In this engaging episode of “Highly Sensitive Money,” the host, Diana Yañez, sits down with Ariel Nathanson, founder of Finances for Feminists. With a robust background in economics and art history from Wellesley College, Ariel shares her journey toward financial education and social justice.
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The Journey to Finances for Feminists
Ariel begins by recounting her childhood fascination with money, her supportive upbringing, and her educational path. It was clear early on that Ariel was destined for a future in finance, famously calculating her Beanie Babies’ value in a detailed elementary school spreadsheet. With encouraging parents, particularly a father who nurtured her curiosity by gifting her an investment book in middle school, Ariel’s passion for finance only grew.
Fast forward to her college years at Wellesley, where she majored in economics and art history. She speaks fondly of the unique experience at Wellesley, a women’s college known for its diverse and empowering environment. This period solidified her understanding of money as a tool to help achieve life goals, rather than something to be feared or misunderstood.
Work and Financial Coaching
Post-college, Ariel’s career took her from a consulting company to a mission-driven software company, where she thrived in roles that involved coaching and mentoring. This work led her to combine her passion for finance with her desire to support and educate others, particularly women, leading to the birth of Finances for Feminists.
Addressing Financial Barriers
Diana and Ariel discuss the broader social implications of financial inequality, especially related to gender and parenthood. They highlight sobering statistics, such as the “motherhood penalty” and the “fatherhood bonus,” which starkly illustrate the systemic biases faced by women and mothers in the workforce. Ariel emphasizes the importance of shifting the narrative from personal failings to recognizing and addressing these societal issues.
The Concept of Intuitive Spending
An interesting concept discussed is “intuitive spending.” Ariel describes it as becoming more mindful about our spending habits, much like the intuitive eating movement. She advises tracking discretionary purchases for a month, noting not just the what and how much, but the why behind each transaction. This exercise aims to reconnect individuals with their spending habits, addressing emotional and psychological factors that influence financial decisions.
Building Financial Resilience
Ariel introduces practical tools such as labeling funds creatively. For instance, renaming an “emergency fund” to a “rainy day fund” can reduce anxiety associated with tapping into savings when necessary. This reframing helps individuals view their finances more compassionately and reduces the stigma of using savings when unexpected events arise.
Financial Coaching Through Compassion
Diana advocates for a compassionate approach, weaving in her background in somatic financial therapy. They discuss the importance of acknowledging and sitting with difficult emotions related to money, rather than avoiding them. This mindfulness helps clients understand their financial behaviors and make more informed choices.
Encouraging Financial Conversations
A noteworthy point from Ariel’s practice is the lack of open, supportive conversations about money. Many clients report having no one to discuss their financial concerns with, highlighting the taboo surrounding money talk. Ariel emphasizes creating an environment where clients can share their financial stories and accomplishments without judgment.
Financial Empowerment and Social Justice
Ariel’s work with Finances for Feminists centers on including everyone in the financial conversation. She aims to dismantle the societal and systemic barriers that prevent women and other marginalized groups from achieving financial security. By focusing on both the emotional and practical aspects of finance, Ariel helps clients build a holistic approach to their financial well-being.
This enlightening conversation with Ariel Nathanson underscores the importance of financial education, mindful spending, and social justice in the realm of personal finance. Her insights and practical advice offer valuable tools for anyone looking to better understand and manage their finances.
For more resources and to connect with Ariel, visit her website at financesforfeminists.com. You can also sign up for her newsletter to receive weekly financial tips and updates on her
self-guided course, Finance Fundamentals.
If you enjoyed this discussion and want to dive deeper into financial empowerment and social justice, make sure to listen to the full episode of “Highly Sensitive Money” with Diana Yañez, available on all major podcast platforms.
Resources:
Finances for Feminists
Finances for Feminists Instagram
The Fool Investment Guide for Teens
Resmaa Menakem’s book “My Grandmother’s Hands”
Douglas Tsoi’s newsletter “Trauma and the Imperfect Childhood”
allthecolors.net for the Money Archetypes quiz