue or somatic practice
• A journal prompt to support your evolution
Start the free journey here → Join our free 5-day email series
Let’s meet her, together.
Rewriting the Rules: Creating a Relationship With Money That’s Actually Yours
So many of us are living by money rules we never chose.
Be good. Be frugal. Don’t talk about it.
Don’t want too much. Don’t be wasteful.
Don’t let anyone know you’re struggling.
Work hard for every dollar, and feel guilty when it comes easily.
We inherit these beliefs from our families, our cultures, our religions, our society, and they run deep. Often without us even realizing it. We think they’re truth. But they’re just stories.
And if we don’t pause to question them, we live inside them forever.
Inherited Beliefs Are Not the Same as Inner Truth
Most of our financial framework was passed down, not consciously chosen.
• You might have learned that money is scarce and has to be held tightly.
• Or that money causes conflict, so it’s safer to avoid talking about it.
• Or that it’s selfish to want more than enough.
• Or that you must work to the point of exhaustion to deserve abundance.
These rules become internal laws, governing your decisions, limiting your expansion, and shaping how you show up in the world. But what if none of them are actually yours?
What It Means to Build Your Own Framework
Rewriting your relationship with money isn’t just about better habits or learning new systems. It’s about clearing the noise so you can hear your own truth.
You get to ask:
• What do I believe about money now?
• What feels true in my body?
• What actually aligns with the life I’m creating?
This is about sovereignty. About agency. About choosing what stays and what gets left behind. You don’t have to live by someone else’s rules anymore.
When You Create New Money Agreements
This isn’t surface-level work. It’s energetic, emotional, and somatic. But it’s also freeing.
When you build a relationship with money rooted in safety and self-trust:
• You stop outsourcing your worth to how much you earn or save.
• You begin to spend, give, and receive with intention, not guilt.
• You allow money to support your vision instead of dictate your value.
• You create systems that feel nourishing, not punishing.
And most importantly, you feel like you in the process. Not a version of yourself that fits someone else’s story.
Journal Prompt: What Money Rules Are You Ready to Rewrite?
Take 10–15 minutes and write freely, without filtering.
1. What messages or rules about money did I inherit growing up?
2. Which ones still influence how I spend, save, earn, or ask?
3. Which of these rules no longer feel true for the woman I’m becoming?
4. What new agreements do I want to make with myself around money?
Let this be an invitation, not to fix everything, but to begin listening for what’s actually yours.
Your Truth Is the Only One That Matters Now
You’re allowed to question what you’ve been taught. You’re allowed to unlearn the rules that keep you small. You’re allowed to choose a relationship with money that feels nourishing, supportive, and true.
This is where the deeper work begins, not just changing your habits, but changing your story. And I can help you walk that path.
Join my free 5-day email series, where I guide you through releasing inherited beliefs and reclaiming your own money truth—through gentle somatic practices, daily reflections, and powerful prompts.
Each day, you’ll receive:
• A deeper awareness of your patterns
• Somatic and nervous system tools
• Space to write your own new money story
Join the free series here → Join our free 5-day email series
It’s time to rewrite the rules.
Embodied Wealth: Becoming the Woman Who Can Hold More
Most people define wealth by numbers. A certain income. A debt-free life. A dollar amount in the bank. But true wealth, lasting, grounded, expansive wealth,is so much more than that.
Wealth is how safe you feel in your body. It’s how you move through life.
It’s what you believe you deserve, how you treat yourself, how you hold what’s already yours.
It’s your breath. Your presence. Your energy.
And here’s what I know:
You don’t just need more money. You need to feel like the woman who can hold more.
Embodied Wealth Is Who You Become
You can have all the strategy. The automation. The spreadsheet. But if your nervous system is dysregulated, you’ll find ways to leak, sabotage, or avoid the money you say you want.
Embodied wealth is when you become the version of you who:
• Doesn’t panic when the number changes
• Doesn’t overgive or overspend to be liked
• Can ask, receive, hold, circulate, and invest, without guilt
• Has created a relationship with money that feels safe and steady
This isn’t a mindset. It’s an identity shift. And it lives in the body.
Holding More Means Feeling More
Holding more isn’t always comfortable at first. Sometimes your capacity stretches slowly, like warming up a muscle that hasn’t moved in a while.
But here’s what happens when you keep showing up:
• You feel safe receiving money without having to earn it ten times over.
• You trust yourself to make powerful decisions.
• You begin to embody a version of wealth that isn’t performative, but deeply rooted in who you are.
You’re not faking it. You’re becoming it.
This Is the Invitation
This whole series, everything we’ve walked through together, is about this moment. The moment you stop chasing safety through numbers. And start creating it from within.
This is your work now:
• To be with your body.
• To breathe through resistance.
• To notice the stories.
• To create new ones.
• To walk forward, not because everything is perfect,but because you are different now.
Journal Prompt: Becoming Her
1. What does wealth feel like in my body today?
2. What kind of woman do I want to be with money?
3. What does she believe, do, say yes/no to?
4. What’s one small way I can embody her this week, before anything changes externally?
You don’t need to wait to become her. She’s already rising.
Wealth Starts From Within
This is where your work and your worth meet, not in striving, not in proving, but in allowing. Allowing yourself to feel safe. To trust. To hold more. To expand with ease. Embodied wealth isn’t something you earn. It’s something you become.
And it starts in the quiet moments, right here, in your body.
If this post spoke to something in you… let’s go deeper.
Want to explore what embodied wealth looks and feels like in your life?
Join my free 5-day email series, a deeper journey into money, safety, and self-trust.
Each day, you’ll receive:
• A reflection to expand your relationship with wealth
• A somatic or nervous system practice to anchor you
• A journal prompt to bring it into your lived experience
Begin the journey here → Join our free 5-day email series
Let’s build the kind of wealth that lives in your body, not just your bank account.
Your Friend in Financial Empowerment,
Kim
Should You Buy a Rental Property or Invest in a REIT?
A client once came to me excited about her very first rental property.
She pictured steady cash flow, a growing nest egg, and the pride of owning “real” real estate.
Three months later, she was dealing with a broken hot water tank, a tenant who was late on rent, and more money going out than coming in.
Her dream of passive income suddenly felt… very active.
This is the part of real estate investing people don’t always talk about. Yes, it can be an incredible wealth-builder. But it can also be stressful, risky, and expensive if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
That’s why, for many investors, a REIT (real estate investment trust) can be a smart alternative: you still get exposure to real estate, but without the headaches of tenants, toilets, and unexpected repairs.
So how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Rental Property a “Good” Investment?
Not every property is a gold mine. The pros use a few quick rules to test if a deal is worth it:
The 1% Rule: Rent should equal at least 1% of purchase price. A $300,000 property should bring in $3,000/month.
Cap Rate: The annual return before financing. 8–10% is strong.
Cash-on-Cash Return: Your true ROI after the mortgage. Aim for 10%+.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): Rent should cover at least 1.25x the mortgage.
If the numbers don’t add up, the property likely won’t either.
The Reality of Rentals
Even when the math looks good, real estate comes with:
Vacancies that eat into cash flow.
Repairs at the worst possible times.
Tenants who aren’t always reliable.
If you’re hands-on (or willing to hire help), rentals can be powerful. If you’re already stretched thin, they can drain more than they give.
Why REITs Are Different
REITs let you invest in real estate without owning a single property.
They’re accessible (you can start small).
They’re diversified (across apartments, malls, warehouses, even medical facilities).
They’re liquid (easy to buy or sell like a stock).
The trade-off? Less control. And since they trade on the stock market, they can be volatile.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose real estate if you:
Want control and leverage.
Like the idea of managing and growing a property.
Can handle the risks of a single, concentrated investment.
Choose REITs if you:
Prefer hands-off investing.
Want diversification without the landlord duties.
Like the flexibility of being able to cash out anytime.
The Bigger Truth
Neither rentals nor REITs are “better.” Both can be powerful wealth builders. The question is: What fits your life right now?
Because building wealth isn’t just about chasing the highest return. It’s about creating alignment, with your time, energy, and bigger vision for the future.
Your friend in financial Empowerment,
Kim
When the Headlines Scream, Stay Grounded: A Real Talk on Market Volatility
You don’t need to be watching the news 24/7 to know the world feels chaotic right now. The whispers of recession, the seesaw of inflation, the political unrest, it’s a lot. And when markets start to wobble, so does our sense of security. I get it.
But here’s what I want you to know: reacting to every bump in the market isn’t the move. Holding steady is.
That might sound counterintuitive, especially when everything in your nervous system is firing up, telling you to do something. But money, especially long-term investing, doesn’t thrive on panic. It thrives on patience, perspective, and a plan that actually matches your values and goals.
Let Me Tell You What I’ve Seen
I’ve been in this finance world for over two decades. I’ve seen the dot-com bust, the financial collapse in 2008, the wild ride of 2020, and everything in between. Each time, fear took the wheel for many people. But the ones who stayed calm, the ones who leaned into strategy instead of spiraling into the noise? They came out stronger.
Markets recover. Cycles shift. But if you pull out or pivot every time it gets rocky, you’re not investing, you’re gambling with your peace of mind.
It’s Not Weak to Feel Fear
This is where I bring in something I wish more people talked about: our nervous system plays a massive role in how we respond to money. That pit in your stomach when you see your portfolio drop? That’s not you being irrational, it’s your body’s survival response.
And that’s where we bring in the work. The healing. The clarity.
Because if your brain is screaming “pull out!” every time things get uncertain, it doesn’t mean the plan is broken; it means you might need to reconnect with it. To realign. To ask, Does this still fit who I am and what I believe in?
Let’s Ground This in Reality
So what should you do when the noise feels too loud?
• Pause before you pivot. The smartest move is often no move at all.
• Zoom out. Are your goals 10, 20, 30 years away? That’s the timeline that matters, not this week’s headline.
• Check your alignment. Is your portfolio built with your risk tolerance in mind? Your values? Your bigger picture? When was the last time you reviewed your plan and was it built with a past version of you?
• Talk to someone grounded. (Hi, I’m someone grounded.) Fear makes us isolate. But money decisions made in isolation rarely serve us well.
Financial Empowerment Means Staying Present
You don’t need to ignore what’s happening in the world. You’re allowed to care deeply. You’re allowed to feel rattled. But your financial future deserves to be built on truth, not terror.
I work with clients who are done with the feast-or-famine financial loop. Who want more than just a good return, they want peace, purpose, and confidence in their strategy. Who want to stop spinning in fear and start walking forward; on their terms.
Final Word? This Isn’t About Perfect Timing. It’s About Steady Leadership.
Let the headlines do what headlines do. You? You get to stay anchored. And if you’re tired of feeling like the market owns your emotions, maybe it’s time we talk.
Because your financial life deserves more than reaction, it deserves intention, clarity, and real confidence. And that’s what I help you build.
Want to move forward from a grounded place?
Let’s talk about what it means to build a plan that feels good in your body, your bank account, and your future.
Book a consultation today.
your Friend in Financial Empowerment,
Kim
I Thought I Was Protected…
This has been on my heart.
I’ve been having so many conversations lately about insurance, and honestly, it’s making me realize how many gaps there are in people’s coverage. At the same time, I’ve been seeing more and more Go Fund Me pages, someone blindsided and diagnosed with cancer, someone’s spouse suddenly passes, someone’s injured and can’t work. The financial burden that follows these moments is devastating. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s avoidable.
So I’m writing this newsletter because this conversation matters and we’re not having it enough. I’m writing this newsletter because I want to share what I wish someone had told me. Because this isn’t just theory for me. I’ve lived it.
Earlier in life, I truly believed my employer benefits were enough.
I didn’t think I needed to invest in anything more. I didn’t know better, I wasn’t an insurance expert and I wasn’t having conversations with anyone who could explain it to me differently. I had mortgage life insurance and creditor insurance through my lender for my life. I assumed that would be fine.
Then life happened.
I ended up needing short-term disability, which turned into long-term disability for 18 months. But it only paid 30% of my income. I was a single mom. I had kids to provide for. I had bills to pay. So I did what many people do:
I pulled from my investments that were meant for my future and my kids. I went into debt—thousands of dollars, just to keep going.
I thought I was doing the responsible thing, but the truth is:
I didn’t have adequate insurance.
And when I left that job and started searching for new coverage, I was declined.
Because I had a history.
Because I was now a higher risk.
And suddenly, the thing I had overlooked became something I couldn’t access, at least not affordably.
That has been one of the biggest financial mistakes I’ve made.
And even now, I’m still feeling the effects of it.
Here’s the truth:
We mandate car insurance. We mandate house insurance.
But protecting your income, your health, your family, your actual life?
That’s optional.
And somehow, that’s made it feel…less important?
Not to me. Not anymore.
I get it—insurance has a bad reputation.
We’ve all heard the horror stories: the salespeople who sell you something you don’t need, the fine print you didn’t understand, the claim that doesn’t get paid out, or the realization too late that you didn’t have the right kind of policy. Those stories travel fast.
What we don’t hear enough of are the quiet success stories. The “thank God I had this” moments.
Stories like:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to take a full year off work. But I had a critical illness policy that paid me $100,000. That money gave me the ability to heal without financial panic. I could take care of my kids, keep my home, and focus on getting better.
That kind of reassurance? It’s priceless.
But here’s the thing, you don’t get to feel that until you need it.
And ideally? You never will…
That’s the disconnect with insurance, it doesn’t give you the instant gratification that other purchases do. Spend $200/month on clothes, facials, or massages and you feel it right away: dopamine, confidence, good vibes.
Spend $200/month on insurance? It feels like “just another bill.”
Until the moment you need it, and suddenly, it’s everything.
Let’s break it down simply:
• Critical Illness Insurance pays you a lump sum (often tax-free) if you’re diagnosed with something serious like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. It’s your money, to use however you need.
• Disability Insurance replaces a portion of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury. Whether it’s for 6 months or several years, it helps you stay financially stable when everything else feels unstable.
And they are not the same thing, but they work together. One helps you recover, the other helps you live while you do.
And no, your work benefits likely aren’t enough!
Most employer plans offer only small CI coverage (if any), and disability coverage is often basic beyond short term disability, unless you’ve paid extra for more. And if you change jobs, get laid off, or your company shifts providers? That coverage disappears.
So ask yourself:
• If something happened tomorrow, what would your plan be?
• Could you take a year off work and still pay your bills?
• Would you be dipping into retirement savings? Equity? Debt?
And for self-employed business owners?
There is no group plan.
You are your own HR department, your own safety net.
Which makes it even more important to understand your options and get protection in place.
If you’re building your own business, supporting a family, or carrying the weight of your income alone, ask yourself:
• Could I take 6–12 months off work and still be okay financially?
• What would happen to my business, or my life, if I couldn’t earn income?
• Would I be forced to dip into retirement savings, use home equity, or take on debt?
Because those are the choices people are left with when there’s no plan in place.
A lot of people ask me:
Why wouldn’t I just invest that money every month instead?
And my answer is: you absolutely can (and should) build an emergency or “insurance fund.” But if you were diagnosed tomorrow, would you have enough saved?
Until that “insurance fund” is fully built, insurance gives you time, flexibility, and protection. You can always adjust coverage later, but you can’t go back in time after a diagnosis.
Insurance buys you time. It buys you options. It protects your future from being spent in the present.
I want to bring more light and energy to these conversation, not from a place of fear, but from responsibility and financial empowerment.
Because this is your livelihood. Your future. Your peace of mind.
This is your financial safety net.
And you deserve to be informed, not sold to.
If anything I’ve said resonates with you, I invite you to book a free 30-minute Insurance Education Call.
No pressure. No sleazy sales tactics. Just education, support, and a chance to get clear on your options.
Let’s talk before life forces the conversation.
Sending BIG love your way!
Your friend in financial empowerment,
Kim
Looking Ahead…
As a business owner and creative, I’m always reflecting on how I can continue to serve and support women in reclaiming their financial power and emotional confidence. Over the two years, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth, and it’s clear that my services are evolving alongside that journey.
Here’s what I’m working on:
Financial Leadership Intensives: Powerful, intensive sessions designed for the Professional, Business Owner, Entrepreneur and trailblazer wanting to create clarity, strategy, automation and empowerment in their money! Do you want to learn more about this high impact, personalized, 1:1 offer? Hit reply and let’s start the conversation!
Investing School Dates: Designed for big transformation and investing empowerment in ONE WEEKEND. Next cohort is April 5th and 6th via Zoom. This is a dynamic group training and workshop which includes a personalized 1:1 call upon completion. This 1:1 work will not be offered in future cohorts, take advantage now by replying to this email and I will send you the information!
A Personal Message
Each message I share with you comes from a place of genuine experience and reflection. I believe in the power of our stories to inspire and heal not just ourselves but also those around us. As we step into this journey together, I want to remind each of you that growth often comes with discomfort. My role is not just to provide guidance and support but to walk alongside you as you navigate this path. Your stories inspire and motivate me every day, and I am here to support you as both a guide and a fellow traveler.
Engage With Us
My inbox is always open, I’d love to heat your thoughts, questions, or stories. You can reply to this email, drop a comment on our blog, or follow us on social media wealth_insideout_ and I’ll get back to you.
The Story of My Unfolding
January always feels like a fresh start, a blank page waiting to be filled with dreams, plans, and the next chapter of our lives. This year, that blank page feels more meaningful to me than ever before. For the first time in what seems like “too long,” I’m stepping into the energy of creation in a way that feels completely aligned and true to who I am. I want to share a bit of that journey with you, where I’ve been, what I’m creating, and where I hope to go from here.
Dreaming to Doing
For years, I’ve carried ideas that I couldn’t seem to bring to life; a podcast. guides and resources, a newsletter, and even YouTube channel. These weren’t fleeting dreams, they were pieces of something bigger that I longed to create. But not matter how much I wanted them, I couldn’t seem to start. Perhaps it wasn’t the right time, and more likely than not the fear and self-doubt were not only holding me back, they were paralyzing me.
I spent the last few months of 2024 in deep rest, wrestling with burnout and contemplating my next steps as I looked towards 2025. I felt stuck, uninspired, and as though my “zest for life” was missing.
Then, in December, I gave myself full permission to let go. I let go of the pressure to constantly do and allowed myself to fully rest. Something shifted. Over the last few weeks of the year, I found myself in a flow state I can only describe as big-time creator mode. This energy is something very special to me. It’s never overwhelming, it’s life-giving. I can sit at my computer for hours creating, losing track of time as ideas pour out of me.
And that’s exactly what happened. In just a few short weeks, I created a podcast (with episodes ready to go!), a money mapping workbook, an empowered wealth guide, new copy for my website, plans for this very blog, and the newsletter you’re reading today.
But stepping into creation hasn’t been without its challenges. Often, I don’t like being seen as a beginner. It’s a vulnerable energy to be in, but these dreams need to start somewhere. I noticed this energy a lot while working on my podcast, imposter syndrome, thoughts of it not being enough, and even the temptation to re-record the material to “make it better.” But I left it as it was, because my focus is to connect authentically, share value, and be relatable to my audience. The episodes convey my heart, and I know I’m on the right track. That means you get to see me start at the beginning and witness my growth and evolution.
What I’ve realized is this: when the energy to create is within you, it’s not something to question. It’s something to trust. If I feel it, it’s meant to be. That understanding has been a big shift for me, and it’s one I’m carrying forward into this next chapter.
Balancing Strength and Growth
As I’ve been creating, I’ve also been reflecting. My strength has always been in money, managing it, organizing it, investing it. It’s what I know, what people come to me for, and what I feel confident sharing.
But I also feel a pull to be more. I want to guide people emotionally, to hold space for their growth, and to support them as whole, empowered individuals, not just financially, but holistically.
This tension between what I know and where I want to go has been both exciting and intimidating. How do I combine these pieces of myself? How do I move from creation to connection, from building resources to truly supporting people?
I don’t have all the answers yet, but what I do know is this: I’m meant to be here, creating these things, and the next steps will reveal themselves in time.
An Invitation to Grow Together
This year, I’m creating a space for connection. Through this blog, my podcast, and my newsletter. I’ll be sharing more about the lessons I’m learning, the resources I’m building, and the journey I’m on. I have big ideas to start a community based membership with like-minded women, something I’ve been dreaming about this past year.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to create, to trust yourself more deeply, or to step into your next chapter, I invite you to join me.
A New Beginning
As I look ahead to this new year, I feel more aligned. I’m creating from a place of inspiration and flow, and I’m trusting that the work I’m doing will connect with the people who need it most. This is just the beginning of something I’ve dreamed about for years, and I’m so grateful to be sharing it with you.
Here’s to the unfolding. Here’s to stepping into the unknown. Here’s to creating something meaningful, together.
Let’s Journey Together
If you’re ready to join me, I’d love to stay connected.
Sign up for my newsletter to get updates, reflections, and resources straight to your inbox here
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Download my new Wealth Empowerment Guide here
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Feedback
As I navigate this new chapter, your feedback is invaluable. I’d love to hear what resonates with you, what you’d like to see more of, and how I can continue to grow and serve. Please send your thoughts, idea’s and kind constructive feedback to my email, coachkimberlydawn@gmail.com.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and transformation.
With gratitude,
Kim
The Spiral of Healing: Aligning Personal Growth with Financial Freedom
We often feel stuck when we’re on the verge of a major shift, standing at the edge of what we’ve always known and the vast unknown ahead. This leap requires faith, and staying where we are can feel safer. But that feeling of stuckness doesn’t mean you’re actually stuck. It’s the resistance between your old self, clinging to familiar patterns, and your new self, eager to emerge. You’re not stuck, you’re transitioning from one phase of healing and life to the next.
Just like life, your financial journey follows cycles. Healing isn’t just emotional; it’s also about releasing financial habits, limiting beliefs around money, and reprogramming the way you relate to your finances. This process involves planting fresh seeds of financial empowerment, growing into a confident money manager, and eventually sharing your financial freedom with those around you.
I had to fully grasp the phases of transformation and growth, both personally and financially, to break free from feeling stuck. Once I recognized that I was on a spiral staircase of learning and healing, I understood similar lessons around money and self-growth can reappear, but each time they’re meant to be felt, embodied and learned at a deeper level. Each phase, whether personal or financial, is an opportunity to build a more authentic and empowered life.
Whenever I feel stuck, I embrace the mindset of, “what is this teaching me?” both in life and financially. I begin to see where I am as part of the path to becoming the person I aspire to be while being able to play an active role in my evolution and journey.
I’ve felt stuck, faced setbacks, and spiraled countless times in my healing and financial journey. But I’ve come to realize that growth in both areas follows a similiar spiral cycle, much like the patterns we see in nature. Think of everything on this earth existing in cycles: death, rebirth, and expansion. Shedding old habits, planting new seeds, growing, and integrating.
Even when it feels like you’re starting over financially or emotionally, you’re not, you’re expanding. You have to allow fall to happen, shedding old financial habits, limiting beliefs, and any scarcity mindset that holds you back. Then you can move into winter, reflecting on what has shifted and cycled through. This prepares you for spring, where you plant new financial goals, habits, and mindsets. By summer, you’ll begin to see your financial growth and personal transformation take root.
It’s important to remember that this process is normal. Once we embrace the cycles of life and finances, we begin to accept both ourselves and our financial journey. This acceptance allows us to understand our money stories on a deeper, more compassionate, and forgiving level, setting the stage for true financial freedom.
To all the others who have dedicated their lives to shedding, healing, learning, and becoming, you are seen, and your journey matters.
You are not stuck. You are becoming.
How to Move Forward:
1. Acknowledge Your Financial and Personal Season:
Ask yourself, “Am I in a season of shedding, planting, growing, or integrating?” Reflect on where you’ve been emotionally and financially, and what you’re currently experiencing. Understanding your season is the first step toward aligning with your growth.
2. Use the Right Tools for Personal and Financial Growth:
Once you identify your phase, use tools that match:
• Shedding: What old money habits or limiting beliefs around money are no longer serving you? Release them by reassessing your budget, canceling unnecessary subscriptions, or letting go of a scarcity mindset.
• Planting: Set clear financial goals and develop new routines. Start by automating your savings, making a plan for debt reduction, or learning new investment strategies. This is the time to plant the seeds of financial freedom.
• Growing: During growth, be patient and nurture your financial goals. Track your progress, build consistency with budgeting, and expand your financial literacy through books or courses.
• Integrating: Reflect on the financial and personal lessons you’ve learned. How can you apply these insights to create long-term stability and freedom? This phase is about taking all that you’ve gained and building sustainable financial habits.
3. Adjust Your Pace in Life and Finances:
Each phase requires its own pace. Don’t rush through shedding or planting phases, they’re foundational to your future success. Allow the growth phase to unfold naturally and give space for the integration to take root. Trust the timing of both your personal and financial journey.
By aligning your actions with your current season, you’ll feel more grounded, empowered, and ready to move forward with intention, both in life and on your financial journey. Remember, your financial growth is directly linked to your emotional healing and self-awareness. You’re not just becoming financially free; you’re evolving into your most authentic self.
Warmly,
Your Partner in Financial Healing and Empowerment
Navigating Big Financial Decisions: A Personal Journey
Dear Friends and Clients,
Have you ever faced a financial decision that left you feeling torn between fear and possibility? As a financial expert, planner, and money trauma coach, I guide others through these moments all the time. And, recently, I found myself in the same position, navigating a significant monetary decision for my own business. It’s a deeply personal experience, one that brings up emotions many of you can relate to: doubt, fear, guilt, and the weight of responsibility.
I want to share my journey with you because it’s a perfect reflection of the very principles I teach. This decision challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone and invest in my growth, something we all face at different stages in life. Here’s how I worked through it, and how my values guided me toward a decision that feels full of potential.
The Opportunity at Hand
Recently, I was invited into a mastermind that could be a true game-changer for me. The investment is five figures, payable over 12 months with an initial deposit. It includes 24 hours of group coaching alongside seven other aspiring women entrepreneurs, and a two-day retreat. Having worked with this mentor before in a smaller capacity, I knew firsthand the depth of her insights and the transformative potential. I’ve been wanting to work with her extensively for a while now, and never thought it would be possible. I can imagine insights, strategies, and connections that could come from this experience, propelling my business in an exciting new direction.
Feeling the Weight of the Investment
I contemplated this investment, and while it didn’t take me as long as in the past (yay for growth!!), self-doubt still whispered in my ear, questioning whether I was truly prepared for such a commitment. Though I quickly brushed those doubts aside, I knew I was ready! It was the lingering fear and guilt that has weighed heavily on me.
The fear stems from uncertainty and potential financial strain that could accompany this decision. As a business owner and a single mom, allocating such a significant portion of my resources for 12 consecutive months felt uneasy, a lot could happen in 12 months. How would this choice impact my family and our future? And there’s the guilt, a lot of guilt. Shouldn’t this amount of money be going towards them, not me? Is it smart or delusional to have this much faith in myself? My financial responsibilities include my children, their impending secondary education, essential business expansion expenses, and, of course, I place high value on creating lasting memories and experiences.
It’s easy to let fear dictate my decisions. I found myself questioning whether this mentorship was too “expensive” for my current situation and if I was really making the best choice. The fear knocked the loudest a few days later when I found myself entering a cycle of scarcity.
Challenging My Money Story
Being deeply aware of my own relationship with money, I understand how emotional barriers can emerge during pivotal moments like this. My experiences with scarcity have instilled a mindset rooted in fear and caution regarding finances and to navigate this from a place of possibility and abundance can be challenging. When I consider the financial responsibilities of raising my children while building a business, I’ve wondered if I’m being selfish, investing in myself, am I jeopardizing their future by making this choice? Those are heavy thoughts and feelings to carry. Yet, I recognize that investing in this mentorship, is about more than just myself; it’s about them to! Creating a better future for my children, my business, and our shared quality of life. These are the things I value most.
I’ve learned to acknowledge my fears and listen to them, but I refuse to let them dictate my choices. The truth is, investing in my growth will open doors for all of us. This decision signifies my belief in the possibility of abundance, despite my past experiences with scarcity. Of which, I’m thinking another blog post around these experiences could be helpful, stay tuned!
Each day, I challenge these old beliefs and remind myself that embracing growth and opportunity is not only acceptable but essential. While the fear and guilt may still creep in, I know that this investment aligns with my values and will yield growth that benefits myself and all those I care about most.
The Potential Impact
I’ve come to view this mentorship not merely as an expense, but as a vital investment in my future and the broader impact I can make as a coach, a mom, and a business owner. The knowledge and connections I acquire through this experience can significantly improve my ability to serve my clients and support countless individuals on their journey to financial empowerment. This mentorship has the potential to spark substantial growth that far exceeds the initial cost. Could it change the trajectory of my life and career? I believe it will, in ways that are wild, expansive, and challenging.
Navigating Fear with Intention
As I worked through feelings of uncertainty, I leaned into my core values of development and growth. I reminded myself, many successful entrepreneurs have faced similar challenges, understanding that investing in themselves is key to unlocking greater potential. I reflected when I hired my first coach in 2018, for $3,500, an overwhelming amount at the time, but I was eager for transformation in my personal life and it absolutely grew me. It’s hard to say where I would be today, perhaps not even the creator of WIO, if I hadn’t gained the insights from that 4 month journey.
Taking risks is part of the journey, and to advance my vision for Wealth Inside Out, participating in a mastermind is valuable. I’ve reframed this investment as a key contribution to my personal and business development rather than a burden. This reflection aligns my financial decisions with my goals, allowing me to manage fear while focusing on the bigger picture. By making choices that honor my values, I cultivate a sense of stability while keeping scarcity in check. Though I may still feel worry, these practices help me listen to my intuition and affirm that this is the right choice.
A Call for Reflection
I share this not only to open up about my current experiences and conclude my “value over expense” series but also to encourage you to reflect on your financial decisions. Are there personal or professional growth opportunities you've hesitated to pursue due to fear, guilt, or a sense of not having enough? Could outdated money stories and habits be holding you back from the choices that could transform your life?
Remember, the journey to financial empowerment often requires overcoming these barriers and recognizing the true value of what we need for growth. Three years ago, this decision would have left me frozen in doubt. However, through dedicated work on my money story, my beliefs and how I spend my money, I've developed the tools and confidence to say “YES” to opportunities that align with my values and dreams.
Just as I invested in myself to grow, I invite you to consider investing in the guidance and support I can provide as your coach and money mentor. How can I expect you to invest in me if I haven’t made that commitment to myself? We all deserve to use money as a tool to propel us toward our greater selves. This is how we grow, by addressing our roots and working through them.
As I move forward with this decision, I embrace the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, focusing on expansion and growth in 2025, and I hope you do the same.
Thank you for being part of this community! I appreciate your support more than you know. Your referrals, positive reviews and testimonials, likes, shares, and more truly mean the world to me!
If you’d like to stay connected and receive updates, please sign up for my email list at the bottom of the webpage! I’m excited for what lies ahead for all of us!
Warmest Regards.
Your Partner and Friend in Personal Finance 🫶🏼
What investments have you been hesitant to make? Let’s continue the conversation! Feel free to share on Instagram @wealth _ insideout
The Emotional Influence of Money Stories on Our Perception of Expense
The way we perceive what is "expensive" is deeply influenced not only by our personal values but also by our individual money stories, how we perceive, relate to, and manage money based on our experiences and emotions.
Every individual has a unique money story, shaped by their upbringing, experiences, and cultural influences. Some may have grown up in environments of abundance, where spending was encouraged, while others faced scarcity, leading to a cautious mindset around finances and money. These stories significantly impact how we view expenses and what we prioritize in our financial lives.
For instance, consider someone with a background rooted in financial insecurity. This person might perceive investments in education or mentorship as "too expensive," driven by fears of lacking basic needs during their formative years. This emotional burden can create reluctance to invest in opportunities for personal growth, transformation, and opportunities for abundance. Fear becomes an invisible barrier, prompting a focus on short-term safety over long-term value and growth. Recognizing and understanding this fear is the first step to overcoming it. By acknowledging our personal money stories, we can begin to rewire our relationship with money and shift our perspectives, allowing for greater opportunities and abundance in our lives.
If you relate to this, consider reflecting on the following:
• Identify Key Moments: what pivotal experiences from your past shaped your relationship with money? Think about your upbringing and early financial experiences. What messages did your family convey about spending, saving, and investing?
• Reflect on Significant Events: Consider major life events that impacted your view of money, ranging from unmet basic needs in childhood to financial constraints or even a divorce in adulthood. These experiences play a crucial role in shaping your financial approach. Journaling about them can clarify their influence on your current financial choices.
As humans, we naturally seek safety; when we perceive a threat (even if it’s not real), we often prioritize safety above all else. By bringing awareness to these patterns, you empower yourself to make more intentional and informed financial decisions.
On the other hand, someone who has experienced financial stability may feel empowered to invest in experiences or education, believing that these expenditures will yield significant emotional and intellectual returns. They view these investments through the lens of growth and enrichment, rather than financial costs.
However, while financial stability can foster positive emotions, emotions around money can still lead to self-sabotage. For instance, feelings of guilt or inadequacy can deter someone from spending money on self-care or personal development, even when they recognize the value of these expenditures. They may feel undeserving of investing in themselves, leading to a cycle where fear and negative emotions hinder their ability to make choices that align with their values.
To break this cycle, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind yourself that investing in your well-being is not only valid but essential for personal growth.
Reflecting on Your Money Story
Understanding how our emotions and money stories influence our financial decisions is vital. Reflecting on our experiences can help us understand why we associate certain expenses with fear or value, allowing us to challenge and reframe our relationship with money.
Here are a few practical steps to analyze your money story;
Reflect on Emotional Triggers: Notice your feelings when thinking about or handling money. Do you feel anxious, excited, guilty, or empowered?Understanding these emotions clarifies why your approach to money.
Assess Your Spending Patterns: Review your current financial habits. Do you hesitate to spend on yourself, or do you frequently splurge? Awareness of these patterns reveal underlying beliefs about worth and value.
Examine Your Values: Ask yourself: What values drive my financial decisions? Are there expenses that conflict with my values? How can I adjust my spending to better align with what truly matters to me?
Explore Your Fears: Identifying fears or attachments that may hold you back from investing in what truly matters. Identifying these fears can be a significant step toward overcoming self-sabotage.
By exploring these questions, you can identify and confront the emotional barriers that may be sabotaging your financial well-being.
Bridging Value and Expense
In conclusion, the relationship between value, expense, and our money stories is intricate and deeply personal. By acknowledging our emotions and understanding how they shape our financial perspectives, we can make wiser choices that reflect our true values, allowing us to invest meaningfully in our lives.
Recognizing and reshaping your money story is transformative. It opens doors to richer experiences, healthier financial habits, and enhanced emotional well-being. Embracing a positive mindset around money can dramatically change how you view expenses, empowering you to invest in yourself and your future with confidence.
Start today by reflecting on your money story, I invite you to download my free Money Story and Behaviour Bias Workbook available on our homepage! This resource is designed to help you dive deeper into your money story and uncover the biases that may be influencing your financial decisions.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic! Let’s start the conversation on Instagram @ wealth_ insideout_
Don’t miss out this Friday! I’ll share insights from a recent decision I made in my own financial journey. I’ll illustrate how my values guided and supported a significant financial choice. Join me to explore how aligning values with financial decisions can lead to positive outcomes!
Beyond Price Tags: How our Values Shape the Perception of “Expense”
When you hear the word "expensive," what comes to mind? For many, it’s often associated with high prices or unaffordable costs. But when we take a closer look, the concept of "expensive" goes beyond just numbers. It’s shaped by our individual values—what we believe is truly important in life.
Consider for a moment: What do you value most? Is it education, meaningful relationships, personal growth, or perhaps sustainability? When we reflect on the things that matter to us, we realize their worth isn’t solely measured in monetary terms. It also includes time, effort, and emotional investment.
The Real Value Behind What We Spend
Take education, for example. While it might require financial sacrifices, many of us place a high value on knowledge and personal development. For that reason, we see those costs as worthwhile investments. Similarly, spending quality time with loved ones can sometimes involve expensive outings or activities, but the emotional return we receive is priceless.
What we prioritize in our lives shapes our perception of expense. Someone who values sustainability, may choose to buy more expensive organic or eco-friendly products that align with their beliefs. On the other hand, someone who values convenience might opt for cheaper, ready-made options, viewing them as more cost-effective.
The Deeper Connection Between Price and Values
Ultimately, it's essential to recognize that the price of something reflects not just its market value, but also how much we are willing to invest based on what we truly value. By understanding this connection, we can make more intentional choices about how we allocate our resources, ensuring that our spending aligns with our values.
Our values determine how we perceive expense. Embracing this concept can lead to more meaningful decisions that reflect our priorities and enhance our lives.
Here are 4 ways how spending aligned with our values enhances our emotional connection with money;
1. Increased Satisfaction: Spending on what matters to us, whether it’s local businesses, charitable causes, or higher learning, can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness. These choices reflect our beliefs, reducing guilt and boosting our overall sense of well-being.
2. Identity and Self-Expression: When we spend in line with our values, we reinforce our identity and express who we are. Every financial decision feels more meaningful as we take the time to define what truly matters and develop our character through those choices.
3. Empowerment and Control: Making conscious spending choices that align with our values fosters a sense of empowerment and control over our financial lives. This awareness helps us take ownership of our choices, reduces financial anxiety, and boosts confidence in how we manage our money.
4. Positive Impact and Legacy: Spending in ways that support our values, such as sustainability or philanthropy, allows us to contribute to a better world. This sense of purpose enriches our lives and helps us create a positive legacy, further deepening our emotional ties to our financial choices.
Transforming Our Relationship with Money
These aspects reinforce how aligning our spending with personal values can transform our relationship with money into a more meaningful and emotionally rewarding experience. Instead of viewing purchases as mere transactions based on cost, we begin to see them as reflections of who we are, who we aspire to become, and how we want to contribute to the world.
When spending is rooted in your values, it becomes a more fulfilling experience!
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
Now that we’ve explored how values influence our perception of expenses, let’s dive deeper into how our personal money stories, shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and emotions, affect our financial decisions. On Wednesday, I’ll be sharing how our past can either empower or sabotage the way we spend today, and how understanding your money story can help you make wiser financial choices.
Don’t miss out, be sure to check back for the next post in this series!
Mastering the Art of Investing: Key Tips for Success
Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth and securing financial freedom. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding the fundamentals of investing is crucial for making informed decisions and achieving your financial goals. Here are some essential tips to help you master the art of investing and grow your wealth.
1. Understand the Risk
Every investment comes with its own level of risk. Before diving into any investment opportunity, take the time to understand its risk profile. Factors such as volatility, market conditions, potential returns, and overall stability should all be considered. It's important to align the risk profile of an investment with your own risk tolerance and financial goals. High-risk investments may offer the potential for high returns, but they also come with an increased likelihood of loss if not managed properly. Conversely, low-risk investments may offer more stability but potentially lower returns. Understanding the risk profile will help you make informed decisions and manage your portfolio effectively.
2. Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversification is a key strategy for managing risk and optimizing returns. By spreading your investments across different asset classes, geographic regions, sector concentrations, and company sizes, you can reduce the impact of volatility in any one area. Diversifying your portfolio helps to mitigate the risk of significant losses from any single investment. It's important to avoid concentrating your investments in just a few assets, as this can leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations. Consider diversifying across stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investment vehicles to build a well-rounded portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.
3. Stay Informed
Keeping up with the latest market trends, economic developments, and investment opportunities is essential for successful investing. Stay informed by reading financial news, following market indicators, and understanding the factors that can impact your investments. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Consider staying informed about the industries and sectors in which you're investing, as well as keeping track of global economic trends that could affect your portfolio. By staying informed, you can make proactive decisions and adapt your investment strategy to changing market conditions.
4. Set Clear Financial Goals
Before you start investing, it's important to define your financial goals. Whether you're investing for retirement, a major purchase, or wealth accumulation, having clear objectives will guide your investment strategy. Determine your investment time horizon, risk tolerance, and expected returns based on your financial goals. Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and disciplined in your investment approach, and it will also provide you with a benchmark for measuring your investment performance over time.
5. Regularly Rebalance Your Portfolio
Over time, the performance of your investments may cause your asset allocation to drift from its original targets. Regularly rebalancing your portfolio ensures that your asset allocation remains in line with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Consider rebalancing your portfolio annually or whenever significant market movements cause your asset allocation to deviate significantly from your target levels. Rebalancing allows you to "buy low and sell high," bringing your portfolio back to its intended risk and return profile.
6. Practice Patience and Discipline
Successful investing requires patience and discipline. Avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term market fluctuations and stick to your long-term investment strategy. Remember that investing is a marathon, not a sprint, and that building wealth takes time. Maintain a disciplined approach to your investment strategy, especially during periods of market volatility, and avoid succumbing to fear or greed.
In conclusion, mastering the art of investing requires a solid understanding of risk, a diversified portfolio, staying informed, setting clear financial goals, regularly rebalancing your portfolio, and practicing patience and discipline. By following these key tips, you can position yourself for long-term investment success and work towards achieving your financial aspirations. Whether you're investing for retirement, wealth accumulation, or other financial goals, a well-thought-out investment strategy can help you build a secure financial future.
Happy investing!
Key Strategies from Past Financial Behaviours
Based on insights from past financial behaviors and challenges, several sustainable money management strategies can be developed to align with our behaviors and habits. These strategies incorporate the lessons learned from reflecting on previous experiences, creating a more realistic and effective approach to managing money. Here are some key strategies:
1. Create a Realistic Budget: Instead of setting an idealistic budget based on best-case scenarios, use insights from past spending habits to create a realistic budget that aligns with your actual income and expenses. Analyze past bank statements and receipts to understand your typical spending patterns and identify areas where adjustments can be made. By acknowledging past spending behaviors, you can design a budget that reflects your lifestyle while still prioritizing savings and financial goals.
2. Set Achievable Savings Targets: Rather than aiming for arbitrary savings goals, use insights from past saving habits to set achievable targets. Review your past savings patterns and identify the factors that contributed to successful saving periods. Whether it was automating savings transfers, cutting back on specific expenses, or finding additional sources of income, leverage these past successes to set realistic and achievable savings goals for the future.
3. Address Emotional Spending Triggers: Reflect on past instances of emotional or impulse spending and identify the triggers that led to these behaviors. Whether it was stress, social pressures, or unmet emotional needs, understanding these triggers can help you develop healthier coping strategies and mitigate impulsive financial decisions. By addressing the psychological aspects of money management, you can reduce the impact of emotional triggers on your spending habits.
4. Build a Financial Safety Net: Use insights from past financial challenges to prioritize the creation of an emergency fund or financial safety net. Reflect on past unexpected expenses or financial crises that created stress and uncertainty, and use these experiences to emphasize the importance of building a cash reserve. By setting aside funds to cover unanticipated costs, you can reduce the impact of future financial disruptions and improve your overall financial security.
5. Track Progress and Adjust Accordingly: Incorporate insights from past attempts to manage money into a dynamic approach that allows for ongoing adjustments. Regularly review your financial progress and assess how your current behaviors align with your money management goals. If certain strategies are not working or if unexpected expenses arise, be prepared to adapt and modify your approach based on past experiences and new insights.
6. Seek Financial Education and Support: Leverage past financial challenges as motivation to seek out education and support in managing money. Whether it involves attending workshops, seeking guidance from financial professionals, or exploring online resources, use insights from past experiences to invest in your financial literacy and decision-making skills. By proactively seeking knowledge and guidance, you can strengthen your ability to navigate financial challenges and make informed money management decisions.
7. Practice Mindful Spending: Utilize insights from past overspending or impulse buying to cultivate a more mindful approach to spending. Prioritize intentional and conscious spending by being mindful of your purchases and considering their alignment with your long-term financial goals. By incorporating mindfulness into your spending habits, you can reduce wasteful expenses and make more deliberate financial decisions.
By integrating these sustainable money management strategies based on insights from the past, individuals can develop a more realistic, proactive, and effective approach to managing their finances. These strategies leverage the wisdom gained from reflecting on past behaviors and challenges, helping individuals create a more aligned and sustainable path to financial well-being.
This is all covered from beginning to end in my Financial Management Program. I am with you the entire way taking the pressure and overwhelm off of you and tapping into my expertise, skills and support to change your financial landscape for good.
The Path to Self Directed Investing
Investing is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth and achieving financial goals. While the concept of self-directed investing might seem daunting at first, taking control of your investment decisions can be empowering and rewarding. Whether you're looking to save for retirement, build wealth, or achieve other financial milestones, self-directed investing offers the flexibility and autonomy to manage your own investment portfolio.
Here are some key steps to help you begin your self-directed investment journey:
1. Education and Research
Before diving into the world of self-directed investing, it's essential to educate yourself about the fundamentals of investing. This includes understanding different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs, as well as gaining insights into investment principles, risk management, and market dynamics. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available, including online courses, books, and articles, that can help you build your knowledge and confidence.
2. Set Clear Goals
Determining your investment objectives is crucial to your success as a self-directed investor. Take the time to set clear and realistic investment goals, whether it's saving for retirement, funding a major purchase, or achieving other financial milestones. Having well-defined goals will guide your decision-making process and help you stay focused on what matters most to you.
3. Choose the Right Account
Selecting the appropriate type of investment account is a critical decision when embarking on your self-directed investment journey. Depending on your financial goals and tax situation, you may consider options such as Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), or non-registered accounts. Each account type has its own tax implications and contribution limits, so it's essential to understand the features of each before making a decision.
4. Select a Reputable Brokerage
Research and choose a reputable brokerage or investment platform that offers a self-directed investing option. Consider factors such as trading fees, account minimums, investment options, research tools, and customer service. Many brokerages also offer demo accounts or virtual trading platforms that allow you to practice without risking real money, which can be beneficial for beginners.
5. Develop an Investment Strategy
Formulating a clear investment strategy is paramount to your success as a self-directed investor. Define your investment strategy based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives. Will you focus on individual stocks, index funds, ETFs, or a combination of investment products? Having a clear strategy will help you make informed investment decisions that align with your goals and risk tolerance.
6. Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversification is a key principle in managing risk within your investment portfolio. By spreading your investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your overall portfolio. Diversification can help smooth out investment returns over time and lower the risk of significant losses from any single investment.
7. Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly reviewing your investments and making adjustments as needed is crucial to ensure they remain aligned with your investment strategy and risk tolerance. Rebalancing your portfolio may involve selling investments that have performed well and reallocating funds to areas that have underperformed, maintaining your desired asset allocation. This ongoing management can help ensure that your portfolio stays in line with your investment objectives.
8. Stay Informed
Staying informed about market trends, economic indicators, and news that may impact your investments is essential for making informed decisions. Keeping abreast of relevant information can help you adapt to changing market conditions and make adjustments to your investment strategy as needed.
In conclusion, self-directed investing requires time, research, and ongoing management. It's essential to continuously educate yourself, stay disciplined, and seek advice from financial professionals when needed. If you're a woman who seeks to take control of your financial future through self-directed investing, know that you are not alone. I am passionate about helping women like you navigate the world of investing and embrace financial independence. Whether you are just starting or looking to enhance your investment knowledge, I'm here to support and guide you on this empowering journey. Don't hesitate to reach out
Navigating Key Financial Milestones: When to Seek Guidance from a Financial Advisor
It’s always advantageous to hire a Financial Advisor, but here are a few key life events you need to pay close attention to;
1. Marriage or Divorce: Hiring a Financial Advisor can be highly advantageous during marriage or divorce. Advisors can help you navigate the financial implications of these significant life changes, such as combining or separating assets, adjusting insurance coverage, and developing a new financial plan. We also provide valuable insights into tax implications, estate planning and retirement savings. During challenging times, we serve as a reliable source of support, helping you navigate through uncertainties while providing essential advice and consideration for your financial aspirations and goals. The right Advisor will help you stay on track and make informed decisions by offering valuable insights tailored to your unique circumstances. With their professional guidance, you can maintain a steady financial course, even during difficult periods in life.
2. Starting a Family: When you are planning to start a family, we play a crucial role in helping you prepare financially for the journey ahead. We can assist with budgeting for pregnancy, maternity leave and childcare expenses, ensuring you are well-prepared for the associated costs. Moreover, we will also guide you in setting up education savings plans for your children’s future education, helping you navigate through various options and make informed investment decisions. We also help you reassess your insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection for your growing family, considering factors such as life insurance, health insurance, and disability insurance. By seeking the advice of a financial advisor during this significant life event, you can feel more confident and prepared as you embark on the exciting and rewarding journey of parenthood.
3. Career Transitions: Changing jobs or starting a business, often come with significant financial implications. An Advisor can provide invaluable assistance during these times of change. We can help you understand and manage the financial impact of transitioning retirement accounts, ensuring that you make informed decisions regarding your savings and investments. We can also assist in evaluating employee benefits, helping you navigate through different options and select the most suitable ones for your financial goals and circumstances. We guide you in creating a long-term financial plan that aligns with your new career path, taking into account factors such as income changes, potential business expenses, and future financial aspirations. With our expertise, you are able to navigate these career transitions with confidence.
4. Inheritance or Windfall: When you unexpectedly receive a large sum of money through inheritance, lottery winnings, or other windfalls, it's important to have a clear plan on how to manage and invest those funds wisely, and we can be immensely helpful in this situation. We provide valuable guidance on creating a comprehensive financial plan, taking into account your current financial situation and future goals, while assisting in developing an investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and helps you grow your newfound wealth over time. We can provide insights into tax considerations associated with these windfall amounts, helping you optimize your tax efficiency and minimize any potential tax liabilities.
5. Planning for Retirement: Planning for retirement is a crucial and complex process, and a Advisor can provide invaluable assistance every step of the way. As you approach retirement age, we can help you assess your current financial situation, taking into account factors such as savings, investments, and expenses. We also work with you to determine your retirement goals and aspirations, considering factors such as desired lifestyle, healthcare costs, and travel plans. With this understanding, we help you create a retirement income plan that ensures your financial needs will be met throughout your golden years. We also assist in managing your investments to align with your retirement goals and risk tolerance, and help you diversify your portfolio, rebalance when necessary, and make adjustments to help you maximize returns while minimizing risk. We also provide guidance on making important decisions related to gov’t benefits (CPP & OAS), pension options, and other retirement income sources.
There are several significant milestones in life where seeking the guidance of a financial advisor can make a world of difference. Whether you are going through career transitions, receiving a windfall, or planning for retirement, a financial advisor can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate these complex financial decisions. It is essential to find a trusted and qualified financial advisor who specializes in your specific needs. No matter the stage of life, a financial advisor brings expertise, objectivity, and tailored strategies to help you achieve financial success. Remember, it's never too early or too late to seek their guidance. So, take the first step and find a financial advisor who can assist you in achieving your financial dreams and enjoying a prosperous future.
Coping Strategies for Managing Financial Stress
Financial stress is a common issue faced by many individuals, especially during uncertain economic times or when experiencing personal financial difficulties. If left unaddressed, financial stress can take a toll on mental and physical well-being. In this blog post, we will explore effective coping strategies that can help manage financial stress and promote a healthier relationship with money.
1. Create a Budget:
Developing and sticking to a budget is essential for gaining control over your finances and reducing stress. Begin by assessing your income and expenses, prioritizing essential spending, and finding areas where you can cut back. A budget provides a clear picture of your financial situation and helps you make informed decisions.
2. Seek Professional Guidance:
If you're struggling with financial stress, consider consulting a financial advisor or credit counselor. These professionals can provide expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping you develop a realistic financial plan and explore options for managing debt, increasing savings, or improving your overall financial well-being.
3. Practice Mindful Spending:
Mindful spending involves being intentional and aware of your financial decisions and habits. Before making a purchase, pause and ask yourself if it aligns with your values and priorities. Assessing your needs versus wants can help curb impulsive spending and foster a more mindful approach to managing your money.
4. Build an Emergency Fund:
Having an emergency fund can provide a sense of security and reduce financial stress. Start small by setting aside a portion of your income each month and gradually work towards building three to six months' worth of expenses in savings. Having this safety net can help alleviate anxiety about unexpected expenses or income disruptions.
5. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Well-being:
Engaging in self-care practices is crucial for managing financial stress. Exercise regularly, practice healthy eating habits, get enough sleep, and take time for activities you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can improve resilience, reduce stress levels, and help you approach financial challenges with a clearer perspective.
6. Communicate Openly:
Financial stress can impact relationships, so it's important to openly communicate with your loved ones about your financial concerns and work together on finding solutions. Sharing the burden, brainstorming ideas, and providing emotional support can make the journey less overwhelming and foster a stronger support system.
7. Focus on What You Can Control:
While some financial factors may be beyond your immediate control, focusing on what you can control can empower you to take positive steps. Concentrate on building your financial knowledge, seeking opportunities for additional income, or acquiring new skills that can enhance your earning potential. Putting energy into actionable steps can help reduce feelings of helplessness.
8. Practice Gratitude:
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can shift your perspective and reduce stress. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, even if they are unrelated to your financial situation. This practice can foster a sense of abundance and contentment, helping you maintain a positive outlook during challenging times.
Managing financial stress is essential for maintaining overall well-being. By implementing coping strategies such as budgeting, seeking professional guidance, mindful spending, building an emergency fund, taking care of your well-being, open communication, focusing on what you can control, and practicing gratitude, you can alleviate stress and regain control over your financial situation. Remember, it's a journey, and small steps towards financial stability can have a positive impact on your life.
If you require support tailored to your needs I have a elite Financial Management Program where we work one on one, auditing cash inflows and outflows, creating a budget, savings plan, accountability, coaching, mindset. You name it; I’ve got you covered! Reach out today under the contact tab and id be happy to set up a meet and greet!
Part of my Money Story! The shame, the guilt and the debt that kept me feeling heavy
I’ve been broke, visiting the food bank to feed my kids after my divorce broke! Sitting on 30k lawyer debt and other variable debt to get through with no end in sight, ordered to pay support and offset child support kills a girls’ finances! I was a mess emotionally and drowning in financial obligations and stress as a newly single mom!
ANNNND, I’ve also painstakingly crawled out of that debt with determination and focus to get out! It was either that or bankruptcy, which I wanted to avoid at all costs. It was absolutely hell and an uphill battle. I’ve owed the gov’t thousands of dollars in the past, I’ve lost out on many, many tax benefits as the support I paid showed the courts our children were “dependent” on my ex. Go figure! Equivalent to spouse, and child deductions are a real bonus when it comes to tax time as I swiftly found out!
I’ve researched for hours on many different occasions to utilize financial support, subsidy, grants, scholarships, anything that could help take the pressure off during different phases of my life. And, I also hid in shame as I fought for my kids and myself.
In my journey I’ve had a 800+ credit score, and I’ve had a 600 credit score and everything in between. I’ve made 15k, and I’ve made 6 figures. I’ve been 60k in debt and I’ve been zero in debt. I’ve had a positive money mindset, and a negative money mindset.
You see, our money story and our financial path is never linear. We don’t talk about this enough, and it needs to be given a voice, it needs to be given the chance for others to say me too 🙋🏻♀️ I’m struggling and I need help! Our worth does not sit in our bank account! We carry so much shame and guilt for the situation we’ve put ourselves in or the one we ended up in that we keep it in hiding and ultimately in the toxic and vicious cycle.
Brene Brown says “shame needs three things to grow; secrecy, silence and judgment.” Shame grows when it’s not given a voice.
You know the easiest fix? To talk about it. To ask for help. Opening up and discussing our struggles, fears, and vulnerabilities can be incredibly powerful and transformative.
It allows us to release the burden we’ve been carrying, gain new perspectives, and develop solutions. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, rather a demonstration of strength and self-awareness. Buy reaching out to others, We invite support, guidance and opportunity to grow stronger. We are not defined solely by our financial stories or the stories we tell ourselves; there is so much more to each of us. Sharing stories allows us to challenge are shame and embrace our inherent worth.
Observing the Cyclical Swings: A Journey through Mortgage Rates
Reflecting on my experience joining the finance industry back in 2003, I find myself marveling at the cyclical nature of mortgage rates. The years that followed brought about significant fluctuations, as mortgage rates started higher, plunged to historic lows, and have now come full circle, hovering where they were almost two decades ago. In this post, I will take you on a journey, exploring the shifts and swings in mortgage rates throughout the years and the Covid-19 era that has brought us full circle.
1. Beginning in 2003: Higher Mortgage Rates
As I embarked on my career in the finance industry, I recall a time when mortgage rates were slightly higher compared to present. These rates were influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, inflation rates, and the demand for housing. Prospective homeowners faced higher borrowing costs, making mortgage approvals challenging for many. It was a period where affordability was impacted, and the housing market demanded more from aspiring homeowners. However, little did we know that winds of change were stirring...
2. The Financial Crisis and the Reversal:
The year 2008/2009 brought forth the global financial crisis, and with it, an unforeseen turn of events for mortgage rates after hitting the peak. Central banks and governments implemented measures to stabilize the markets, resulting in a reversal of the cycle. Mortgage rates began to plummet, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for homeownership throughout the following years. The monetary policy changes brought relief to both aspiring homeowners and existing mortgage-holders, spurring an upswing in the market.
3. The Record-Breaking Lows:
The years following the global financial crisis, mortgage rates experienced a sustained period of reaching record-breaking lows. This offered a unique opportunity for affordability in the real estate market. There was a palpable atmosphere of optimism as the effects of the crisis gradually faded, and people began to regain confidence in the economy and housing sector. The low rates acted as a catalyst, stimulating activity in the housing market and encouraging individuals to take advantage of the favorable conditions. People genuinely believed they had entered an era of historically low rates, with dreams of refinancing, purchasing homes, and building their wealth. It seemed the pendulum had swung as far as it could go, but as always, change was inevitable…
4. The COVID-19 Era and the Unforeseen Impact:
As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortgage market experienced unexpected turbulence. Governments implemented lockdowns and restrictions, sending shockwaves through various industries, including real estate. In response, central banks and governments again intervened to stabilize the economy. Mortgage rates plummeted to record-breaking lows as a means of stimulating the housing market and encouraging economic recovery. These historic lows in mortgage rates during the COVID-19 era presented unique opportunities for potential homebuyers, existing homeowners looking to refinance, and real estate investors. Many individuals seized the moment, taking advantage of the affordability and favorable lending conditions. And, once again, change is inevitable…
5. Coming Full Circle in Uncertain Times:
Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves on the brink of a renewed cycle. As the world grapples with economic uncertainties and market forces shift, mortgage rates have begun to rise steadily. The gradual climb, while still relatively low compared to the past, has brought rates to levels that closely resemble those of 2003. The cyclical nature of mortgage rates remains a consistent backdrop to unpredictable world events and has taught us that no phase lasts forever, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for change. As we navigate the continuing effects of the pandemic and its economic fallout, it is important to remain vigilant about the potential for future rate changes and their impact on our financial decisions.
Conclusion:
Embarking on my journey in the industry has offered a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of mortgage rates. Observing the ebb and flow of rates over the years, from higher levels to groundbreaking lows and now returning to where we started, encourages a clearer understanding of the larger economic patterns at play. As we navigate the current landscape, it is imperative to recognize that mortgage rates will continue to evolve, reminding us to remain adaptable and well-informed throughout the ever-changing cycles.