Financial Literacy Month: Understanding Money Starts With Understanding Yourself

Have you ever avoided checking your bank account because it just feels too overwhelming? You’re not alone. Many people experience the same fear, stress, and shame around money. But here’s the truth: before you can learn more about money, you have to heal the shame that surrounds it.

When we feel ashamed, our brains shut down. We can’t take in new information or make thoughtful decisions because we’re too busy judging ourselves. That’s why, before financial literacy can take root, we need to build self-compassion and understanding.

November is Financial Literacy Month, a time to celebrate learning about money, but that learning starts with emotional awareness. Financial literacy isn’t just about knowing where your money goes; it’s about calming the inner critic that says you “should have known better.” Only when shame softens can real change begin.

Real Stories from My Financial Wellness Workshop

Take Katie T., who joined my Financial Wellness Workshop a few months ago. At first, reflecting on her spending habits felt uncomfortable. She says:

Katie’s experience shows that awareness, not judgment, creates clarity and confidence.

Another participant shared:

“As I’ve never done anything like this, a fear I had going into the workshop was ‘Is she going to ask what’s in my bank account in front of everyone?’ The answer: no! It was truly a mindset workshop. Lori gave us space to reflect on our finances and provided tools to better understand our spending and emotions behind it.”

This is the key: when people feel safe and unjudged, they can finally explore the emotions driving their financial behavior. From that place of self-compassion, learning and change become possible.

Why Shame Blocks Financial Literacy

Many people are under growing financial pressure, which impacts both mental health and self-worth. Shame keeps us stuck; it tells us we’re bad with money instead of simply inexperienced or unprepared.

Financial shame often sounds like:

• “I should have figured this out by now.”

• “I’m terrible with money.”

• “I don’t even want to look at my balance.”

When we believe those stories, we stop ourselves from learning. But when we approach money with curiosity instead of criticism, everything shifts.

Reducing shame opens the door to:

• Confidence to ask questions and learn

• Awareness of emotional triggers behind spending

• Tools to make decisions that align with values

• A sense of calm instead of avoidance

   

Small Shifts, Big Change

One participant described a breakthrough moment:

This is what happens when you start from compassion instead of judgment. Understanding your emotions around money makes learning possible, and that’s when change truly begins.

Join the Workshop, Join the Movement

My next Financial Wellness Workshop begins in January, and the first session is completely free. In this session, you’ll uncover your current “money story” and explore how it influences your financial decisions today.

The full workshop is designed for anyone who wants to feel calmer and more confident with money. It’s not about spreadsheets, it’s about understanding yourself first.

In a safe, supportive environment, you’ll: 

• Explore the emotions behind your financial habits

• Learn practical tools to align spending with your values

• Reduce anxiety and shame around money

• Discuss openly with others who feel the same way

Participants often say it’s the first time they’ve felt truly safe talking about money.

Take Action This Financial Literacy Month

November is the perfect time to start, not by memorizing financial terms, but by releasing shame and building self-trust. Here’s how you can begin: 

• Register for the January workshop – join the free first session and start the year by understanding your money story.

• Follow me on social media – I share exercises and insights to help reduce financial shame and build emotional awareness.

• Start a money conversation – talk with a friend, family member, or partner. Honest discussions break the silence and the shame.

• Reach out for personal support – as an advice only financial planner, I provide guidance without conflicts of interest, helping you make confident, informed decisions.

A Final Thought

If money feels overwhelming, remember, financial literacy doesn’t start with math, it starts with mindset. Healing shame creates space to learn, to grow, and to feel empowered.

This Financial Literacy Month, take one small step toward self-compassion. Join my January workshop, follow along for guidance, and begin building confidence from the inside out. 

Together, we can normalize talking about money, reduce shame, and help more people feel capable and calm about their finances.

Want to connect or have questions? Book an Introductory Meeting today!