Guiding Values

My personal finance educational content is always written through my own heretical and personal lens. It may, or may not, align with traditional personal finance views. These are the guiding values I use through my content and mentorship work.

You are not broken. You do not need to be “fixed”. You are not “bad with money”, because you cannot be bad at something you were never taught. My role as a money mentor is to meet you where you are, help you build your skills and knowledge, and empower you to create a healthy and meaningful relationship with your finances. What that looks like:

  • Scaffolding financial literacy lessons based on educational best practices.
  • Sharing free information through my blog, podcast and social media channels on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
  • Creating supportive and affirming products to guide your journey.

Personal finance is personal. Your personal finance journey is your own. No one but you gets to decide your goals, your motivation, or your methods. I am here to walk alongside you, but I cannot trek this journey for you. What that looks like:

  • Creating tailor-made one-on-one programming and actionable activities for each mentoring client based on their unique goals and circumstances.
  • Listening to my audience and gathering informal data on their pressing needs and desires.
  • Establishing personal accountability with follow-up materials between mentorship sessions.

Personal finance is political. No amount of budgeting, financial literacy, or fancy apps can undo the harm caused by broken systems. We vote for what we wish to see in the world with our dollars. What that looks like:

  • Sharing resources with an understanding that money touches all aspects of our lives.
  • Acknowledging and contextualizing systemic barriers that impact our daily financial lives.
  • Taking action in my own community through Postcards to Voters, working as a poll worker during elections, and donating to causes that align with my values.

Every step forward is a celebration. Climbing the “money mountain” is hard. Celebrating progress is as important (and sometimes more important) than celebrating outcomes. Joy is an act of rebellion. What that looks like:

  • Emphasizing and celebrating the hard work it takes to change behaviors and habits.
  • Infusing joy into the process of learning.
  • Sharing my own wins and lessons learned.

Well-being > Well-Doing. You are not a machine. You are a multi-faceted human. It is not enough for you to do well – your well-being must be the priority. Improvement (not perfection) is the ultimate goal. I believe that everyone is doing the best they can in each moment. When you are less stressed about your finances and have more stability, it frees you to share your gifts with the world; which creates more stable and healthy communities. What that looks like:

  • Offering tailor-made mentorship programming with flexible scheduling.
  • Expanding my knowledge through continuous education, study, and certification (such as through the National Financial Educators Council).
  • Honoring my own needs and well-being (such as going to therapy!)

Who I serve is an extension of what I value. I am not here to serve all people; I am here for the people I serve. What that looks like:

  • Aligning my marketing with my values and mission (and avoiding trends that don’t feel in alignment).
  • Refusing brand partnerships and affiliate marketing that does not adhere to my strict code of ethics.
  • Insisting on free consultations before committing to working with one-on-one mentorship clients.
  • Making my products and services as accessible and flexible as possible, while also making the work I do sustainable.