Category: Money

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
Cash is Queen with Natalie Levy (Ep. 79)

Cash is Queen with Natalie Levy (Ep. 79)

By |

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.


Connect with Christine Luken:

 

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.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

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

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

By |

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.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
My Money, Your Money, Our Money (Ep. 76)

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

By |

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.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS
Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

By |

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.

 

Connect with Christine:

 

Connect with Dr. Joaquin Wallace:

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

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

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

By |

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

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

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

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

By |

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.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
IP for the Heart Centered Entrepreneur (Ep. 72)

IP for the Heart Centered Entrepreneur (Ep. 72)

By |

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with guest Shannon Villalba, founder of Heartsong Legal and a true innovator in the world of trademarks, copyright, and business strategy. Shannon isn’t your typical IP attorney, she’s a digital artist, a legal strategist, and someone who truly understands what it means to build a business with both ambition and purpose.

Shannon shares her journey from working with major entertainment brands to helping entrepreneurs protect the very ideas and methods that make them unique. You’ll learn the key differences between trademarks and copyrights, the common IP pitfalls that even smart business owners miss, and practical tips for turning your intellectual assets into long-term business value.

 

Christine and Shannon discuss:

  • What Shannon learned about branding and business development from working with artists such as Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.
  • The difference between trademarks and copyright.
  • Common IP mistakes heart-centered entrepreneurs make.
  • How protecting your intellectual property impacts the owner’s emotional well-being.
  • How having a trademark stopped a multi-million dollar insurance company from registering “financial dignity”.
  • The right time to consult an IP attorney and why waiting could cost you more than you think.

Resources:

Connect with Christine:

 

Connect with Shannon Villalba:

 

About Shannon Villalba:

Shannon Villalba, JD LLM, is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and holistic practitioner, and is the founder of Heartsong Legal fka Villalba Law Firm, a law firm providing holistic business and legal strategies. Her holistic approach guides her clients through business and law, drawing upon her personal experiences, intuition, and signature Heartsong Chakra Framework, enabling her clients to change their legal and business strategy narratives.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS
Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

Will AI Replace Financial Coaches? (Ep. 70)

By |

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.


Resources:


Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
Creating Time Wealth with Mark Dolfini (Ep. 67)

Creating Time Wealth with Mark Dolfini (Ep. 67)

By |

On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken and Mark Dolfini discuss the concept of time wealth, emphasizing its importance for entrepreneurs. Mark shares his journey from feeling overwhelmed in his business to creating a framework that enables better time management and personal fulfillment. They delve into the Viper framework, which includes vision, infrastructure, process, execution, and reporting, providing actionable insights for business owners to reclaim their time and achieve a balanced life. The conversation also explores overcoming guilt and fear, the importance of delegation, and the benefits of building a supportive team.

Mark discusses:

  • The relationship between time wealth and financial wealth for entrepreneurs.
  • How he unintentionally created the opposite of time wealth in his business.
  • Why it is important to have a clear vision for your business and life.
  • The concept of hiding in activity or inactivity.
  • His “VIPER” method for reclaiming time.
  • The three Cs of a business vision.

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken:

 

Connect with Mark Dolfini:

 

About our Guest:

With an eclectic background spanning from his time as a U.S. Marine to various professional roles, including accounting and real estate, Mark Dolfini gathered a wealth of experience—both in successes and failures. It’s this diverse journey that uniquely qualifies him as a strategic business coach.

But, beyond qualifications, Mark’s mission has been clear—he’s here to guide individuals who are tired of being run by their businesses and instead want their businesses to serve their lives.

Strategic Boardroom was born out of this idea and strives to help business owners and leaders learn how to set clear priorities, maintain a focused vision, and implement systems that align with that vision.

We are committed to showing you that it’s possible to achieve both personal and professional success without sacrificing one for the other.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS
My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

By |

On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, explores her top three emotional money tools to help you make smarter financial decisions and grow your wealth . Christine shared why emotionally charged savings matter, how processing your emotions can help you spend less, and the power of treating yourself like your own best friend when big money choices arise. Remember, your emotions aren’t the enemy—they’re the key to more confident and successful financial planning.

Christine discusses:

  • The primitive’s brain preference for immediate reward over delayed gratification.
  • How to use both positive and negative emotions to encourage savings.
  • The myth that you can leave emotions out of money.
  • The interplay between logic and emotions work in financial decision making.
  • How to manage not eliminate emotions before making financial decisions.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS