Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! In this episode, we dive into a topic that resonates with so many of us—how to navigate the overwhelming demands of the fall season and maintain productivity (and sanity!) as we approach the holidays and the end of the year. If you’ve ever felt a wave of anxiety triggered by the sight of Christmas decorations in October or the reminder that “Q4” is flying by, you’re not alone.

To help us work through these feelings and get practical strategies for this time of year, I was thrilled to welcome back Sarah Reiff-Hekking, founder of True Focus Coaching. Sarah’s expertise in time management, productivity, and coaching for busy professionals is a perfect fit for the “fall freakout” that so many of us experience.

We started the conversation with a real-life example—my own mini-panic at seeing Christmas decorations in a store before Halloween—and explored what triggers this seasonal overwhelm. Sarah broke down the unique pressures of fall, from shifting routines as kids go back to school, to the barrage of holidays and year-end work deadlines, and the added layer of economic and political uncertainty.

Together, we discussed how to bring ourselves back to the present moment, clarify what’s truly important, and create space for both productivity and meaningful connection. We touched on saying “no,” managing competing demands and external expectations, and setting up flexible routines so the holidays don’t just become one giant stress-fest.

Sarah shared actionable strategies—from mindful breathing to practical time blocking—to help listeners stay grounded, focused, and resilient. We wrapped up with advice on tuning out the social media “noise” and focusing on real, personal priorities.

1. Name the “Fall Freakout” and Normalize It
2. The sense of stress and overwhelm in October and November isn’t just you—it’s a confluence of shifting routines, holiday expectations, and mounting year-end pressure. Acknowledging this helps us respond intentionally rather than reactively.
3. Return to the Present Moment
4. When anxiety kicks in, the first step is to physically bring yourself back—to notice your breath, your feet on the ground, and where you are right now. Mindful grounding calms your nervous system and helps you regain focus.
5. Clarify What’s Meaningful and Important
6. Get clear on your most meaningful goals, both professionally and personally. If everything feels important, dig deeper and ask yourself: “Why do I care about this?” Prioritize your top 2-3 “big rocks” and let the rest go. Remember, not everything makes your cut.
7. Be Strategic About What You Say Yes (and No) To
8. You can’t (and shouldn’t!) do it all. Proactively decide how many commitments you’ll take on each week, leave room for spontaneity if you value it, and practice pausing before you say yes. Planning to delay a task isn’t procrastination if it’s intentional and fits your bigger plan.
9. Manage Your Environment and External Influences
10. Social media and retail environments can trigger “shoulds” and inject noisy expectations. Turn down the external pressure and lean into what’s genuinely important for you and your family. Don’t let comparison steal your joy—or your time.

If this episode resonated with you and you’re feeling ready for support, check out Sarah Reiff-Hekking at truefocuscoaching.com and connect with her on LinkedIn. She offers free strategy sessions designed to help you map your next steps and find clarity in your own life—no cost, just real advice.

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Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace, and I’m excited to share today’s episode—a deep dive into one of the most complex and sometimes overlooked aspects of couples and money: financial infidelity. If you’ve ever wondered what counts as a financial secret, how keeping money habits under wraps can impact a relationship, or how big the gap is between you and your partner’s approach to hidden spending, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Our guest today is a returning favorite, Dr. Jenny Olson, marketing professor at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. If you caught our last conversation, you’ll remember her research on the benefits of merging finances and the factors that help couples create financial harmony. This time, she’s back to unpack her latest study, “Financial Infidelity Asymmetry Predicts Couples’ Financial and Relationship Well-Being,” and the results might surprise you.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Financial Infidelity Is More Than Just Hiding Purchases
2. Dr. Jenny Olson defines financial infidelity as intentionally doing something with money you know your partner wouldn’t approve of, and hiding it. It’s not about every little purchase, but the concealment of actions you expect would cause conflict.
3. Asymmetry Predicts Relationship Health
4. The greater the gap between partners’ tendencies toward financial infidelity, the worse off the couple is—leading to less money, lower financial well-being, and decreased relationship satisfaction. Aligning values and habits is more important than just being thrifty.
5. Differences Aren’t Always Destructive—Unless They’re Secretive
6. Partners can have very different approaches to money (tightwad vs. spendthrift, saver vs. spender), but when these differences are out in the open, couples can thrive. The problem comes when one or both partners start hiding financial behavior.
7. Transparency and Planned Conversations Are Crucial
8. Touch base with your partner regularly about money—don’t just spring it on them when tensions are high. Scheduling money talks and setting clear parameters for what needs to be discussed helps keep communication healthy and nonjudgmental.
9. Joint Mindset Beats Scorekeeping
10. Healthy couples focus on “how can we work together?” instead of “who spent more?” Moving away from tit-for-tat or exchange norms toward a communal approach—“we’re on the same team”—makes it easier to address challenges and prevent financial secrets.

Resources Mentioned

• Dr.Jenny Olson’s website: http://www.jennyginolson.com/
• “Tightwads and Spendthrifts” by Scott Rick
• “Money Together” by the Boneparths

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode or you’re navigating finance in your own relationship, share it with your partner or anyone who might benefit. And remember, nothing you hear on the podcast is a substitute for personal financial advice—always consult your own advisors!

Catch us next time for more on financial wellness, or check out Dr. Jenny Olson’s research for more insights.

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness, the podcast dedicated to helping you cultivate a healthier, more empowered relationship with your money. I’m Jim Grace, your host, and today’s episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in understanding how our minds – specifically, our executive functioning skills and neurodiverse traits like ADHD – affect our day-to-day financial behaviors and overall financial well-being.

If you’ve ever struggled with procrastination, felt overwhelmed managing your finances, or found it hard to translate long-term goals into short-term action, you’re in the right place. Whether or not you have a formal ADHD diagnosis, today’s discussion is full of insights and practical tips you can apply immediately to your financial life.

1. Executive Functioning Skills Are Essential for Financial Health Even if you don’t have ADHD, understanding executive functions like organizing, prioritizing, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and goal setting is crucial. These skills help us clarify our financial goals, adapt to challenges, and make thoughtful decisions amidst life's distractions.

2. Procrastination Is Emotional, Not Just Logistical Laurel highlighted that procrastination is often rooted in emotional management rather than pure time management. By pausing to identify what's holding you back emotionally – fear, anxiety, perfectionism – you can better address procrastination in your financial life.

3. The ERAS Framework Provides a Practical Path Forward Laurel introduced the ERAS model (Expectation, Reality, Adjust, Start), which helps you process emotional reactions and create actionable steps. Whether you’re feeling stuck by financial comparisons or overwhelmed by vague goals, working through ERAS builds clarity and momentum.

4. Social Value and Emotional Responses Influence Financial Choices ADHD and executive functioning challenges can make us especially sensitive to social dynamics, like people-pleasing and comparison. Recognizing how social acceptance or rejection influences your financial habits can help you redirect your energy towards more meaningful, self-affirming goals.

5. Start Small, Focus on Behavior, and Build Agency Big changes begin with small steps. Focusing on one concrete behavior at a time – and understanding why it matters to you – lays a foundation for lasting financial wellness. Agency and clarity, not just freedom or abundance, are at the heart of true financial well-being.

Throughout the show, Laurel and I referenced a host of fantastic resources for further learning, including:

• Books:
• Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett
• How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
• Emotional Agility by Susan David
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Experts:
• Tim Pichel (procrastination research)
• Mark Brackett (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
• Daniel Pink (decision-making and behavior change)
• Ethan Kross (Chatter, Shift)

You can find links to all these resources (and more) on modernfinancialwellness.com, both on the episode post and the dedicated resources tab.

Welcome to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace, and I couldn’t be more excited about this conversation. In this episode, I sat down with Matt Morizio, founder of Reconstructing Wealth—a financial advisor with a distinctive focus not just on dollars and cents, but on truly reconstructing our relationships with money.

5 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Your Relationship with Money Is Inherited—But Not Irrevocable: Matt’s story highlights how our earliest experiences shape how we think, feel, and act around money. But with awareness and intention, we can “break the chains” and start a new narrative for future generations.
2. Scarcity Versus Abundance Mindset: Growing up with financial fear can drive lifelong habits of hoarding and scarcity. Learning to see money as a tool, rather than an object of fear or idolization, is crucial—and sometimes, that transformation comes from acts of generosity, not just earning more.
3. Giving Is a Game Changer: Matt’s practice of disciplined, intentional giving—even when finances were tight—was the catalyst that rewired his emotional relationship with money. Through giving, he moved out of fear and into a more abundant, peaceful mindset.
4. Emotional Intelligence Is as Important as Technical Knowledge in Financial Planning: Clients rarely come to an advisor for “money mindset work.” Yet, guiding clients to reflect on their values, money stories, and priorities often has a bigger impact than any stock pick or tax strategy. Sometimes, permission and empathetic guidance are what people need most.
5. Live Your Values, Not Just Your Numbers: The best financial plan is one that supports a meaningful life—not just a big bank account. Matt’s approach is about marrying technical planning with what matters most to each individual: family, purpose, generosity, or unique life goals.

Mentioned Resources & How to Connect:

• Matt’s Free Video Course: DM Matt on Instagram @mattmorizio for a free link.
• Books:
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Happy Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi
• Website: reconstructingwealth.com (check out the unique generosity tracker!)
• Follow the Podcast: ModernFinancialWellness.com

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about the deep-rooted stories we all carry about money and how to break out of default patterns to live a life of purpose, impact, and freedom.

If you enjoyed this conversation or want to dig deeper, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our growing library of resources. Thank you for listening—and remember, financial wellness is about so much more than the numbers!

Welcome back to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness. I’m your host, Jim Grace, and today, we’re exploring an incredibly important, nuanced topic—how grief and loss, particularly widowhood, impact financial well-being. This is a subject that’s both deeply personal and highly relevant to anyone supporting loved ones through life’s most challenging transitions.

Joining me for this powerful conversation is Paula Harris, co-founder of WH Cornerstone Investments. Paula brings a remarkable, holistic approach to financial planning, blending her human resources background, four decades of experience in the industry, and an unwavering commitment to guiding midlife widowed women. Paula describes herself as a “dream architect,” an accomplished cheese maker and yogi, a TEDx speaker, and the author of Rise Up: A Widow’s Journal and Rise Up: Grief Journal. Her practice, deeply rooted in “curveball life planning,” is all about helping clients—especially widows—find financial peace and personal strength after loss.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Grief is a Transition, Not a Transaction: Widowhood is not a box to check or a list to complete. It radically alters a person’s life, and society’s urge to “move on” too quickly can be hurtful. Recognize that your client, friend, or family member is fundamentally changed and needs time, space, and support.
2. Meet People Where They Are—Emotionally and Financially: Paula emphasizes the importance of tuning into where someone is on their grief journey, whether they’re overwhelmed and can’t face paperwork, or eager to take action to feel in control. There’s no “right” way to grieve—advisors and supporters need to be flexible and compassionate.
3. Immediate Financial Needs Come First (“Financial Triage”): In the initial aftermath of loss, focus on what’s urgent—paying for funerals, accessing cash, stopping predatory sales pitches. Delay major financial decisions when possible and give people time before making permanent changes.
4. Support, Community, and Connection Are Essential: Isolation worsens grief. Paula highlights organizations like Modern Widows Club and Wings for Widows that offer connection and resources. Even simple community events, handwritten notes, or encouragement to join widow support groups can have a profound impact.
5. Review and Update Financial Documents and Beneficiaries Quickly: Getting estate plans, insurance beneficiaries, and account titles updated is critical after a loss. Outdated or incorrect paperwork can have devastating, irreversible effects. Be proactive and encourage widows (and widowers) to seek trustworthy, fiduciary advice—especially as some financial “professionals” may have hidden agendas.

Resources and Further Reading

• WH Cornerstone Investments – Widow’s Resource Page
• Modern Widows Club
• Wings for Widows (pro bono financial mentorship)
• Rise Up: A Widow’s Journal and Rise Up: Grief Journal by Paula Harris
• TEDx Talk: “Low Tech Love – The Power of the Handwritten Note” by Paula Harris

Financial well-being, especially after loss, isn’t just about having enough money. It’s about creating the freedom, support, and opportunities to rebuild your life—and knowing you’re not alone on that path. I hope these insights and resources help you support your clients, friends, or loved ones with even more compassion and actionable guidance.

If you found this conversation helpful, please share, subscribe, and check out our full archive at modernfinancialwellness.com—and remember to take care of yourself and those around you.

Until...

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. In today’s episode, I’m joined by a returning favorite: Dr. Christine Hargrove (she/her). If you’ve listened before, you might remember her as Christine Hargrove during our previous conversation on couples, money, and ADHD. I’m thrilled to welcome her back as Dr. Hargrove, and even more excited that, to this day, her previous appearance is our most-downloaded and most-shared episode ever.

Today, we're tapping into her latest research about a topic that comes up in so many of our households, relationships, and financial lives: division of financial responsibilities between partners and the stress it brings. Specifically, we’re discussing her new study, “Breadwinning and Bean Counting: Exploring Perceived Couple Financial Stress Allocation in a Clinical Sample.” If you live with a partner, you’ll want to hear this.

5 Key Takeaways

1. “Bean Counting” Carries the Heaviest Stress Load. In couples, the partner who manages the day-to-day finances of the “bean counter” typically feels a larger share of the couple’s overall financial stress. Unlike the breadwinner role, which is less associated with this shared stress, the bean counter’s close, constant engagement with the household money leads to a stronger sense of responsibility and, often, anxiety.
2. Perceptions of Financial Stress Matter as Much as Reality. Whether or not the numbers reflect a perfect 50/50 split, financial stress is based largely on what each partner perceives. If the bean counter feels like the split is 70/30 in their direction but the breadwinner thinks it’s 50/50, that disconnect is fertile ground for resentment, poor communication, or conflict.
3. Clarity and Communication Are Essential and Often Missing. Many couples default into roles without ever truly defining them. Sitting down to intentionally name who does what, what each role entails, and what could go wrong if things slip up is a critical first step to ensuring satisfaction and avoiding feelings of being taken for granted.
4. Transparency is a Powerful Antidote to Stress and Resentment. One of the quickest routes to reducing couple financial stress is simple: shared transparency over the numbers, roles, and goals. Many clients immediately feel relief when they can see the whole picture sometimes even before making any “fixes.” Avoid judgment, start with awareness, and let solutions flow from honest data.
5. Gender Roles and Power Dynamics Can Compound Stress Especially for Women. Christine’s research and clinical experience repeatedly show that women who are the primary “bean counters” often feel especially stuck, stressed, and underappreciated, particularly when they don’t have equal power over big decisions. Couples need to acknowledge these dynamics, avoid defaulting into traditional patterns, and have real conversations about fairness, workload, and what everyone actually wants.

Resources Mentioned

• The Love and Money Center at the University of Georgia (outreach, clinical services, and research on couples and money)
• Financial Therapy Association (directory for professionals and resources)
• Ramit Sethi’s “Money for Couples” (practical frameworks for couples with joint, separate, or hybrid finances)
• Monarch Money app, and other budgeting tools for transparency and shared financial visibility

I want to give a big thank you to Dr. Christine Hargrove for sharing her insights, research, and wisdom with us once again. If this conversation resonated with you or you want to learn more, check out modernfinancialwellness.com for resources, links, and info on how to reach Christine and the Love and Money Center.

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Hello everyone, Jim Grace here, host of Modern Financial Wellness. I’m excited to share the latest episode, which dives deep into the real story behind financial wellness, the power of education, and how changing your money mindset can truly transform lives and workplaces.

In this episode, we go beyond the nuts and bolts of budgeting and saving. Today’s conversation centers on financial literacy as the critical foundation for achieving true financial well-being from breaking out of generational cycles and learning practical strategies, to transforming workplace cultures and empowering underserved communities. The heart of our discussion: how understanding our relationship with money and empowering others to do the same can change trajectories for individuals, families, and businesses alike.

Joining me is Irma Neal, an incredible leader and changemaker. Irma is the founder of Onyx Rising, a change management and financial literacy firm specializing in DEI and leadership development. As a former deputy mayor of Indianapolis and director of human services, plus a certified financial coach and author of “Chaos Insights to Lead through the Storm,” Irma brings decades of wisdom and personal experience to the table. Her own journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a financial educator and advocate truly inspires.

1. Your Money Mindset Starts Early but It Can Change.

Irma’s childhood experiences living in poverty and watching her parents’ approach to credit set early patterns, but her determination and curiosity led her to seek a different path. She began saving her lunch money as a teen and carried those habits throughout her life.

2. Money Conversations Are Relationship Conversations.

Irma and her late husband navigated the classic saver/spender dynamic, highlighting how important it is to talk openly and honestly about money with your partner ideally before tying the knot. Communication, compromise, and transparency are crucial.

3. Employer-Sponsored Financial Education is Life-Changing.

A company-paid session with a certified financial advisor at IBM was a game changer for Irma. That experience built loyalty and gave her the tools to grow true wealth over time, not just save. Employers have a pivotal role here combining benefits with real education can transform lives and improve retention.

4. Mindset Before Mechanics: Changing Financial Trajectories.

Onyx Rising’s programs start by helping participants envision the life they want and break down money myths, especially those reinforced by culture and social media. Tailoring education to where a person is in their journey, rather than a “one size fits all” approach, is critical for real, lasting change.

5. Financial Well-being Equals Freedom and Security.

To Irma, true financial well-being is about freedom to travel, to experience life, and to weather unexpected challenges (like the car that literally crashed into her house!). Preparation allows us not just to survive, but to thrive even through the storms life throws our way.

If you’re an employee, check out the resources your company might already offer and be proactive about using them. Employers, consider integrating financial wellness programming to benefit both your people and your business.

For more from Irma and Onyx Rising, including mindset quizzes and employer guides, head to onyx2rise.com. If you enjoyed our conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone on their financial wellness journey. Thanks for tuning in. I look forward to seeing you next time!

Welcome to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. In this episode, we tackle an essential but often overlooked part of financial wellness—how we support our loved ones (and ourselves) as we age. Whether you’re part of the sandwich generation juggling kids and aging parents, or you’re planning ahead for your own well-being, today’s conversation is for you.

To guide us through the complexities of aging and care planning, I’m joined by Jennifer Mahoney, head of Live Well Care Management (formerly AZA Care Management). With over three decades of experience in Greater Boston, Jennifer and her team of healthcare professionals help families navigate the maze of senior care, advocate for loved ones, and coordinate personalized plans for happier, more connected aging.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start the Conversation Before a Crisis: Most families reach out to care managers after a fall, hospitalization, or urgent diagnosis. But proactive planning, like Jennifer’s “Peace of Mind Program,” establishes a relationship and understanding long before emergencies arise—saving stress and improving outcomes.
2. Care Managers Aren’t Just for Healthcare: Live Well’s team handles everything from medical advocacy and managing appointments to arranging social outings and digital connections. Quality of life for seniors goes beyond medicine—it’s about relationships and daily joy.
3. Delegating Care Coordination is an Investment in Relationships: Caring for a parent or spouse often brings stress, time pressures, and even guilt. Hiring a care manager doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your responsibility—it frees you up to be more present as a spouse, son, or daughter and creates a healthier dynamic for everyone involved.
4. There’s Help (and Funding) Beyond Private Pay: Jennifer highlights lesser-known Medicare Advantage benefits, VA programs, and local resources like senior centers and councils on aging. A seasoned care manager navigates these options, ensuring families don’t miss out on valuable support.
5. Handle Resistance with Empathy and Communication: If a loved one is reluctant to accept help, frame the conversation around your need for support—“I need someone local to help me help you.” And remember, care managers can advocate for the senior’s true needs, even when family expectations don’t align.

If you’re preparing for aging—your own or a loved one’s—the key is to plan ahead. Have the conversations early, reach out to care management, and don’t go it alone. Everyone will be better off for it.

Be sure to subscribe to Modern Financial Wellness for more conversations that help you and your family thrive—financially, emotionally, and beyond!