What a beautiful gift and a way to connect with ourselves, to really be honest, and know where to look. We often say, “Okay, I want to be honest with myself,” but do we even know where to look? Do we know what to ask ourselves? I would love for you to share a little bit about how we can assess ourselves, whether it’s through the wheels or just in our own process of being honest and recognizing areas where we can improve—acknowledging where we’re not fully satisfied and where we need more support. Once we’ve done that, what would you suggest as the next step? I imagine it varies depending on which area we’re focusing on.
Yes, absolutely. Let’s start with finances since that’s where we began—really assessing where we’re at financially. Once people have done that, how do they move forward from the place of recognition? It can be overwhelming if they feel like there are a lot of areas needing improvement. What do you suggest as the next step for moving forward?
Each spoke of the Financial Health wheel in my book corresponds to one of the chapters and mindsets. Each chapter includes journal prompts and exercises based on cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness. Every chapter has its own wheel, so as people work through the program, they’ll improve both their mental and financial health. But if you don’t have the book, you can still use that wheel as a tool. One of the most important things is to access support—whether that’s a financial planner or advisor. For those with debt, I recommend Consumer Credit Counseling Service, which offers free financial literacy resources. They can help with budgeting, debt consolidation, and lowering interest rates on loans or credit cards.
It’s so important to have support and accountability. I know I personally suffered in silence with my financial issues because I felt ashamed, but most of us experience financial struggles at some point. Especially with inflation and the rising cost of living, there’s no shame in that. Get the help you deserve. Another important step is to have a system for organizing your finances. I recently downloaded the app Rocket Money, and at first, I was skeptical, but it turned out to be amazing. It alerted me to multiple Hulu subscriptions I didn’t realize I had, and I was able to cancel them. It even helped me lower some of my utility bills, saving me about $1,000 a month. It’s really rewarding to find money you didn’t realize you were spending. Apps like Mint.com or QuickBooks are also great for organizing your finances. The key is to check in with your finances regularly, whether it’s weekly or monthly, and avoid financial denial because that can be very costly.
That’s really powerful advice. We have people at all different financial levels in the audience. What would you say to someone who feels reluctant or overwhelmed when it comes to addressing their finances? How do we help them shift their mindset so that dealing with money feels less daunting and more empowering?
Oh, I completely understand. I used to be in that place myself. I would cancel meetings with my financial planner because I felt so much anxiety and embarrassment. I even felt like I was going to have a panic attack. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to relax, that my feelings were normal and temporary, and that help was available and effective. It’s important not to define our worth by our bank account. Our worth is innate and internal, and we are all deserving of financial prosperity. Once you know that, you can stop playing the blame game—whether blaming yourself, your parents, or the economy—and start empowering yourself financially.
It takes courage, and it’s uncomfortable, but it’s similar to stepping on a scale. We may not like what we see, but it’s important to know so that we can make improvements. Support and accountability are key. Find a friend who also wants to work on their finances and check in regularly. This can make a huge difference. I’m currently using the Noom program for healthier eating, and doing it with a friend has helped keep us both accountable. We laugh together, support each other, and it normalizes the process.
Exactly, and no matter which aspect of life we’re focusing on—whether it’s finances, health, or relationships—getting support is one of the most important steps. Accountability exponentially increases willpower. When you add connection and accountability to your efforts, it becomes more fun and easier. Especially for entrepreneurs or those who are their own bosses, accountability to someone outside of ourselves is crucial. It keeps us moving forward with our goals.
Yes! Accountability opens up so much energy. Whether it’s discussing finances with a friend or reading a book like Think and Grow Rich together, those conversations help us get honest about where we are and where we want to be. It makes the process less daunting and more empowering.
Absolutely, and I love what you said about normalizing those conversations. When we share with others, it validates our experiences, and we can exchange insights that help us grow. It’s also true that many people—especially women—avoid dealing with money, and we want to shift that to money vigilance, which is a healthier approach. It’s about having support and accountability, and even giving your financial life a name can help you take it more seriously. For example, in my 30s, my financial life would’ve been named “Penny,” and she was depleted and on life support. Now, I think of my financial life as “Prosperity,” and I take it seriously because it reflects my own well-being and helps me support my children.
Yes, that shift in how we relate to our finances is so important. It’s about recognizing that tending to our finances is a form of self-care. When I made that connection, it transformed how I approached my financial meetings. It became less stressful and more exciting.
Exactly. Some people think overspending is a form of self-care, but if we can’t afford it, it’s actually self-harm. There’s a strange phenomenon where, when we’re financially stressed, we tend to overspend, which doesn’t make sense, but it’s a coping mechanism that gives a false sense of control. Accountability helps keep us honest and treat ourselves within our means. It’s about becoming our own loving parent and ensuring we have savings, investments, and the financial health to support our future.
Another key is financial literacy. Books like You Are a Badass at Making Money or Louise Hay’s Receiving Prosperity can be life-changing. I remember listening to Hay’s audio book when I thought I was going to file for bankruptcy, and she had me visualize the amount of money I wanted to receive. I said two million dollars, and shortly after, my CPA told me that my business, despite my debt, was worth exactly two million dollars. It was incredible.
Yes, there’s such power in combining mindset with practical action. It’s not just about thinking, “I want two million dollars,” but also taking the necessary steps to get there.
Exactly! You have to align your actions with that mindset. I love applying mindfulness to money, and practices like meditation and yoga have helped me transform my financial life. It’s about building both mental and financial resilience, the ability to bounce back and thrive through challenges.
That’s so beautiful. Thank you, Joyce, for sharing your wisdom and insights today. This has been such an important and empowering conversation. Everyone, don’t forget to download the wheels and resources shared here. Thank you again, Joyce.
Thank you, Charlene. I’ve loved being here today.
