Wealth and Wisdom
Monday's

Just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s required.

Here’s what we mean: That tight feeling in your chest when someone asks about gifts, trips, or plans? That’s not you being dramatic. That’s your nervous system clocking pressure.

This season has a way of turning money into proof. Proof of love, success, generosity, belonging. When expectations get loud, your body often reacts automatically, trying to keep the peace and meet those demands before your mind even has a chance to weigh in.

Naming that pressure is the first act of care.

Dollars and Sense

A client once told us she dreads December more than tax season. Not because she’s struggling. She’s actually doing “well” by most standards, but because every interaction feels like an audit.

She described standing in a crowded store, fluorescent lights humming, her arms full of things she hadn’t planned to buy. I don’t even know if they’ll like this, she thought, swiping her card anyway. It felt easier than explaining why she wasn’t doing more. On the drive home, the guilt crept in. Not about the money, but about how small she felt afterward.

We’ve been there too. That moment at the register when you hear yourself think, It’s fine. I’ll figure it out later. Not because you don’t care about your future, but because in that moment, you’re trying to protect your present. Your relationships, your peace, your sense of belonging.

Here’s the thing we don’t talk about enough: overspending during this season is rarely about stuff. It’s about safety. It’s about not wanting to disappoint, explain, or feel exposed.

When we slowed things down for this client, we didn’t start with a budget. We started with one question: Where do you feel pressure that isn’t yours to carry?

That question changes everything. She didn't stop giving. She just sopped abandoning herself in the process.

Before spending, try this pause and ask: am I choosing this from alignment or from expectation?

If it’s expectation, see if there’s a softer option. A spending cap that honors your values, a meaningful note instead of a bigger gift, or even a conversation that sets a boundary.

Also: don’t abandon future-you in the name of the moment. Even small acts, like sending $20–$50 to a high-yield savings account or rounding up purchases into an investment account remind your nervous system that care flows in more than one direction.

UPCOMING EVENT:

💰Money Clarity - 5 Day Challenge

Fully Virtual Event

Ever feel like your paycheck disappears even though you’re working hard? You’re not alone. This challenge is designed to help you uncover where your money is really going, stop the leaks, and finally feel confident and in control of your finances.

✨ A fresh start for the new year, and a chance to make your money make sense.

Learn More Now!