You can be earning good income, paying your bills, and trying to budget—and still feel like you’re stuck in the same financial patterns over and over again. Overspending when you’re stressed. Avoiding your accounts when you’re overwhelmed. Feeling shame about debt, even when life is the thing that put you there in the first place.

In this episode, Shari Rash, founder of GWA Wealth, sits down with certified financial therapist Dr. Erica Rasure to unpack the emotional side of money and why so many financial struggles have less to do with math and more to do with behavior, stress, and past experiences.

They talk about the difference between financial stress and financial trauma, how shame keeps people stuck, and why traditional budgeting often fails when it doesn’t account for real life—or real emotions. You’ll also hear why debt is often the result of life events, not poor choices, and how to start rebuilding your relationship with money without guilt or self-blame.

This conversation will help you understand your financial patterns, recognize emotional triggers around spending, and take the first small step toward lasting change—even if you feel overwhelmed right now.

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of why your money habits feel hard to change, how to shift from shame to progress, and practical ways to move forward with more confidence and self-compassion.

If you’re ready to go deeper than just listening—if you want support, accountability, and a place to work through your money decisions in real time—the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money Club is here for you. It’s where these conversations turn into action, with live guidance, community support, and practical tools to help you build lasting change. You can learn more and join us at everyonestalkinmoney.com.

Shari Rash is a financial planner and Investment Adviser Representative of GWA Wealth, a Registered Investment Adviser. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an advisory relationship with Shari Rash or GWA Wealth. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or securities are for illustrative purposes only and are not recommendations. You should consult your own financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney regarding your individual situation before making any financial decisions.

The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GWA Wealth.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices