EP: 018 Talking Finances With Erika Wasserman

In this episode, I talk to Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist, to explore the relationship between money and emotions. Erika shares her journey from learning finances from her father to a dynamic career that included significant life transitions, such as marriage, children, divorce, and inheriting assets. Through these experiences, Erika deeply understood money's impact on personal relationships and the importance of clear financial communication.We talk about the crucial role of estate planning and life insurance, particularly for parents with children and aging parents. Erika gives great advice about reducing spending, setting financial boundaries, and using conversation tools to facilitate healthy money discussions. She also talks about the benefits of small, sustainable financial habits and introduces innovative methods, like using conversation cards, to improve financial wellness.  We Talk About:Importance of estate planning and life insuranceCommunication between parents and children about financial mattersFinancial support for aging parentsSetting boundaries in financial discussionsChallenges in talking about finances and overcoming themReducing spending and building sustainable habitsPractical tips for financial conversationsAligning spending with personal valuesCreating a “Yes Plan” for financial prioritiesImportance of updating estate plans and documentsErika's background and journey in financial therapyUsing conversation cards to improve financial communicationREAD+LISTEN+LEARN: Erika offered a great list of resources for helping with estate planning and money conversations:Books:Cash Flow Cookbook by Gordon SteinResources:Let's Talk Finances, Erika's new game: https://www.amazon.com/Couples-Relationship-Conversation-Card-Game/dp/B0CZM89CZDErika's website: https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/Erika's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-financial-therapist/Erika's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourfinancialtherapyErika's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfinancialtherapist/Wellbeing and Music:"War" by Katy Perry ABOUT ME:My name is Jim Grace. I am a CFP®️ (Certified Financial Planner) and the Director of Wealth Management at Silver Pine Capital, LLC, (www.silverpinecapital.com) a registered investment advisory firm in Medfield, Massachusetts. ​In my spare time I host a podcast and write about Financial Wellness & Wellbeing.  Check out some of my other work @  www.ModernFinancialWellness.com. On the website I try to unpack each episode a little further and also spotlight any other resources I think might be helpful to anyone trying to feel better about their finances.