Category: Finances

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Money Tips from Old Married Couples (Ep. 81)

Money Tips from Old Married Couples (Ep. 81)

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This episode is all about real talk and practical wisdom. Christine Luken gathers stories and tips from “old married couples” who’ve weathered economic ups and downs together so you don’t have to figure everything out the hard way. Learn how honest conversations, clear systems, and value-driven decisions can bring your financial life into alignment, whether you’re running a busy practice or managing your household finances.

Christine discusses:

  • The importance of transparent money conversations (hint: silence is not golden).
  • How financial systems can reduce friction and free up your mental energy.
  • Why financial intimacy requires emotional vulnerability.
  • Balancing your “provider” and “pleasure” money without the guilt.
  • Why there’s no one-size-fits-all for couples’ finances and how to find out what works for you.

Whether you and your partner tackle bill pay together or separately, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can start using right away to bolster both your bank accounts and your relationship.

 

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Why You’re Not Manifesting What You Want (Ep. 80)

Why You’re Not Manifesting What You Want (Ep. 80)

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On this episode, host Christine Luken challenges the tired “think positive and money will follow” narrative and offers actionable steps tailored for business owners in high-stakes fields. She introduces the concept of the emotional vibration scale which is a scientifically grounded approach that reframes how you show up for your business, your money, and your goals.

You’ll learn why forcing optimism or “delusional affirmations” can backfire, especially when you’re navigating real stress, financial setbacks, or growth plateaus. Instead, Christine walks you through practical tools (like bridge mantras and feel-good rituals) that restore emotional stability, so you can make sound decisions, attract ideal clients, and avoid burning out.

Most importantly, she underscores the importance of not touching key money decisions when you’re stressed or triggered because emotional clarity is as vital as financial certainty.

Christine discusses:

  • Why manifestation advice often backfires.
  • Why some affirmations don’t work.
  • How to raise your emotional vibration.
  • Using “bridge mantras” to shift out of stress, self-doubt and burnout.
  • Low vs. high energy vibration emotions and their impact on manifestations.

 

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Cash is Queen with Natalie Levy (Ep. 79)

Cash is Queen with Natalie Levy (Ep. 79)

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On this powerful of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Natalie Levy, founder of She’s Independent, to explore how women can step into greater financial influence and dignity through the world of angel investing. You’ll hear Natalie’s journey from engineer and Wall Street trader to successful investor and community builder, and discover why you don’t need to be a celebrity or an ultra-wealthy insider to make a meaningful impact with your investments.

Together, they unpack common myths about angel investing, discuss the emotional patterns that hold women back, and demystify what it means to be an accredited investor. Whether you’re curious about building wealth, seeking to learn about alternative investments, or looking for practical steps to grow your confidence as an investor, this conversation is packed with actionable insights tailored for ambitious law firm owners and professionals alike.

 

Christine and Natalie discuss:

  • Transitioning from engineer and wall street trader to investor and community leader.
  • A brief introduction to angel investing.
  • How to align investments with your values.
  • Why women need to unlearn certain beliefs about money and power.
  • The importance of being mindfully selfish and prioritizing personal goals.
  • Why ownership matters for women.


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Connect with Natalie Levy:

 

About Natalie Levy:

Natalie Levy is the Founder of She’s Independent, a women-first investment group offering an entirely new way to support women’s financial independence and influence through investing and board placements. As a member-led investment group, She’s Independent marries empowerment and action, with the ultimate mission of closing the power gap in investing by getting more women on the cap table, in the boardroom, and into positions of influence. Over the next 12 months, She’s Independent plans to deploy over $2M of capital collectively, and has invested in 13 deals since its formation in 2022.

An accomplished engineer turned Wall Street derivatives trader, investor, and advisor, Natalie has over a decade of tech operational experience, a portfolio of 30+ seed through later stage private investments, and has experienced liquidity events across 3 of the first 4 investments in her growth technology portfolio with an average return >20X.

She resides in Boulder, CO with her loving rescue pup Beans and is passionate about gender equity and mental health awareness.

 

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How To Not Spoil Your Kids With Money (Ep. 78)

How To Not Spoil Your Kids With Money (Ep. 78)

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As your income grows, so does the temptation to make life easier for your kids. But giving them financial abundance without the foundation of good money habits can backfire leading to entitled attitudes or future money struggles. Christine Luken gets real about fostering financial responsibility, gratitude, and independence in your children even when you can afford to say “yes” more often than “no.”

Christine discusses:

  • How to teach kids the mechanics of money without boring lectures.
  • Why shared experiences matter more than pricey gadgets?
  • Why money should not be used as a tool to control children’s choices?
  • Financial activities you can involve your children or relatives in.
  • How to strike a balance between providing financial support to your children and ensuring they develop financial independence.

 

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My Money, Your Money, Our Money (Ep. 76)

My Money, Your Money, Our Money (Ep. 76)

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Are you and your spouse on the same page about money or do finances spark more stress than unity? On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken dives deep into the “separate vs. joint accounts” debate, challenging money myths and sharing strategies every married couple should know.

Christine discusses:

  • Why separate accounts don’t equal secrecy.
  • How to build trust and prevent money fights.
  • Smart money moves for blended families.
  • Why secret bank accounts or debt is a red flag.
  • How to protect personal and business assets with smart estate planning.
  • Timely strategies for financial healing after experiencing financial abuse.

 

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Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

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On this episode of the podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Dr. Joaquin Wallace, a leading voice in generational wealth psychology and behavioral finance. They tackle the “why” behind our money habits, how inherited beliefs play into the way we run our businesses (and our lives), and most importantly how you can re-write your own financial story for good.

Dr. Wallace’s down-to-earth wisdom goes beyond budget spreadsheets, delving deep into what holds high-achievers back and how to finally create a financial legacy that endures.

Joaquin discusses:

  • Why you need to understand your financial genetic code?
  • How to break free from financial shame.
  • The emotional drivers behind our financial decisions.
  • The 7-stage wealth model for your family’s future.
  • Why emotional honesty is the secret to financial growth.

 

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About our Guest:

Dr. Joaquin Wallace is a nationally recognized financial planner, Amazon best-selling author, and visionary speaker dedicated to bridging financial empowerment, leadership, and community transformation. His latest book, Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge—a transformative guide that redefines how we think about money and legacy—achieved Amazon Best Seller status and is empowering underserved and marginalized communities to build lasting prosperity.

Drawing on his personal journey, Dr. Wallace delivers dynamic and relatable keynote presentations on leadership, coaching, personal motivation, and generational wealth strategies. His message isn’t just about finance; it’s about helping people understand their “Financial Genetic Code” to make better choices and build a legacy.

Driven by a passion for creating pathways to opportunity, Dr. Wallace founded Project Transition, Inc., a groundbreaking welfare-to-work program. This initiative has empowered over 1,000 participants in Alameda County to transition into competitive careers, helping them break cycles of poverty and build sustainable futures. His impact extends far beyond program design—he equips individuals with the mindset, tools, and access they need for success.

Recognized among the most influential African Americans of the 21st century by Contemporary Black Biography, Dr. Wallace’s accolades include:

  • Amazon Best Seller – Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge®
  • Oakland Chamber of Commerce Community-Based Nonprofit of the Year
  • Wells Fargo Living History Makers Award
  • Recommendations for prestigious fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation

With every stage appearance, Dr. Wallace inspires audiences to see that Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge and that actual change happens when knowledge, opportunity, and action align.

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Rein In Emotional Spending for the Holidays (Ep. 74)

Rein In Emotional Spending for the Holidays (Ep. 74)

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On this episode, host Christine Luken discusses the challenges of emotional spending during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of awareness and strategies to manage finances while navigating complex emotions.

Christine gets to the heart of why we overspend, how to recognize emotional triggers, and—most importantly—actionable ways to enjoy the holidays without regret. Drawing from her own experiences and her book, “Money is Emotional,” she shares how we can navigate seasonal financial stress with confidence and clarity.

 

Christine discusses:

  • Why it is important to acknowledge emotional spending.
  • How to set boundaries and say “No” with confidence.
  • Why spending can’t fill an emotional void
  • How loneliness, guilt and pressure impact spending decisions.
  • Why finding joy in giving doesn’t have to mean overspending.
  • How to gamify your holiday spending

 

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5 Ways to Be a Conscious Capitalist (Ep. 73)

5 Ways to Be a Conscious Capitalist (Ep. 73)

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On this episode, Christine Luken breaks down the concept of “conscious capitalism” which is a way of doing business that’s about more than just profit. It’s about paying people well, choosing vendors with values, and using your financial power to uplift others (including Mother Earth).

Christine shares stories from her own journey and offers actionable steps any you can take, whether you’re hiring staff, picking suppliers, or deciding where to spend and give. Imagine leading your firm with both confidence and compassion…and watching your influence grow.

 

Christine discusses:

  • Distinction between traditional capitalism and conscious capitalism.
  • Why “conscious capitalism” isn’t just for big corporations.
  • How to give back without sacrificing growth?
  • Benefits of buying from women and minority-owned businesses.
  • Learn how generosity and ethical decision-making can actually fuel business growth.
  • How to connect purpose with profit.
  • Small changes you can make to better protect the environment.

 

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The Dark Side of Inherited Wealth (Ep. 71)

The Dark Side of Inherited Wealth (Ep. 71)

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Maybe you’re building a family legacy, planning for succession, or suddenly find yourself grappling with the weight of a financial windfall. Whatever your story, one thing is clear: wealth isn’t just a spreadsheet, it’s deeply personal.

This episode of Money is Emotional podcast features Marina Pearson as she and host Christine Luken dig into something most financial experts shy away from: the emotional burden that can come with inheriting wealth.

Christine and Mariana discuss

  • Why inherited wealth is a burden in disguise?
  • How women can claim their sense of sovereignty when it feels like money defines them.
  • How women can stop surviving their inheritance and start living it.
  • A compassionate truth you need to hear if you have a complicated relationship with inherited wealth.
  • How family narratives and beliefs about money influence how we handle an inheritance.
  • The emotional side of wealth transitions
  • And more!

 

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Connect with Mariana Pearson

 

About Our Guest

Marina Pearson is a mother, bestselling author, podcast host, TEDx speaker, and joy coach.

She has over 15 years of experience guiding women to step into the truth of who they are — and lead from it.

She is the author of two books: Goodbye Mr Ex, an international bestseller translated into four languages, and The Joy of Being, translated into two languages.

Her message has been shared on global stages, in magazines, on ITV’s This Morning, and through my podcast The Joy of Being, which was named one of New Magazine’s Top Ten Wellbeing Podcasts alongside Russell Brand, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, and Ruby Wax.

Today, her work is devoted to freeing creative female inheritors dissolve the guilt, shame, and mistrust that wealth so often awakens — so they can lead as sovereign stewards of their money, their desires, and their lives.

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Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

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On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken tackles a timely question:
Will AI Replace Financial Coaches?

The answer might surprise you, yes and no.

Discover why a human touch remains vital in your financial journey, especially during stressful or complex situations. Christine shares personal stories, explores the limitations of AI when it comes to emotional intelligence, and highlights how technology can actually enhance your financial planning by making support more accessible, data-driven, and tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re considering adding an AI-driven resource to your advisory team or wondering what a human coach can do that an app can’t, this episode breaks down the balance.

Learn how you can combine the best of both worlds to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind.

Christine discusses:

  • Human wisdom is an irreplaceable asset.
  • AI is a powerful support tool not a substitute.
  • Why AI cannot provide genuine emotional support?.
  • How AI makes financial coaching more scalable and accessible.
  • Emma, a custom financial coaching AI that mimics her voice, wisdom and approach.


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