The Embers We Carry

I have said it three times now in public.

The first time was on Instagram. A brief, carefully worded post. My heart was pounding when I hit publish.

The second time was in a book. Pages I wrote and rewrote and sat with and cried over before I finally let them go to print.

The third time was on a stage at a sold out summit in Calgary. Out loud. In front of a room full of people. My voice was steadier than I expected.

And now here I am saying it again. In your inbox. Still scared. Still shaking a little if I am honest.

That is what I want you to know before I tell you anything else, vulnerability does not get easy. It gets possible. And every time you choose to say the hard thing out loud, you go somewhere deeper into your own healing. Another layer. Another unravelling. Another piece of the story that gets to breathe instead of hide.

There was a season of my life when I went to the food bank to feed my daughters.

I was a finance professional. I understood money. I had sat across from clients and helped them build financial plans and investment strategies and futures that felt solid and safe.

And I needed the food bank.

I carried so much shame around that. The kind of shame that sits in your chest and makes you smaller. The kind that says I should have been better.

But here is what was actually happening:

I was going through a separation and divorce before I was even 30. My oldest daughter was 4, and my youngest wasn’t even 2. I had legal bills that climbed into the tens of thousands of dollars. Court hearings that stripped away what it was to be a Mother. I had stacked debt. I had two little girls depending entirely on me, and no support. I had a mortgage and bills and a life that needed to keep functioning while everything underneath it was falling apart. I split myself in two, the professional, who had it all together and the mother who was breaking in silence.

I was not reckless. I was not irresponsible. I was a woman doing the best she could with what she had while the ground kept shifting beneath her feet.

I wore survival like armor, giving the illusion that nothing was slipping.

That is not a failure. It took me years to understand that.

Writing it to be published changed something.

I have always been a writer. It has always been cathartic the way I can string words together. Words on a page have held me through things I could not say out loud.

I met a woman at a business conference a couple of years ago, we sat together, we connected. She is truly a beautiful soul. I learned about a collaborative book project she was creating, a collection of true stories about resilience, rebuilding, grief, love, survival, becoming, something in me said yes before my fear could say no.

Her heart is one of the purest I have encountered in business, and I trusted her. When she told me what she was building I knew immediately that my story belonged in it.

What I did not expect was how relieving, terrifying and challenging writing to be published would actually be.

I sat with the edges of grief that I’ve held for over a decade. I revisited moments that tore my soul in half, moments that changed me from the inside out. I wrote about moments I had never spoken out loud to anyone. I let the shame be visible on the page; the food bank, the survival mode, the years of holding it all together while quietly falling apart in the dark.

And somewhere in the writing, another layer of it healed.

That is what telling the truth does. It does not just help the person reading it. It finishes something in the person writing it.

The chapter is called The Embers We Carry.

And somehow — this still moves me — that title became the title of the entire book.

The Embers We Carry is a collection of stories about the small things that keep us going when life asks more of us than we thought we could carry. It is honest and raw and real in the way that only true stories can be.

I am so proud to be part of it.

I have shared pieces of this journey on Instagram, in this newsletter, from a stage, and now in print. And every single time it still feels vulnerable. Every single time there is a part of me that wants to pull back and say, is this too much?

Is this oversharing? Will people think less of me?

And then I think about the woman reading this who is in the middle of her own hard season right now. Carrying shame she does not deserve. Telling herself she should know better. Doing it alone because she does not think anyone would understand.

I keep telling this story for her.

I keep telling the story for little Kim who hid in the dark when really she needed love and to be seen.

The most dangerous thing about shame is the silence it demands.

And the most powerful thing we can do is refuse to be silent.

Thank-you for reading my heart if you’ve got this far.

If you want a copy of The Embers We Carry:

You can order it here → The Embers We Carry

If you are local to Lethbridge and would love a personal copy delivered by me, just reply to this email. I would genuinely love that!!

If this landed for you, if something in your chest loosened a little reading it, if you feel that you could use some vulnerability, honesty and being seen by women in community, com find me in the Money Room. That is exactly the kind of conversation we have in there. The real ones. The ones that heal something.

Come be part of something being built with intention.

Join the Money Room as a Founding Member

With love and a little bit of courage,

Kimberly

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Kim Manning is a financial advisor, Trauma of Money certified practitioner, the founder of Wealth Inside Out, and creator of The Money Room. She works with women at the intersection of emotional patterns and financial strategy, because real wealth is built from the inside out.

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

• Listen to my podcast here

• Download my new Wealth Empowerment Guide here 

• Join me on IG: here

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

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