"I've heard everything at this point, meaning nothing would surprise me. I've heard all sorts of versions of shame, anger, sadness, anxiety, family stories - beautiful and painful, and betrayal and embarrassment."

Our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines had a fascinating conversation with Financial Therapist Bari Tessler, founder of The Art of Money, about her unique methodology that integrates financial and emotional literacy. Bari enlightens us on the importance of understanding the connection between our mind and body, and how this knowledge can be applied to our financial well-being. You'll learn about the role of bookkeeping in developing financial intimacy, the concept of money dates to review your finances, and the benefits of breaking down money management into small, achievable goals.

Bari shares her insights on how most people have shame or other difficult emotions around money. This is rarely talked about and not yet taught in school. Stephanie, Kevin, and Bari explore how to find a money management style that works best for you and the importance of self-forgiveness when working with our money stories. Plus, they dive into the idea of inner-child work, a therapeutic technique that helps us better understand our younger selves and the decisions we have made around money.

And be sure to listen to the end where they discuss the art of managing financial decision-making anxiety and aligning your choices with your values. You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation that's sure to help you change your relationship with money and bring you a step closer to financial clarity and happiness.

Key Topics:

• Financial Therapy and Somatic Psychology (0:02:12)
• Body Check-In (0:07:11)
• Shame and Other Difficult Emotions Around Finances (0:10:14)
• Money Dates (0:17:38)
• Early Integrations of Financial Therapy and Financial Planning (0:22:05)
• Titration: Breaking Things Down into Small Steps (0:28:51)
• Titration and Self-Forgiveness (0:36:27)
• Renaming Categories and Honoring Life Transitions (0:44:23)
• Managing Financial Decision-Making Anxiety (0:50:05)

Resources:

• BariTessler.com
• The Art of Money: A Year-Long Money School with Bari Tessler
• The Art of Money (book and workbook)
• 27 Ways to Make a Money Date Your Own
• Bari Tessler on Instagram and Facebook
• Take Back Retirement Episode 32: True Confessions of Two Financial Planners

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You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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