Money & Mental Health with Kelly and Amanda
Welcome to another episode of Financially Naked: Stories from the Financial Gym with our host, Kelly, Certified Financial Trainer, and guest, Amanda Clayman, a licensed therapist and host of the Emotional Inve$tment Podcast. Today, they explore the intersection of money and mental health. Amanda shares her story of overcoming shame and financial challenges, offering insights into the transformative power of honesty and vulnerability.
Kelly and Amanda discuss the roots of impulsive spending, the importance of purposeful decision-making, and the links between financial goals and emotional well-being. Drawing from Amanda's expertise and real-life experiences, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with money and how they can be more mindful while on their financial journey.
Podcast Notes
Amanda's Journey: Confronting Shame and Building Resilience
Amanda shares her story, recounting her early experience moving to New York from the Midwest at a young age. She found herself in a cycle of debt and was ashamed and scared because she didn't know what to do.
With her mom's help, Amanda broke through the silence of shame and discovered the power of honesty and connection. She learned to approach budgeting as a tool for self-care and empowerment.
Through that vulnerability with her mom, Amanda found relief and could move forward. This moment inspired her to pursue a career centered on helping others address the emotional aspects of money.
Once Amanda started telling her friends about her budgeting experience, she was met with positivity and relief. Shame is a powerful emotion that can keep you stuck, and even talking about it is a powerful step.
Understanding Impulsive Spending and Intentional Decision-Making
All financial behavior is rooted in meeting emotional or physical needs. Impulsive spending is a temporary solution to feelings that you may have at the moment. You may not even realize what is happening.
As humans, we make thousands of decisions each day. It's important to be mindful, pause, and understand your needs. This can help you understand those needs and embrace more purposeful spending.
When your budget is used to help you reach your goals and live in alignment with your values, you can move forward with confidence rather than restriction. This can encourage a healthy relationship with money.
Money is emotional, and working on your financial health will be an emotional journey. You may feel some resistance, but that's okay! Being intentional will help ground you in those moments.
Integrating Financial and Emotional Wellness
Recognizing the relationship between financial goals and emotional baggage is essential for holistic financial planning. If you try to pay down debt without addressing the underlying emotions, your plan may not be effective.
This process is about being open rather than judging ourselves. It's natural to want to avoid money altogether if it makes you uncomfortable, but while that will provide temporary relief, it's not sustainable for the long term.
If a budget is a tool of no, it is in our nature to rebel. Finding a balance between taking care of yourself now and working towards your overall financial health goals is important. This is the first lesson Amanda learned with her mom
Being intentional about your financial decisions is a sign of maturity and growth. When you're able to slow down, you can lead a more directional and purposeful financial life.
The Emotional Inve$tment Podcast
Amanda has always been curious about how other people live their lives. This podcast explores the intricate connections between money and emotions.
Listening to The Emotional Inve$tment Podcast is like being a fly on the wall of a financial therapy session. You can hear the complexity of a real couple's financial lives.
Through human connection and storytelling, the podcast delves into themes of love, gender roles, and societal expectations surrounding finance. .
If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.
Connect with Amanda Clayman
Emotional Inve$tment is out now on Audible and is produced by Fresh Produce Media
https://www.audible.com/pd/Emotional-Investment-Audiobook/B0CYN8HKKP