58. Financial Therapy, the Impact of Self Esteem, and the Power of the Pause with Aja Evans

The Fiscal Feminist

Whether we realize it or not, many of us could benefit from some financial therapy. In this episode, Kimberlee talks with financial therapist Aja Evans about the work she’s doing, the inspiration behind it, and the practical advice she has for women about navigating their finances. Aja breaks down the relationship between our money and our self esteem, shares her top tips for navigating prenups, explains how you can get yourself out of a shame spiral, and much more!

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking with Financial Therapist Aja Evans (0:58)
• What is a financial therapist? (1:58)
• Can you tell us about your financial awakening? (5:34)
• Self esteem directly impacts our relationship with money (9:27)
• If you’re struggling with a self esteem spiral, take a pause (13:18)
• Rewrite the narratives that aren’t serving you (21:19)
• Do you have any tips for navigating prenups? (32:19)
• What trends are you noticing in financial therapy? (41:15)
• Where to learn more from Aja (44:16)

Resources:

• Find every episode of the Fiscal Feminist podcast
• “The Fiscal Feminist” book
• Follow Aja on Instagram and TikTok
• Aja’s website

Quotes:
“Any financial decisions we make when we’re heightened, when we're upset, when we’re anxious, usually are just about a quick fix. We are trying to get ourselves out of a place of discomfort and into comfort as quickly as possible, and a lot of times that is not the best strategy for your finances. So looking at taking the breath, making the plan, and then deciding how you’re going to execute and what you want that to look like. And be mindful of what emotional or financial triggers might come up for you that may cause you to spiral again.”

“Have the conversation. Be awkward about it. Trip over yourself when you’re talking to each other. But if you cannot have these conversations about money, if you disagree or don’t disagree, we got other things. Because life is going to come at you hard and fast, and if you can’t talk to this person who you’ve decided you want to commit the rest of your life to, it’s going to be really difficult. It’s going to be very, very difficult, and we don’t need it to be that hard.”