Financial Therapy Clinical Institute

🎁 Bought Too Much This Holiday? How to Handle Buyer’s Remorse Holiday spending can feel like a runaway sleigh—exciting in the moment, overwhelming the next morning. If you’re staring at your credit card statement thinking, What have I done? Know this: You’re not alone, and you’re not a failure. Overspending during the holidays isn’t about weakness; it’s often tied to emotions—love, guilt, obligation, or even the pressure to “make it magical.” But here’s the good news: buyer’s remorse doesn’t have to paralyze you. It can be a stepping stone to something better. 5 Steps to Move Forward (Without Shame): 1. Take a deep breath. Start with compassion for yourself. Remind yourself that one season of overspending doesn’t define your financial future. Shame keeps you stuck—curiosity moves you forward. 2. Acknowledge the emotions. What were you hoping to feel with those purchases? Joy? Connection? Generosity? Naming the emotion helps you untangle it from the spending itself. 3. Assess the damage—gently. Pull up your bank statement or credit card balance and get clear on the numbers. Knowledge is power, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. 4. Make a plan. You don’t need to pay it all off tomorrow. Set a realistic repayment timeline, adjust your next few months’ spending, and focus on progress, not perfection. 5. Learn for next time. Ask yourself: What triggered my overspending? Was it last-minute shopping? Feeling obligated to match someone else’s generosity? Knowing this can help you set boundaries or create a plan for future holidays. Bonus: Reframe the gifts you gave. Those gifts weren’t “a mistake.” They were an expression of care. Celebrate the joy they’ll bring to your loved ones while you work on building healthier financial habits. You can repair overspending without spiraling into shame. The key is to shift from guilt to growth—and to remind yourself that your financial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. #BuyersRemorse #HolidaySpending #Financialtherapy

📢 Let’s talk about money. 💰 Not the flashy, Instagram-worthy kind. Not the spreadsheets and formulas kind, either (though we love a good spreadsheet). Let’s talk about your relationship with money—because whether you love it, fear it, or avoid it like that one cousin who always asks for a loan, money touches everything in our lives. Here’s the thing: your financial life isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about your emotions, your choices, your goals, and sometimes, your baggage. That’s where we come in. At The Financial Therapy Clinical Institute, we’re here to help you feel less alone and more in control when it comes to your money. We’re not just financial planners or therapists—we’re a team who gets it. We offer: 🔷 Financial Therapy: To untangle the feelings, fears, and beliefs that shape how you handle money. 🔷 Financial Counseling: To guide you through life’s financial curveballs and help you make thoughtful decisions. 🔷  Financial Planning: To map out your goals and dreams in ways that actually feel doable. 🔷  Professional Trainings: For those who want to bring these powerful tools into their own work and communities. We’re here to normalize the messy, emotional, human side of money. To remind you that financial wellness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. So, if you’ve ever: • Felt paralyzed looking at your bank account. • Had money fights with someone you care about. • Wondered if you’re “doing it wrong” when it comes to finances. • Wanted more—more clarity, confidence, or simply more peace of mind… Let’s chat. You deserve to feel empowered and supported in your financial journey. Because here’s the truth: the way you think about money has the power to change your life. Ready to take that step? Reach out or visit : https://lnkd.in/gcqaZbsu Let’s rewrite your money story—together. 🤝 Practical. Empowering. Judgment-free. Always. #healgrowthrive #financialwellness #financialtherapy

🎄 Holiday shopping season is here! 🎁 —and let’s be real, it’s easy to get swept up... We’re scrolling through deals, treating loved ones (and ourselves), and poof—our budgets can disappear faster than we can say “one-day shipping.” It happens to the best of us. Money, like time, can feel abundant during the holidays until we’re staring at the January credit card bill wondering what exactly happened. Here’s the good news: financial wellness isn’t about 'not' spending. It’s about spending intentionally. A few ways to keep your financial peace intact this season: 1. Set your “holiday happy number”: Decide what you’re comfortable spending—and don’t let guilt or 'the season' push you past it. 2. Track it somewhere simple: A notes app, spreadsheet, or a sticky note on the fridge—awareness is the goal. 3. Remember: the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive. Thoughtful > Flashy. Financial wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—and making choices that set up the future you for success.✨ So give yourself a little grace this season. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not regretted. 💙 What are your favorite tips for keeping your wallet happy and your holidays bright? #Tistheseason #financialwellness #Financialtherapy

🛑 How to Stop Spending (When You’re Already in Debt) Debt can feel like a weight, and spending while still in debt... That’s the spiral of shame no one talks about. But here’s the truth: You’re not failing. You’re human. Debt doesn’t define your worth—it’s just data. A snapshot of your financial story, not the whole picture. If you’re stuck in the “I’ve already messed up, so why bother” loop, it’s time to pause, breathe, and rewrite that narrative. Here’s how to stop the cycle—and start climbing out: 1️⃣ Get curious, not critical. Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What’s driving this spending? Are you bored? Stressed? Lonely? Sometimes, we swipe our cards to soothe emotional needs that money was never meant to fix. 2️⃣ Leave room for joy. Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Even if you’re in debt, create a “fun fund”—yes, seriously. $10 for coffee with friends or a cheap movie rental can keep you from rebelling against your own rules later. 3️⃣ Create a new plan. Guilt can keep us stuck, but action moves us forward. Make a list of your needs: food, shelter, savings, connection, a little fun. Then, assign every dollar you have to a purpose—even if it’s just covering the basics. 4️⃣ Find healthier coping mechanisms. If spending has been your go-to stress relief, what can take its place? Walking, journaling, talking to a friend—whatever works for you, give it a try. Building new habits takes time, but you’ll get there. 5️⃣ Celebrate small wins. Paid $20 toward debt this month? That’s a win. Skipped an impulse buy? Another win. Progress doesn’t have to be flashy to count. Debt isn’t just a math problem; it’s a mindset challenge. And the good news? Mindsets can change. You’re not stuck. You’re not failing. You’re in the messy, brave process of creating something better. Ready to dig deeper into emotional spending and reclaim your financial health? #EmotionalSpending #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialTherapy

🌟 Financial Health & Honoring Your Truth: Redefining Holiday Traditions The holidays are steeped in tradition, but let’s be real—not every tradition fits every life stage, budget, or emotional bandwidth. If the idea of “going home” feels like an obligation that drains your energy or your wallet, let me offer you this gentle reminder: You have permission to honor your truth, even if it breaks the norm. Here’s the thing about “home.” It’s not just a physical place or a table filled with familiar faces—it’s where you feel safe, valued, and at peace. For some, that means family gatherings. For others, it’s a quiet weekend alone, a getaway with chosen friends, or a day spent doing absolutely nothing. Let’s normalize this: Skipping the trip home doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, a bad family member, or bad at holiday-ing. It means you’re prioritizing your needs, your finances, and your emotional well-being. Some practical ways to set boundaries: 1. Get clear on your "why": Whether it’s financial health, emotional safety, or simply needing a break, your reason is valid. Period. 2. Communicate with kindness: “I won’t be able to make it this year, but I’d love to connect with you in another way.” Offer a phone call, a Zoom hangout, or a visit on a timeline that works for you. 3. Stay grounded in your decision: Expect pushback—it’s normal when you’re challenging cultural scripts. But remember, your choice is about creating a life that feels good to you. Choosing not to “go home” is more than a logistical decision; it’s a statement that your well-being matters. It’s a powerful step in rewriting the narrative that holidays have to look a certain way. #HolidayBoundaries #FinancialWellness #FinancialTherapy

🎄 Financial Health & Holiday Boundaries: A Love Letter to Your Wallet ❤️ Ah, the holidays—the season of joy, connection, and mild financial panic. If you’ve ever stared at a gift list, calculator in hand, wondering how to afford both presents and rent this month, let me offer this: You are not alone. Let’s normalize something: It’s okay to say, “I can’t afford gifts this year.” This isn’t about “humbugging” the holidays—it’s about showing up for yourself, your financial future, and yes, your loved ones, in a way that’s real. Because, spoiler alert: Your worth isn’t measured by the size of the box under the tree. Try this: 1. Get clear: Write out what you can realistically spend this holiday season. Stick to it like it’s a VIP guest list. 2. Communicate early: Be kind but firm: “This year, I’m focusing on meaningful moments instead of material gifts. Let’s find creative ways to celebrate together!” (Bonus: your aunt might even thank you for breaking the gifting hamster wheel.) 3. Offer alternatives: Cook a family meal, host a game night, or write heartfelt cards. Time and thoughtfulness > $$$. Setting boundaries isn’t about saying “no” to others; it’s about saying “yes” to what truly matters—your well-being, your goals, and your peace of mind. Imagine a world where the holidays are less about debt and stress, and more about love and connection. #FinancialWellness #HolidayBoundaries #FinancialTherapy 

I was featured in a GOBankingRates article on potentially seeing a financial therapist this new year. Here is the meat: Seeing a financial therapist is helpful when: - You know the work you need to do is deeper than just math and numbers (hint, money is always more than numbers - You don’t like some of your financial behaviors and want to make some changes - Money causes conflict in your relationships - You avoid money, or deal with big feelings of guilt or shame (you aren’t alone here!) Point is, a financial therapist may be a big part of how you financially heal this next year. https://lnkd.in/gh4aUTsp #financialtherapy

Our final worksheet is complete! We have been putting out FREE financial therapy resources this year and this is our 6th worksheet you can get from our Resource Page. https://lnkd.in/eQTpNuCi #financialtherapy #financialwellness #boundaries

🚨 When Financial Free-Fall Hits: Strategies to Regain Control When You Stop Caring We’ve all faced moments when financial stress feels so overwhelming that it’s easier to tune out than to take action. Bills pile up, bank accounts drain, and caring about money can feel impossible. If this resonates, know you’re not alone—and there’s a path forward. Strategies to Navigate Financial Crisis: 1️⃣ Pause and Acknowledge: Take a deep breath. Avoiding the situation might feel easier, but acknowledging where you are is the first step toward change. 2️⃣ Start Small, Start Simple: Pick one thing you can control today—opening the bills, setting up a small automatic payment, or asking for help. Progress begins with a single action. 3️⃣ Prioritize Needs Over Perfection: Focus on essentials—food, shelter, transportation—before tackling debt or long-term goals. One step at a time. 4️⃣ Ask for Support: Reach out to a trusted friend, financial counselor, or a nonprofit service. There’s no shame in seeking guidance; it’s a sign of strength. 5️⃣ Give Yourself Grace: You’re human. Financial struggles don’t define you. Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend. If you’re in a financial free-fall, remember: you’re not stuck. You’re navigating a chapter, not the whole story. You’ve got the strength to rewrite it. 💬 What’s one step you’ve taken to move forward during tough times? #FinancialCrisis #MindfulMoney #FinancialTherapy 

💬 Setting Healthy Money Boundaries with Family: Protecting Relationships and Financial Wellness Talking about money with family can feel... complicated. Whether it’s requests for financial help, differing values, or holiday budgets, emotions run high when finances intersect with relationships. That’s why setting clear, compassionate boundaries around money is essential—not just for your finances, but for your peace of mind and the health of your relationships. Tips for Setting Money Boundaries with Family: Your Needs Matter! 1️⃣ Clarify Your Limits: Reflect on what you’re comfortable with, whether it’s gift spending, loaning money, or splitting bills. Boundaries start with self-awareness. 2️⃣ Communicate Early and Honestly, (Including Consequences) : Use “I” statements to express your limits clearly, kindly, but firmly. Example: “I’m prioritizing my financial goals this year, so I can’t contribute more than X.” 3️⃣ Separate Money from Emotions: Guilt, pressure, or fear of judgment can cloud decisions. Give yourself permission to say no when something doesn’t align with your values or capacity. 4️⃣ Offer Alternatives: If a financial request feels like too much, suggest other ways to contribute—like time, skills, or shared experiences. ✨ Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s an act of love for yourself and your family. Clear expectations create healthier dynamics, reducing resentment and fostering stronger connections. 📖 "Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges to healthier relationships and greater financial clarity." #FinancialBoundaries #HealthyRelationships #FinancialTherapy