Money is often a taboo topic that causes stress and anxiety. In this episode, Maggie Klokkenga, a financial coach who helps people improve their relationship with money, explains that our habits around money often stem from childhood and the messages we internalize from our parents. These "money scripts" continue to influence how we think and act with finances unconsciously. She discusses techniques to rewrite those money scripts and make more conscious, values-aligned choices about spending and saving.

Maggie Klokkenga is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CPA, AFC®, and the founder of Make a Money Mindshift, a financial coaching firm in central Illinois. Maggie has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years, and she teaches that once you discover your WHY, you can adjust your mindset and change your HOWs to achieve your WHATs.

[00:01 - 09:19] Why Money Remains a Taboo Topic

• Societal attitudes that discourage open conversations about money often root back to childhood
• The familiar discomfort when discussing income and finances even with family members
• Money scripts learned from parents continue influencing our financial behaviors unconsciously

[09:20 - 21:44] Techniques for Rewriting Money Mindsets

• Maggie uses "Money Script Thought Ladders" to help shift limiting mindsets gradually
• This model triggers awareness of emotional charges and physical reactions related to money talk
• Practice pauses and breathing, grounding skills to reduce anxiety in money contexts

[21:45 - 29:58] Current Pain Points Around Personal Finance

• High-interest debt from credit cards charging 25-30% is distressingly common
• The re-emergence of federal student loan repayments after the pandemic pause is a rude awakening
• Lack of basic financial literacy education feeds confusion and erodes confidence

[29:59 - 39:23] Coaching Women in Financial Transition

• Listening without judgment, letting them process emotions and "word vomit" initially
• Tackling logistical money issues first before examining feelings more deeply
• Avoiding analysis paralysis by celebrating tiny money victories consistently

Key Quote:

"It's so uncomfortable for our brains to make change. Our brains want us to stay safe... Until something almost thrusts us into a new experience." - Maggie Klokkenga

Connect with Maggie Klokkenga!

Website: https://makeamoneymindshift.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-klokkenga-cpa-cfp/ 

This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.

Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/

Connect with me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)

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