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Written by April Hwang (Reviewed by Esha Chakraborti Kaushik, PsyD) Next time you feel the urge to add to cart on an impulse, take a few minutes to read this blog. Notice the intensity – On a scale of 1 to 10, how strong is your desire to make the purchase? Notice if this changes while reading the blog. Notice your thoughts – What thoughts are going through your mind at this very moment?  “If I don’t buy this now, I will miss out.” o Ask yourself: If I miss out, what’s the w

Written by Allison Cruz (Reviewed by Esha Chakraborti Kaushik, PsyD) Money is something we all interact with, yet many people find it surprisingly difficult to talk about. Whether it's discussing debt with a partner, asking for a raise, telling a friend you can't afford an outing, or having conversations about inheritance or retirement, money often feels like one of the most emotionally charged topics we face. If you've ever found yourself avoiding these conversations, you're

Written by Allison Cruz (Reviewed by Esha Chakraborti Kaushik, PsyD) Most people assume financial decisions are based on logic and information. In practice, they are often shaped by experience. The way we think about money is influenced by many things: the family we grew up in, early lessons about spending and saving, periods of financial instability, job loss, relationships where money was a source of tension, or unexpected financial harm such as scams or fraud. Over time, t

Written by Allison Cruz (Reviewed by Esha Chakraborti Kaushik, PsyD) Experiencing financial harm can affect more than your bank account. Whether you've experienced a scam, financial abuse, identity theft, overwhelming debt, or another significant financial loss, the emotional effects can continue long after the immediate situation has been resolved. Many people notice changes in how they think about and manage money. They may check their bank account repeatedly, worry about

What Is Financial Trauma? Financial trauma is the emotional and psychological distress caused by financial hardship. It can show up as anxiety, depression, or feelings of helplessness — and it can be acute, chronic, or relational. Common causes include job loss, debt, unexpected expenses, scams, and financial abuse or infidelity. The Role of Money Shame Financial trauma often creates shame tied to past experiences with money. This shame can lead to beliefs like "I'm bad with

Addiction within a family can create a complex web of emotional and financial challenges. Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction often involves difficult decisions, especially when they ask for money. Balancing compassion with practical financial boundaries is crucial to protect your well-being and encourage healthier behaviors. This post explores psychology-based strategies to help you support your family member while managing money requests effectively. Planning f

Financial betrayal leaves a deep wound. Many victims feel lost, unable to describe the shock and pain until they find the right words. One survivor said, “I didn’t have words for what happened until I found the language here. Financial betrayal. That’s exactly what it was.” This blog shares stories of resilience and hope from people who faced scams and rebuilt their lives. A candle burning steadily on a wooden table, symbolizing hope and resilience after financial betrayal Un

Deepfake videos have become increasingly realistic, making it harder to tell what is real and what is manipulated. These videos use artificial intelligence to create convincing but fake images or videos of people. Detecting deepfakes is crucial to avoid misinformation, scams, or privacy violations. One surprisingly simple method to spot deepfakes involves using your own hand and face. This quick test can help you identify whether a video is genuine or digitally altered. How t

Living with ADHD means facing unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing money. Impulse spending can quickly drain your budget, leaving you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. I’ve found one simple strategy that helps me regain control: the 48-hour rule. This approach has transformed how I handle non-essential purchases, especially those over $50. Waiting before buying helps manage impulse spending Why Impulse Spending Happens with ADHD ADHD brains often crave im