Overcoming Emotional Clutter

This week, let’s explore the connection between politics, interpersonal relationships, and your financial wellness.

Let’s talk clutter - now that many of us are indoors more.

  1. Overcoming Clutter.

    We might find ourselves shopping, decorating for the holidays earlier, overeating, and taking up new hobbies to distract ourselves from the constant political and media stress. All of this might be good—it usually is fantastic—or it might be the beginning of hoarding.

    At the same time, cleaning, clearing, and organization can be signs of healing.

    If you feel clutter is taking over and want to get a handle on it, Read More…

2. Books I’m reading this week  for enjoyment

FORGIVING

I am revisiting this book this weekend. A decade ago, when Colin Tipping was alive, I completed a year-long certification; I went to Atlanta to spend some time with him 1:1, and it was probably one of the most healing experiences of my life. This is coming from someone who owned a yoga studio, held and also went on many retreats, and has had numerous variations of healing. I have never met a man as kind as Colin. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to forgive themselves or others.

ANXIETY + EXPRESSION

This is a “do” more than a “read” but quite enjoyable. Art has a therapeutic effect on both emotional and financial anxiety. It serves as a way to understand ourselves more deeply.

I purchased this and found it eclectic, not too “heavy,” and an excellent low-obligation workbook. I keep mine in the living room, so when I sit with my tea, I can grab a pen and either doodle or create my next masterpiece, depending on my mood. Learn more here.

FICTION| Escape & Life Comparison

Are you a giver? Do you feel unappreciated? This is for you.

I began this spectacular book recently. I have Kindle Unlimited and think it was free at the time—I hope it still is. It’s about daring to challenge the status quo with curiosity, courage, and balancing obligations already set in place, told through the story of a bee—not the almighty queen but worker 717, who feels quite taken for granted and faceless. Learn more here.

  1. 📝 On-Demand Webinar

I created a webinar to help you understand what is holding you back financially. This isn’t about saving money in an envelope or using the avalanche method to knock out bills; this is about having true peace and peace with your partner if you can’t see eye to eye or have inner or interpersonal conflicts surrounding money. Learn more here.

  1. 🎧 Podcast: Politics, friends, family, gig economy, and more

Join me as we discuss how politics, social media, friends, family, and headlines might alter your mental health this week. DISCLAIMER - if you need a break from politics, ditch this set of podcasts! We are now M-F with the podcast, so you have a few to choose from. Listen Now 

PS I AM LOOKING FOR PODCAST GUESTS IN ACADEMIA, PSYCHOLOGY, FINANCE, and LIFESTYLE (or other ideas?) Hit reply and let me know if you’d like to be on the podcast.

---

5. Financial Therapy Tip of the Week 

💡 Financial Therapy Tip: 

Do you know your risk tolerance?

Know Your Personal Risk Tolerance

(Even if You're Married or in a Partnership)

It's common for couples to make financial decisions together, but each person has a unique level of comfort with financial risk.

Take time to understand your personal risk tolerance by considering questions like:

  • How do you feel about debt versus cash?

  • Are you comfortable investing in high-risk/high-reward opportunities or prefer stability?

  • Clarifying your limits helps you avoid feeling pushed into financial decisions that cause stress or resentment, even in shared finances.

  • Ultimately, it also allows for healthier communication with your partner about risk, boundaries, and financial comfort zones.

Risk tolerance refers to how much risk you’re comfortable taking with your investments. It’s a mix of three things:

  1. Your Goals: What are you investing for? Is it something big and far off, like retirement, or shorter-term, like buying a house? The closer you need your money, the less risk you might want to take.

  2. Timeframe: If you have a long time before you need the money, you might feel okay with a bit more risk, knowing you have time to ride out any dips in the market. If you need the money sooner, you might want something more stable.

  3. Personal Comfort Level: How do you feel about risk? If the idea of seeing your investments go up and down gives you anxiety, a conservative approach might be best. You might be comfortable with more aggressive investments if you don’t mind a little volatility.

By thinking through these factors, you can understand your risk tolerance and make choices that fit your goals and comfort level.

If you’d like to learn how I can create a free webinar- let me know by hitting reply.

6. Of Interest

📅 Upcoming Workshop: Money Perceptions and Alterations through The Ages

I hold This workshop for licensed professionals nationally through a CE organization. Hit reply if you’d like information. (The workshop is in January).

---

7. Money Mindfulness of the Week

Healing your relationship with money is like learning to listen to your heartbeat—steady, supportive, and always there for you. When you treat money as a trusted companion, it flows with ease.- The Finance Therapist

When you share the newsletter, you earn rewards. 

  • Financial Boundaries PDF

  • DIY Home Retreat

  • Couples Date Night Ideas (appropriate for friends or families as well)

Yours,

Michele|The Finance Therapist