Mindful Money

Lorraine Besser, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College, who specializes in the philosophy and psychology of the good life and teaches popular courses for undergraduates on happiness, well-being, and ethics. She is the author of two academic books, The Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction, and Eudaimonic Ethics: The Philosophy and Psychology of Living Well, and dozens of professional journal articles on moral psychology. In this episode, I talk with Lorraine about her book, The Art of Interesting, and why happiness and meaning aren’t the only paths to a good life. She introduces the concept of psychological richness—how novelty, challenge, and curiosity can transform our daily experiences. We discuss the power of stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing unexpected opportunities, and cultivating a mindset that seeks engagement over mere contentment. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life more interesting, this conversation will give you fresh insights and practical ways to start living with more curiosity and depth.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:08) - Meet Lorraine Besser (03:38) - Childhood lessons about money and entrepreneurship (07:19) - The concept of psychological richness (14:07) - Markers of psychological richness (17:49) - What is a psychologically rich experience? (24:15) - The psychological impact of social media and "busyness" Culture (27:16) - Investing in experiences (29:32) - Practical tips for psychological richness (32:57) - Real-world shopping vs online shopping (34:58) - Final thoughts and takeaways Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney. 

In this episode of Mindful Money, we break down the emotional reactions to elections and why we should separate politics from our portfolios. As election-driven fear and speculation rise, it’s important to understand why making investment decisions based on political headlines is a mistake. Markets react to policies, not personalities, and long-term financial success requires discipline, diversification, and patience. In this episode, we’ll explore both potential risks—like tariffs, inflation, and debt—and possible benefits, such as business growth incentives and deregulation. No single election will make or break your financial future, but your mindset and strategy will.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:06) - Separating politics from portfolios (04:26) - Five potential negatives of Trump's economic policies (14:28) - Five potential positives of Trump's economic policies (29:32) - Investment strategy and final thoughts Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Tim “Jai” Baker is the CEO of Luminous Wealth and a veteran of the financial advice industry. His mission is to guide his clients toward their deepest desires and true fulfillment by fostering a healthy, stress-free environment where financial and personal well-being are seamlessly integrated. He believes that wealth management should not occur in isolation, but rather as part of a holistic approach that considers the whole person.In this episode, I talk with Tim about the deep psychological and emotional ties we have to money, how Wall Street manipulates investors, and why self-awareness is key to financial success. We explore how knowing yourself leads to better money decisions, reducing financial anxiety while building true prosperity. If you want to rethink your relationship with money and gain clarity, this conversation is for you.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:59) - Meet Tim "Jai" Baker (03:00) - What Tim learned about money growing up (09:34) - How Tim got his Start as a financial advisor (14:24) - The Awakened Investor (18:24) - The path to self-awareness and financial mastery (21:53) - The Human Archetype Assessment and Family Genogram (24:15) - Integrating wealth management with holistic well-being (28:51) - The role of meditation and mindfulness (32:05) - Financial planning and client interests (36:51) - Final thoughts and takeaways Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

What makes a truly excellent financial advisor? In this episode of Mindful Money, we explore 12 key qualities that set the best advisors apart—from asking the right questions and providing clear, honest fee structures to offering proactive solutions and helping you stay on track during turbulent times. We also discuss why trust, emotional intelligence, and long-term planning matter more than flashy investment strategies. If you’ve ever wondered whether your advisor is truly working in your best interest, this episode will give you the tools to assess their effectiveness—and determine whether it’s time to seek a better financial partner.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:46) - What defines an excellent financial advisor (05:59) - The 12 Markers of an excellent financial advisor (06:05) - Asking questions (07:19) - A clear fee structure (08:31) - Not afraid to challenge (10:02) - Clear explanations of process (11:28) - A commitment to continuous learning (12:29) - Emotional intelligence (14:25) - Attention to detail (15:33) - Time management and organization (16:34) - A strong professional network  (17:18) - Proactive problem solvers (18:07) - Stick to the plan (18:58) - High client retention Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Christine Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. In that role, she focuses on retirement and portfolio planning for individual investors. She also co-hosts a podcast for Morningstar, The Long View, which features in-depth interviews with thought leaders in investing and personal finance. She is a frequent public speaker and is widely quoted in the media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, CNBC, and PBS. In 2020, Barron’s named her to its inaugural list of the 100 most influential women in finance; she appeared on the 2021 list as well. In 2021, Barron’s named her as one of the 10 most influential women in wealth management.In this episode, I talk with Christine about some key lessons from her book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. We cover everything from smart withdrawal strategies to healthcare planning and the deeper question of purpose in retirement. Christine shares expert insights on balancing financial security with personal fulfillment, helping you prepare for a meaningful life post-career. Whether you’re planning ahead or already retired, this conversation offers valuable guidance for making the most of your next chapter.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:21) - Meet Christine Benz (02:53) - Christine's experiences with money and entrepreneurship growing up (05:06) - Christine's career journey (10:22) - Writing a book on retirement  (15:24) - Finding your retirement style  (22:10) - Health and retirement (25:59) - The importance of relationships in retirement (29:16) - Finding purpose in retirement (32:55) - The Role of financial advisors in retirement planning (35:20) - Best advice for a successful retirement (36:44) - One habit to stop for a happier retirement (37:42) - Personal reflections and key takeaways Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Maggie Jackson is an award-winning author and journalist with a global reach. Her new book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, explores why we should seek not-knowing in an era of angst and flux. In this episode, I talk with Maggie about the transformative power of uncertainty, challenging cultural assumptions about certainty and success. Maggie explains how embracing uncertainty fosters creativity, resilience, and well-being. Drawing from neuroscience and personal insights, we discuss strategies for tolerating and even thriving in the unknown. From the surprising role of ambivalence in leadership to daily practices that build confidence in uncertainty, we dive into practical wisdom for navigating life’s unpredictability with grace and curiosity.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:15) - Meet Maggie Jackson (02:36) - Maggie's background and early life (04:14) - Defining uncertainty (06:49) - The importance of embracing uncertainty (11:29) - Cultural and individual perspectives on certainty (18:17) - The myth of certainty (21:45) - The benefits of embracing uncertainty (26:05) - Choosing thoughtfulness over fear (28:59) - Curiosity and tolerating the stress of the unknown (34:44) - Sitting with discomfort and using uncertainty as a tool (36:51) - Applying uncertainty in decision-making (40:47) - Personal reflections and final thoughts Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Jessica Calarco is a Sociologist and Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is an award-winning teacher, a leading expert on inequalities in family life and education, and the author of Holding it Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net. In this episode, I talk with Jessica about how the U.S. relies on women as an unofficial safety net, burdening them with unpaid and underpaid caregiving roles. We discuss the myths of meritocracy, societal inequalities, and the structural forces pushing women into precarious labor. Jessica also highlights care’s transformative potential, showing how collective care policies could alleviate inequality and foster solidarity. It’s an eye-opening conversation on systemic issues and solutions that prioritize dignity, opportunity, and shared responsibility for all.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:05) - Jessica's background and early lessons on money and entrepreneurship (05:20) - The research behind 'Holding It Together' (06:35) - How COVID-19 impacted mothers (07:36) - Statistics on gender inequality in caregiving (08:48) - The historical context of the US social safety net (09:37) - The role of wealthy business owners (11:20) - Gender dynamics in caregiving (13:10) - How a weak social safety net impacts women (17:47) - Cultural differences and gender roles (19:08) - The false promises of meritocracy (22:21) - Why hard work doesn’t guarantee success (24:28) - Building a better social safety net (28:54) - Are big corporations to blame? (32:36) - How government and legislation create a precarious workforce (37:24) - A brighter future for America's overburdened workforce (41:08) - Jessica's takeaways   Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Vicky Reynal is the first financial psychotherapist in the UK, where she has pioneered an approach that applies psychodynamic psychotherapy principles to working with client’s complex relationship with money. Her award-winning book “Money on Your Mind: The Psychology Behind Your Financial Habits” is being translated in 8 languages. In this episode, I talk with Vicky about the emotional dynamics behind our relationship with money. Vicky discusses the deep emotional connections behind money habits, illustrating how childhood experiences influence behaviors like overspending, hoarding, and financial secrecy. Drawing insights from her book, Money on Your Mind, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity and self-compassion in understanding these patterns. Vicky also explores the societal taboos surrounding money and their role in perpetuating shame and anxiety.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:06) - Meet Vicky Reynal (03:04) - Understanding emotional reactions to money (06:03) - Exploring financial behaviors and emotions (09:43) - The role of curiosity and self-compassion (16:06) - Financial literacy and emotional awareness (25:41) - Generosity and its complexities (29:11) - Navigating inheritance and family dynamics (30:54) - Gender differences in financial perceptions (33:20) - Financial advice for couples Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Jason Schappert is a serial entrepreneur and financial technology visionary dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom. He is the co-founder of Moola, an AI-driven investment platform that simplifies complex financial concepts and provides personalized insights and recommendations to help users make informed investment decisions. Jason’s journey from aviation to fintech highlights his passion for teaching and empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom. We explore the importance of financial literacy, the parallels between piloting and investing, and how small, mindful money habits—like saving spare change—can lead to significant financial growth. Jason also shares his mission to simplify financial management for everyday users, offering actionable advice to build wealth and reduce financial stress.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:02) - Meet Jason Schappert (02:45) - What Jason learned about money and entrepreneurship growing up (07:34) - From aviation to financial literacy (10:10) - The birth of Moola (11:17) - The parallels between piloting and investing (18:19) - Moola's vision and future (20:08) - Moola banking and budgeting (22:03) - Real-time reconciliation (24:48) - Financial education and literacy (25:49) - Gamifying financial education (29:48) - Investment advice and strategies (36:16) - Personal reflections Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.

Ed Vargo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Burning River Advisory Group and enlightenHer a community focused on financial mentorship for women. With more than 20 years in financial services, Ed helps women navigate long-term financial planning for all stages, including retirement and transitions related to divorce or spousal death.In this episode, I talk with Ed about empowering women to gain confidence and clarity around money. Ed shares how his mother’s financial struggles after divorce shaped his passion for helping women gain financial confidence. We discuss the challenges women face—like emotional attachments, societal biases, and confidence gaps—and how holistic financial planning can make a life-changing difference. Ed also highlights his approach to teaching healthy money values, both in his family and with clients, offering practical strategies for women navigating transitions like divorce or widowhood.In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:47) - Ed’s background and financial journey (09:18) - Behavioral differences in financial approaches (13:30) - The financial services industry and gender dynamics (25:27) - Creating teachable moments about money (28:09) - Impact of parental money conversations (30:26) - Challenges of modern parenting (32:44) - The role of financial advisors (34:02) - Holistic financial planning (38:48) - Navigating divorce financially (45:33) - Introducing enlightenHer Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.