Tag: Financial Independence

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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.


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.

 

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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.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine:

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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.

 

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.

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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:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

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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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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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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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Grief, Trauma, and Money with DonJay Rice (Ep.55)

Grief, Trauma, and Money with DonJay Rice (Ep.55)

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What happens when grief, trauma, and money intertwine?

In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken, welcomes special guest DonJay Rice, a certified financial behavior specialist, to explore how life’s trials can impact our relationship with money. 

DonJay shares his deeply personal journey from childhood poverty and trauma to financial enlightenment. Together, let’s learn how these experiences shaped his unique approach to financial coaching.

Gain some insight as DonJay shares:

  • The impact of childhood trauma and financial enmeshment 
  • DonJay’s journey through financial crises and emotional discovery 
  • Strategies for healing the emotional ties to money 
  • The importance of supportive spaces in financial recovery 
  • And more!

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with DonJay Rice:

About Our Guest: 

DonJay Rice is a financial coach and a certified financial behavior specialist who helps clients whose relationship with money is impacted by grief and trauma. Donjay holds the designations of Board Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Board Certified Life Coach, and Certified Enneagram Coach. 

DonJay serves in a ministry that helps those coming out of homelessness and domestic abuse. He enjoys sketching, painting, and anything artistic, as well as playing board games with family and friends.

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Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

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In a world where financial paradigms constantly shift, understanding the deep emotional ties we have with money becomes increasingly relevant. 

Join Christine Luken as she welcomes back special guest Casandra Austin-McDonald for an in-depth conversation surrounding her journey as a biracial woman. Together they explore the often-unspoken money conversations in her family, the profound impact of mentorship, the role of technology in financial education, and the critical importance of community support.

Tune in for insights that challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful discussions around race, money, and empowerment!

Casandra discusses: 

  • Her feelings of resentment towards her grandmother for financial disparities in the family
  • The fear of leaving others behind when stepping into a wealthier identity
  • Perspective on privilege and how it impacts your financial outlook
  • How to be an ally and advocate for diversity in financial success
  • And more

Resources:

 

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Casandra Austin-McDonald:

About Our Guest: 

Casandra is a bold and dynamic speaker who captivates her audiences with her authentic presence and impactful content. She utilizes unique approaches to transformational work to ensure ideal outcomes are achieved. Casandra uses a combination of her education and training, professional background, lived experiences, and gifts to support high-achieving leaders in prioritizing personal growth and well-being so that they create fulfilling and successful lives, relationships, and impactful work.

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Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 1 (Ep. 49)

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 1 (Ep. 49)

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In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken is joined by Casandra Austin-McDonald to share her personal experience managing finances as a multiracial woman. Together, they explore how diverse racial backgrounds shape financial journeys, discuss the impact of systemic issues on wealth-building, and highlight the importance of emotional healing in achieving financial well-being.

Casandra discusses: 

  • Her biracial upbringing and what it revealed to her about financial experiences
  • How does financial independence stem from a desire to avoid bullying and social stigma
  • Ways we can emphasize the importance of teaching the next generation
  • Her experience with money as shaped by historical trauma and systemic challenges
  • And more

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Casandra Austin-McDonald:

About Our Guest: 

Casandra is a bold and dynamic speaker who captivates her audiences with her authentic presence and impactful content. She utilizes unique approaches to transformational work to ensure ideal outcomes are achieved. Casandra uses a combination of her education and training, professional background, lived experiences, and gifts to support high-achieving leaders in prioritizing personal growth and well-being so that they create fulfilling and successful lives, relationships, and impactful work.

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