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StitcherWe listen, we don’t judge! We know money can be a sensitive and vulnerable topic, and it’s easy to feel ashamed of past financial decisions. But we’re not here to judge, we’re here to help you rebuild your confidence with money. In this episode, Jen and Jill, along with Shannah Game, explore how to recognize, understand, and begin your healing journey from money trauma.
Knowing more doesn’t solve the problem, it’s taking steps to learn about yourself is what does.
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Shannah Game is a financial planner, certified trauma of money specialist, and author of the recently released book Unraveling Your Relationship with Money. She blends over 20 years of expertise with a relatable, no-nonsense approach to transforming your relationship with money and building lasting wealth.
Recognizing Triggers of Money Trauma
People often think trauma has to be something big, but it can also be seemingly small—like forgetting to pay a bill, a credit score drop, or even the physical reaction you have when looking at your bank statements. It is a spectrum, and anything that causes emotional pain or distress can be a sign of money trauma, as Shannah explains.
That’s why it’s important to take a moment to recognize these symptoms and reflect on where they might be coming from. Shannah suggests paying attention to what’s happening in your body, where you are, who you’re with, and what the environment feels like.
Signs of Unresolved Money Trauma
Shannah lists several signs that may indicate unresolved money trauma. These include avoiding tasks involving money, bodily sensations, overspending or underspending, and difficulty setting or achieving financial goals.
During these times, Shannah reminds us to acknowledge and validate these feelings and that we are not a horrible person, we just experienced something that’s affecting your relationship with money.
How to Heal From Money Trauma
- Acknowledgement. Approach your financial challenges with curiosity, not judgment and find the root and foundation of your feelings
- Financial Forgiveness. Set a timer on your phone and spend time writing down things you feel bad about in relation to money—without judgment. Step away for 24 hours, then come back, reread, and let go of those feelings. This practice helps you regain control of your financial actions moving forward.
- Money hero story. If you enjoy journaling, write a story where you are the hero of your own financial journey. Define what success looks like for you and what you truly value.
- Focus on tiny little wins. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and frame your approach with gratitude, even when things don’t always go as planned.
Healing Your Relationship with Money
According to Shannah, relationships with money are the longest relationships we have to deal with. It’s something that lasts a lifetime and can’t be cut off. For that reason, we owe it to ourselves to rework our relationship with money.
She also notes that even if you already have a good relationship with money, that doesn’t mean you won’t face setbacks. But what she can assure you is that healing looks like not judging yourself, being comfortable with money conversations, and being open about it with others as well.
What’s a money decision you’ve made recently that your younger self would have felt bad about or ashamed of?
- Shannah: Spent money on non-necessities instead of investing
- Jill: Paying for a European vacation
- Jen: Not maxing out 2024 Roth IRA
Get more from Shannah
Website: www.everyonestalkinmoney.com/book
Instagram: @shannahgame
Bill of The Week
Thank you Shannah for sharing your bill about a check you received for $0.38 from a job you had years ago!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and we especially loved this one from:
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Practical, Simple, & Realistic Financial Advice
This book is a wonderful guide on how to tailor your finances to fit your ideal life! It provides easy to follow tips, a customizable framework, and helpful personal stories from the authors. Their concept of the radical middle is so helpful for your finances, and so many other matters in life. Definitely recommend this book for people who don't like budgets or constantly overspend and stress over the small expenses of life. This book proves finances don't have to be a painful slog to avoid, but can be a fun, easy to implement way to empower the life you want to lead with confidence.
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