40. Is Building Wealth as a Social Worker Against the Code of Ethics?

"Making this much money is against the code of ethics." "If you care about money, you should have been a psychologist or counselor, not a social worker.In this episode, we're addressing comments regarding our episode with Liz Rhea, a therapist in Georgia who made $224,000 in 2025. A few comments suggested that earning that kind of income is antithetical to social work ethics, that wanting financial stability makes you selfish, and that if money matters to you, maybe you shouldn't be a social worker at all.We have thoughts. 😅We chat about:The comments that sparked this conversationWhat the NASW Code of Ethics actually says about incomeHow the savior complex shows up financially in our professionWhy struggling financially is not solidarity with our clientsWhy social workers policing each other's salaries is a form of self-oppressionWhy financial stability is important for us and the people we serveResources mentioned:"The Obligation of White Women: Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Social Work Education"Doin' the Work Podcast: White Supremacy Culture in Social WorkConnect with us!Social Work to Wealth CE Updates — CE only updatesSocial Work to Wealth Newsletter — Get updates on money resources, events, salaries, and more straight to your inboxSubmit your podcast episode idea!Find Social Work to Wealth on: TikTok, Instagram, & YouTube.Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms is for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.