Tag: Money Mindset

From Getting Rich to Living Richly (Ep. 88)

From Getting Rich to Living Richly (Ep. 88)

By |

So often, we believe that if we could just make more money, hit a certain number, or achieve a particular level of success, then we’d finally feel secure, fulfilled, and at peace. But what happens when you get there? What happens when you’ve won the money game, and yet you’re still asking bigger questions about purpose, identity, freedom, relationships, and legacy?

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken is joined by Moa Diseborn, the founder of Studio Molodi, a private world for people who have achieved significant financial success and are exploring what comes next.

She works with discreetly wealthy entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries who want more than external success—they want a life that feels rich from the inside out. Her philosophy is simple: when money is no longer the main problem, the real work begins.

Moa is known as “The Secret Millionaire’s Best Friend,” and on this episode we’re diving into the journey from getting rich to living richly.


Christine and Moa discuss:

  • The biggest surprises people discover when they arrive at the level of wealth they once dreamed about.
  • The difference between getting rich and living richly.
  • Why many wealthy individuals go out of their way to downplay their wealth?
  • How someone’s identity evolves as they accumulate wealth?
  • How wealthy people maintain authentic relationships while creating healthy boundaries around their time, energy and resources.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken:

 

Connect with Moa Diseborn:

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
Money: From Sacrilege to Sacrament (Ep. 86)

Money: From Sacrilege to Sacrament (Ep. 86)

By |

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken shares her journey reconciling spirituality and money, emphasizing that money is deeply emotional and intertwined with spiritual beliefs.

Christine shares:

  • The conflict she believed existed between spirituality and wealth as a result of her religious upbringing.
  • Transition to seeing money as a neutral tool due to Dave Ramsey’s influence.
  • Why she now views money as a sacrament.
  • The relationship between money, power and the church.
  • How to balance the four elements of money to create financial and spiritual harmony.
  • The Merchant Priestess path she is currently on which integrates marketplace savvy with spiritual practice.

 

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
Through the Threshold with HR Hutzel (Ep. 85)

Through the Threshold with HR Hutzel (Ep. 85)

By |

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken is joined by Heather Hutzel, a storyteller of soul-stirring fantasy and bestselling author of the Fable of Eylan series. Together we discuss how identity shapes our relationship with money and how storytelling frameworks can facilitate profound personal and financial transformation.

Heather Hutzel shares:

  • How money challenges often mask deeper identity struggles.
  • The essence of a story lies in character transformation.
  • Common limiting beliefs most people have about themselves or about money.
  • How to identify threshold moments in our lives
  • Why your financial future depends on the identity you choose to embody today?

 

Connect with Christine Luken:

 

Connect with Heather Hutzel:

 

About my guest

H. R. Hutzel is a storyteller of soul-stirring fantasy.

Her books are portals—infused with love, loss, magic, and memory.

She is the author of Fable of Eylan, a fantasy series born from grief and shaped by wonder—written for those who believe magic is real… and love never dies.

Her journey began with a bestselling debut novel and has since grown into a body of work that bridges soul and story.

Her work is an invitation to transformation—a reminder that the stories we tell shape the lives we live… and that sometimes, losing yourself in a story is the truest path to finding your way home.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking with her golden retrievers, barefoot in the garden, or curled in a hammock with a book—losing herself in the pages, always listening for the next chapter in her own story.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

NEW FEATURE IMAGE
Money Tips from Old Married Couples (Ep. 81)

Money Tips from Old Married Couples (Ep. 81)

By |

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.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

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
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
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
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)

By |

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.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS