137. How to tackle your financial fears and change your money story

Diana Isern is a passionate assistant principal, financial educator, and presenter whose financial course seeks to transform how students think about wealth. Through nationwide presentations for educators, she equips teachers with inclusive, practical strategies to make financial literacy accessible and empowering. Drawing inspiration from her family stories, Diana believes generational wealth extends beyond money to include cultural values and resilience. With nearly two decades in the New York City Public School system, Diana started as an ESL teacher supporting immigrant communities and has grown into a school leader who continues teaching because she believes being in the classroom with students is at the heart of leading with empathy. Her approach to financial education centers women and people of color, helping students envision themselves belonging in financial spaces. Diana is an Accredited Financial Counselor, and her expertise has been recognized by Intuit for Education and the Council for Economic Education. She is currently writing a book for financial educators about making money topics more accessible. When not teaching or writing, she is traveling, boxing, and playing fútbol with her kids. In this episode, Diana and I talk about the importance of addressing financial avoidance and gaining control over your personal finances. Diana shares her experiences working with clients and students, highlighting how confronting spending habits and understanding your own money stories–and your relationship with money– can lead to better financial health.  We delve into overcoming the psychological barriers to financial planning, the aftermath of parental influences on money mindset, and the value of creating a budget that reflects your values. Diana also introduces her upcoming book aimed at financial educators and the practical strategies it offers. This conversation sheds light on actionable steps for financial independence and the critical role of mindset in achieving your money goals. CONNECT WITH ARIVEE  GET ARIVEE'S BOOK: Your Time to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, and Unleash Your Truest Self also available on Audible.   Grab your FREE Boundary Toolkit: 3 Proven Strategies to Reclaim Your Time, Boost Your Energy and Feel in Control in just 7 Days. Click here to get it now.   Join Arivee's  women empowering women email community for inspiration, motivation, and  actionable strategies from Arivee in your inbox. This community gets first access to all of Arivee's coaching programs. We're focusing on how to live that one beautiful precious life that you were meant to live- with meaning, joy, aliveness, and fulfillment.    Instagram: @ariveevargas LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/ Grab more FREE resources and learn more about Arivee's coaching programs: https://www.ariveevargas.com/ CONNECT WITH DIANA: Instagram: @dianadinero_edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaisern/