Tag: Financial Advice

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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

 

Resources:

 

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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.

 

Resources:

 

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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.


Resources:


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My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

My Top 3 Emotional Money Tools (Ep. 66)

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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:

 

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How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

How to Not Freak Out When the Markets Go Crazy with Akash Kanojia (Ep. 65)

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On this episode of The Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Akash Kanojia, finance professor at UT Austin and a former Wall Street bond investor with over 15 years of experience at institutions like McKinsey and the Federal Reserve. Together, they tackle one of the toughest challenges for high-achieving professionals: how to keep your cool and stick to your investment plan when market volatility triggers panic, fear, and even FOMO.

Akash shares candid stories from his own investment career—including early setbacks and the lessons learned about discipline, emotional awareness, and long-term strategy. He unpacks why even the savviest professionals can fall prey to herd mentality, make impulsive decisions, or let their egos interfere with sound judgment. Christine and Akash offer clear, practical advice for staying focused on your financial goals, building robust systems, and harnessing emotional intelligence to make better decisions—especially when markets go haywire.


Christine and Akash discuss:

  • Why every market crash is an emotional story
  • The permanence of fear and panic even among professional investors.
  • The major lessons Akash learnt from his $750,000 trading loss.
  • How external opinions and sensationalist media coverage amplify investor emotions.
  • Historical cycles of FOMO.
  • Why it is important to reframe money as a tool to support not define happiness

 

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Akash Kanojia

 

About our Guest:

Akash holds a BBA degree from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a BA degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from New York University’s School of Law, where he was a Jacobson Scholar in Law & Business, and a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Akash is also a member of the New York State Bar and is a CFA charterholder.

Akash has also had roles at McKinsey & Company, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He led the stand-up, launch and day-to-day operations of the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, an emergency lending vehicle at the vanguard of the Federal Reserve’s effort to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also a key advisor to Federal Reserve Bank of New York leadership on green finance and markets. At McKinsey, he assisted financial and energy sector clients in navigating the aftermath of the 2008 crash. He managed a €30 billion sovereign fixed-income portfolio across the euro, dollar, and yen at De Nederlandsche Bank. Akash founded two companies, one in the battery space and another in the document management space, and served for 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Lineage Project, an NYC nonprofit. Akash is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at NYU’s School of Law and its Stern School of Business.

 

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Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

Money and Happiness (Ep. 64)

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On this episode of the Money is Emotional podcast, Christine Luken explores the intricate relationship between money and happiness. She emphasizes that while money can support happiness, it is not the source of it. The conversation delves into the concept of the income plateau, where happiness levels off after a certain income point. Christine encourages listeners to find joy in their current financial journey, practice mindfulness in money management, and prioritize spending on experiences and relationships over material possessions. The episode concludes with a focus on aligning spending with personal values and the intentional use of money to foster a fulfilling life.

Christine discusses:

  • The job of money is to support our happiness, not be the source of it.
  • True happiness is about peace, well-being, and contentment.
  • More money can increase happiness, but only to a point.
  • Chasing money as a source of happiness is a losing race.
  • Ignoring money leads to stress and anxiety.
  • Spending  out of alignment with your happiness.

 

Resources:

 

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Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

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On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down sits down with renowned Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor® Tania Brown to tackle the emotional rollercoaster and financial realities of leaving traditional employment and building your own business. You’ll hear about Tania’s own journey from executive life to entrepreneurship (hint: it did NOT involve riding off into the sunset on a unicorn), the common pitfalls ambitious people tend to overlook, and the step-by-step considerations you must address to put yourself—and your family—on smart financial footing.

This engaging conversation is full of candid stories, tangible processes, and practical mindset shifts to make sure your leap isn’t just brave, but also brilliantly planned.

Christine and Tania discuss:

  • The importance of setting up a clear, confident exit strategy.
  • How to manage unpredictable income after leaving a steady paycheck.
  • How to avoid common pitfalls like underpricing yourself or over-investing in business tools you don’t need.
  • The major challenges women over the age of 40 face when transitioning to self-employment.
  • Making the emotional transition from leader to entrepreneur with peace of mind.
  • Actionable steps for calculating your living and business expenses during a transition.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Tania Brown:

 

About Our Guest:

Tania Brown i]s a financial coach with over 20 years of experience, She helps corporate women build a financial bridge to the self-employed life they’ve dreamed of.

She does this by simplifying the complexities of navigating personal, business, and often overlooked mindset aspects of the transition from steady paychecks to unstable business income.

She’ll help you:

☑ Get Clarity and Direction: Move past confusion by understanding your current financial picture and assessing your personal “Quit Job” readiness with confidence.

☑ Uncover Key Blindspots: Proactively identify potential financial roadblocks or overlooked areas so you can take smart action before you make your leap.

☑ Map Your “Freedom” Date: Create a realistic financial timeline so you know exactly when you can confidently resign and begin building your self-employed life.

You won’t leave with just theory; you’ll have your personalized Blueprint—a solid starting point for making a confident transition to living life on your own terms.

Imagine this:

⋅ Waking up every morning excited to work with your clients.
⋅ Setting your own hours and creating a schedule that honors your priorities.
⋅ Building a thriving business that supports your dreams.

This is within your reach! Ready to finally take the step to live life on your own terms?

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Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

Overcoming Money Shame (Ep. 61)

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On this episode of The Money is Emotional Podcast, host Christine Luken, the acclaimed financial dignity coach, dives deep into the often uncomfortable topic of “Overcoming Money Shame.” Using insights from Brene Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart,” Christine unpacks heavy emotions like shame, guilt, and perfectionism—showing how they manifest specifically in our financial lives. She inspires us to embrace self-compassion and empathy, positioning these as the keys to break free from the shackles of money shame.

Christine discusses:

  • The difference between guilt and shame in the context of managing personal finances.
  • How to break out of money shame cycle.
  • Her personal journey of overcoming money shame.
  • How perfectionism can sabotage your future growth.
  • What she learnt from the challenges she faced in the BODi LAVA fitness program.
  • The importance of self-compassion in overcoming money shape and achieving financial dignity.

 

Resources:

 

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Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

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Can a life filled with adversity be transformed into empowering success?

On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken is joined by special guest Patrina Wisdom, the founder of Pure Abundance, Inc.

Together, they explore Patrina’s framework for redefining success and achieving a life filled with joy and financial independence.
Patrina shares her remarkable journey from being widowed at 35 to becoming a guiding force for women seeking financial independence and personal empowerment.

Gain some insight as Patrina shares:

  • The tragic event that altered the course of her life.
  • Her emotional journey towards financial mastery.
  • How vulnerability can be your strength.
  • How to master your money mindset.
  • The benefits of adopting a collaborative approach in running her business.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Connect with Patrina Wisdom:

 

About Our Guest:

Patrina Wisdom is an accomplished Abundance Activator and Strategist, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary creator of the Anatomy of Abundance™ Framework. With over two decades of experience in leadership, personal development, and wellness, she is dedicated to guiding high-achieving women and organizations from diverse backgrounds towards a mindset of abundance and empowerment.

Her Mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize self-care, embrace their unique voices, and live empowered lives filled with abundance and purpose.

Watch her TEDx Talk:

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The Good Money Revolution with Derrick Kinney (Ep. 56)

The Good Money Revolution with Derrick Kinney (Ep. 56)

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What does it feel like to give back and still thrive financially?

In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken chats with Derrick Kinney, author of the bestseller “Good Money Revolution.” Derrick’s journey from running a top financial advisory firm to spearheading a movement where money meets meaning is both inspiring and revolutionary. Discover why he believes that money isn’t bad and how good people can leverage it to make a great impact. Derrick shares insights about connecting cash with causes, diversifying your giving strategy, and his infectious philosophy that more money equals more good.

Christine and Derrick dive into: 

  • (02:02) Why Derrick sold his successful business at its peak to pursue a passion-driven career
  • (09:35) The concept of the “Good Money Revolution” and its impact on financial success
  • (14:28) How connecting cash to a cause increases happiness and purpose
  • (16:57) Practical ways to start giving, even when funds feel tight
  • (35:24) Investing in relationships for long-term growth and fulfillment
  • (38:45) How setbacks have paved the way for Derrick’s triumphs
  • And more!

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Derrick Kinney:

About Our Guest: 

Derrick Kinney is dedicated to helping anyone who feels left behind build the wealth and life they deserve. Coming from a lower to middle-class family, Derrick didn’t start with much and had to carve his own path. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Derrick set clear goals, worked hard, and reached millionaire status at 37. From there, Derrick built one of the top financial planning firms in the country, helping countless individuals achieve their own millionaire dreams with a plan that truly works. Today, Derrick is known as “America’s Financial Educator.” He takes that role seriously because he understands what it’s like to start from scratch. Derrick gets it—the frustrations, worries, and uncertainty about financial futures—and is here to help others overcome those challenges with a proven plan.

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