Highly Sensitive Money for Highly Sensitive People who want to align their values with their money

How to Use Wealth for Social Change Without Burning Out — A Conversation with Sarah DeLuca

How to Use Wealth for Social Change Without Burning Out — A Conversation with Sarah DeLuca
 
In this episode, our guest Sarah DeLuca and I dive deep into the emotionally charged and politically potent topic of money as a tool for social change. Sarah is a Money and Philanthropy Coach who supports individuals and families in aligning their resources with their values—and in doing so, healing their relationship to wealth. We talk about her transition from nonprofit organizer to coach for high-net-worth individuals looking to redistribute wealth more effectively and ethically.
 
Together we explore how perfectionism and burnout manifest in activist spaces, how financial privilege can sometimes obscure our ability to connect across class, and what it looks like to use money not just for safety, but for liberation. Sarah shares what politicized her, how growing up in a financially open household shaped her comfort with spreadsheets and stock markets, and the deeply human struggles her clients face—from secrecy and shame to shoulds and martyrdom. There’s also a powerful thought experiment imagining the world in 2035—what happens when we build it, and it falls apart, and we choose to build again.
 
Bridging Money and Movement: Meet Sarah DeLuca
 
Sarah DeLuca is a Money and Philanthropy Coach with Move Money Shift Power where she focuses on social change philanthropy with individuals, families, and foundations. 
 
Sarah began her social justice career working in documentary filmmaking in LA, but quickly realized she wanted to be more deeply involved in activism. She spent a decade working for social justice non-profits, building grassroots movements and raising millions of dollars. In addition to honing her organizing and fundraising skills there, Sarah developed her critical analysis of corporate power and systemic change. In 2018, she opened Move Money, Shift Power. There, she works directly with funders who want to move wealth and power to grassroots movements, and heal their relationship to money.
 
She is a Capricorn and an 8 on the Enneagram, making her a BOSS lady, lover of spreadsheets and helping others “get sh*t done!”      
 
She and her husband live on the North Shore of Massachusetts with their dog, Freddie Mercury. 
 
Episode Highlights
 
[00:02:05] Sarah’s Journey from Activism to Radical Finance[00:06:18] Early Money Lessons from Her Family[00:09:00] Living for Now vs. Saving for Retirement[00:11:14] How Social Change Happens (and Why It Feels Hard)[00:14:32] Burnout, Perfectionism, and Hitting a Wall[00:19:16] Recognizing Privilege and Early Class Awareness[00:26:22] Political Awakenings and the Limits of People Power[00:30:00] Freeze Mode: When Funders Retreat from Movement[00:35:00] Philanthropy as a Family Practice[00:37:40] Conversations About Money with the Next Generation[00:43:00] Expanding Our Vision: Safety Nets, Resilience, and Shared Futures
 
When we talk about money, we’re rarely just talking about numbers. We’re talking about values, trauma, identity, justice, and belonging. This conversation with Sarah goes far beyond conventional philanthropy or financial coaching—it offers a glimpse into what’s possible when people with wealth move beyond guilt or shame and begin to show up as co-conspirators in change. 
 
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the scale of injustice or unsure of your role in the movement, this episode will remind you that your resources—emotional, financial, and relational—are powerful tools. Sarah’s candidness, warmth, and strategic mind will resonate whether you’re navigating your own inherited wealth, supporting clients through their money stories, or simply trying to figure out how to live in a world that can feel so confusing.
 
Resources
Sarah's WebsiteInstagram
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Leading with Self-Trust: Kate Carter on How Sensitive Leaders Can Transform Their Inner Narrative

Leading with Self-Trust: Kate Carter on How Sensitive Leaders Can Transform Their Inner Narrative
 
In this episode, our guest Kate Carter and I explore the winding road that sensitive and introverted leaders often face when navigating personal development, leadership, and money. Kate is a mindset and success coach whose journey from childhood anxiety to professional empowerment is deeply inspiring. After experiencing panic disorders from a young age and later facing a transformative breaking point after the birth of her daughter, she set out to reclaim her power. Through deep personal healing and professional training, Kate now supports others in turning sensitivity into strength.
 
Together, we unpack what it's like to lead and make decisions while being highly attuned to emotions, people, and nuance. We talk about how rabbit-hole thinking can create internal blocks, how early family dynamics around money shape adult financial habits, and how learning to set boundaries can be both liberating and terrifying. We also dive into coaching techniques like somatic anchoring and NLP, and how these can support sustainable change. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and filled with insight for anyone who’s ever felt “too much” or unsure how to bring their full self into their work.
 
Meet Our Guest: Kate Carter - A Coach for Deep Thinkers and Quiet Leaders
 
Kate Carter is a mindset and success coach for highly sensitive and/or introverted leaders and entrepreneurs. Her journey began in 2016 when she took control of the anxiety and panic disorder that had shaped her life since childhood. She discovered much of her anxiety stemmed from being highly sensitive. Through years of self-discovery and professional growth, she transformed her sensitivity into a powerful strength—and now she helps others do the same.
 
With over 17 years of experience in education and management, and more than 5 years supporting HSPs and introverts in their careers and businesses, Kate knows how to support HSPs and Introverts. As a trauma-informed, Level 5 qualified professional coach with accredited certifications in Positive Psychology, NLP, and CBT, she blends practical strategies with psychological insights to offer a holistic approach. Her mission is to create a supportive space where others can embrace their natural gifts, manage overwhelm, and lead authentically.
 
Podcast Highlights
 
[00:02:05] Meeting Kate Carter and her coaching philosophy[00:04:09] Where are the sensitive leaders?[00:08:25] Rabbit hole thinking & decision paralysis[00:11:15] Self-knowledge, boundaries, and saying no[00:17:32] Panic disorder, motherhood, and breaking down[00:21:25] Childhood financial trauma & emotional associations[00:24:05] Healing money avoidance with her partner[00:30:25] Anchoring and NLP to create safety[00:36:55] Unlearning old money patterns & starting small[00:42:05] Creating change with gentle, incremental steps[00:48:05] Comparison, confidence, and self-trust for sensitive leaders
 
Being a thoughtful leader or entrepreneur doesn’t mean sacrificing your needs, your calm, or your sense of safety. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear how Kate Carter has turned years of inner chaos into clarity — and how she now helps others do the same. 
 
Kate’s approach is honest, grounded in evidence-based techniques, and beautifully infused with compassion. You’ll hear us unpack patterns like rabbit-hole thinking, the hidden cost of people-pleasing, and the challenge of unlearning early money narratives. We also dive into practical tools you can use right away, including powerful mindset reframes and body-based techniques for nervous system regulation. This episode is for anyone who’s ever been told they were “too sensitive,” and it offers a clear, compassionate counter-narrative: your depth is not your weakness — it’s your superpower. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make confident choices or burned out from bending yourself to fit systems that weren’t built for you, you’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and inspired to rewrite your story.
 
Resources
 
Carol Dweck on Mindset Kate Carter Website InstagramSensitive Change Makers Podcast
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Impact Investing: Creating the Future We Want to See

Impact Investing: Creating the Future We Want to See
 
In this episode, I share my journey of becoming an investment manager at Natural Investments, a firm focused on socially responsible and impact investing. I discuss how I overcame my initial hesitation about joining the investment world and found alignment between my values and my work managing investments that create positive social and environmental impact.
I explore how highly sensitive people like myself can bring our values into our financial decisions, challenging the notion that values-aligned investing means sacrificing returns. I share personal stories and practical advice on how listeners can create more coherence between their money and their values, whether through investment choices or banking decisions.
 
Episode Highlights
 
[00:01:00] My story of Natural Investments' 40-year history[00:02:00] Focus on impact investing beyond returns[00:04:00] Client-focused preparation process[00:05:00] The approach to long-term strategy vs. market timing[00:06:00] Examples of values-aligned investments[00:09:00] My perspective as a highly sensitive person[00:12:00] A comparison of screened vs. conventional returns[00:14:00] Challenges to the profit-values tradeoff myth[00:15:00] My role supporting clients through challenges[00:21:00] My "one degree turn" philosophy
#ImpactInvesting #SociallyResponsibleInvesting #ValuesAlignedMoney #NaturalInvestments #HighlySensitiveMoney #ESGInvesting #SustainableFinance #EthicalInvesting #FinancialWellbeing #ClimateFinance
Resources
 
Natural Investments Banking on Climate Chaos report (2024) Better Banking Options All the Colors
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Investing with Integrity: Janine Firpo on Values-Aligned Wealth

Investing with Integrity: Janine Firpo on Values-Aligned Wealth
In this episode, our guest Janine Firpo and I explore how women can own their power with their investments and have them better reflect their values, especially around climate collapse. We dive into Janine’s transitions from a career in tech to global development, to impact investing, and how that shift inspired her to co-found Invest for Better, a nonprofit empowering women to take control of their financial futures. You’ll hear about how small investing circles are helping women build confidence, how Janine’s book Activate Your Money came to life with the help of over 150 contributors, and why she believes financial freedom is the next frontier of women’s empowerment. We also discuss how early investing—even just $100 a month—can transform your future, and what it means to redefine retirement and live a purpose-driven life.
 
Meet Our Guest
 
Janine Firpo is an accomplished speaker, author, and social entrepreneur, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money. From the early years of Apple Computer to senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has always found herself making an impact. 
 
In 2017 she left a successful 35+ year career in technology and international development to focus on how women can create a more just and equitable society through their financial investments. Her book, Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World, was published by Wiley in May 2021. Later that year, she co-founded Invest for Better, a nonprofit that is catalyzing a movement in which millions of professional women are educated, enabled, and empowered to activate the power of their money for themselves and for the world. 
 
Janine walks her talk. She is taking action to move all her own assets into investments she feels good about and is watching them grow with market-rate returns. She is also a lead investor in Next Wave Impact, a venture fund designed to help more women become angel investors. In 2024, Forbes named Janine one of “50 Over 50” female leaders who continue to make impact later in life. 
 
Podcast Highlights
 
[00:02:00] Meet Janine Firpo  [00:05:00] From tech to international development  [00:07:20] Realizing her investments undermined her work  [00:08:00] Writing Activate Your Money and launching Invest for Better  [00:10:00] Why small circles and safe spaces matter for women  [00:11:30] The glaring gap in finance books for women  [00:22:24] Redefining who invest for better is for  [00:27:00] Why it's never too early (or too small) to start investing  [00:35:00] Shifting from charity to strategic philanthropy  [00:58:00] Rethinking retirement and creating a life you don't want to quit
 
Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to shift how we think about our future. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, Janine Firpo’s perspective will open your eyes to the vast, often untapped power of your financial choices. 
 
What would happen if more of us invested in companies that align with our values? What if we moved from passive saving to active wealth-building for the world we believe in? 
 
You’ll hear stories that resonate and data that inspires action—from Janine’s own transformation to the 2,500+ women already empowered through Invest for Better. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to be an investor, or questioned whether your dollars could really drive change, this episode will show you what’s possible.
 
Resources
 
Janine Firpo’s LinkedInInvest for Better membership (free)
YouTube Video Wealth Inequality in America 
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Why Sensitivity Is a Superpower: Dr. Julie Bjelland on Rest, Resilience, and Rewiring the Brain

Why Sensitivity Is a Superpower: Dr. Julie Bjelland on Rest, Resilience, and Rewiring the Brain
 
In this episode, our guest Julie Bjelland and I explore the deep connections between sensitivity, neurodivergence, and how we navigate the complexities of life—especially around money, rest, burnout, and compassion. Julie is a neurodivergent psychotherapist and the founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her insights are grounded not only in her clinical expertise, but also in her lived experience as a late-discovered autistic woman and a highly sensitive soul.
 
We talk about the challenges of growing up in scarcity and what it takes to move toward a sense of enoughness. Julie shares how tuning into nature, intentionally slowing down, and practicing radical self-compassion can transform the way sensitive and neurodivergent people relate to themselves—and to money. We also dig into the emotional impact of injustice, the myth that sensitivity is a weakness, and how rest can be one of the most powerful business strategies. As someone who also supports clients around money and nervous system care, it was a joy to connect with Julie on these deeply resonant themes.
 
Meet Our Guest
 
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. 
 
Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.
 
Podcast Highlights
 
[00:02:15] Meeting Dr. Bjelland and Defining Sensitivity[00:03:45] Understanding the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype[00:09:25] How Sensitivity Influences Money Anxiety[00:12:35] Filling the Positive Tank: Intentional Joy and Boundaries[00:15:15] The Power of Community and Being Seen[00:16:45] Nature as a Nervous System Regulator[00:22:15] Burnout, Overgiving, and Sustainable Activism[00:30:35] Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance in Business[00:39:45] Growing Self-Compassion as a Brain Training Practice[00:49:15] Money Routines and Building Positive Financial Experiences
 
It’s rare to have such a grounded and nourishing conversation about money, nervous systems, and identity all in one place. This episode is an invitation to consider how your inner wiring shapes not just your emotions but your entire relationship to the world—including your work, your spending habits, your sense of rest, and your dreams. Julie’s lens offers a powerful reframe for those who’ve long felt like they were “too much” or “not enough.” 
 
Whether you’re a business owner burning out from your passion, or someone wondering how to navigate finances with more ease, you’ll find tools, compassion, and validation here. We talk about what it means to redefine success, how to come back to your body when the world feels like too much, and why the most sustainable way forward may be the softest one. This isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about honoring who you already are.
 
Resources
 
JulieBjelland.comFree ResourcesAtomic Habits by James ClearValidation can reduce emotional intensity by about 50%.Activating self-compassion deactivates stress centers in the brain
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.
 

Shameless Financial Liberation: Pamela Capalad’s Journey Beyond the Hustle

Shameless Financial Liberation: Pamela Capalad’s Journey Beyond the Hustle
 
In this episode, our guest Pamela Capalad and I explore the emotional landscape of money—what it means to untangle shame, embrace spaciousness, and move toward true financial liberation. Pamela is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor™ who has been working at the intersection of money and justice for over 15 years. Her journey took her from teaching money to kids at summer camp to running Brunch & Budget, a financial planning practice rooted in equity, community, and creativity.
 
We talk about her personal evolution—closing her business, navigating a major health diagnosis, and redefining her next chapter without rushing into “what’s next.” Along the way, we explore the complexities creatives and artists face around money, how childhood and cultural narratives shape financial decisions, and why liberation sometimes means slowing all the way down. Pamela shares honest insights about burnout, entrepreneurship, and the power of naming adaptations instead of labeling behaviors as broken. This conversation is full of gentle truth-telling and expansive questions.
 
Pamela Capalad: Redefining Financial Confidence with Compassion
 
Pamela Capalad, CFP® AFC® is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor™ who has been in the financial services industry since 2008. She founded Brunch & Budget to create a shame-free space where people—especially those left out of traditional finance—could make real progress with their money. Through her work, she helps individuals move beyond fear and scarcity into a place of clarity and confidence.Pamela has been featured in The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Vice Magazine, and was named one of New York Magazine’s Best of New York in 2019. She's also received several prestigious awards including Investment News’ 40 Under 40 and AFCPE’s Financial Planning Center of the Year. Today, she continues her mission through group coaching, speaking engagements, and financial programs like Sea Change—a cohort-based experience designed specifically for creators and people of color. Pamela’s approach is bold, empathetic, and always rooted in the values of justice, rest, and community.
 
Podcast Highlights
 
[00:02:30] Meeting Pamela & how literature led her to money[00:06:20] Realizing most adults didn’t feel confident enough to teach money[00:07:10] The start of Brunch & Budget and trading meals for advice[00:09:20] The difference between financial advice and financial liberation[00:12:00] adrienne maree brown’s “Small is All” & redefining impact[00:19:30] Artists, shame, and the paradox of making money from your art[00:36:10] What going through a health crisis is teaching her[00:38:30] The lie of the “girlboss” and the truth about rest[00:47:20] Sea Change: What group financial coaching can really look like[00:57:20] Redefining financial liberation in business and beyond
 
Pamela’s reflections invite us into a gentler, more courageous way of relating to money. Whether you're a creative navigating the tension between art and income, a caregiver rethinking what productivity means, or an entrepreneur redefining success on your own terms—there’s something here for you. This conversation reminds us that growth doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is rest, listen to our bodies, and trust the process of becoming. Pamela’s honest, grounded take on money invites you to slow down, take a breath, and ask yourself: what does freedom and liberation look like for me and those I love? Stick around for the whole conversation—you might hear a version of yourself you’ve been waiting to meet.
 
Resources
 
Get Shamele$s Website & PodcastEmergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree BrownArt of Money by Bari Tessler
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.
 

Leadership, Latinidad, and Internal Power: A Conversation with Dr. Ana María

Leadership, Latinidad, and Internal Power: A Conversation with Dr. Ana María
 
In this episode, our guest Dr. Ana María López Caldwell and I dive deep into the unique challenges and strengths of being a Latino professional navigating leadership, identity, and purpose. Dr. Ana María brings her powerful blend of personal story, cultural insight, and coaching expertise to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity and intention—especially when your values don’t always align with the systems around you.
Dr. Ana María shares how her journey from Colombia to the U.S. shaped her understanding of privilege, identity, and the internal dissonance many high achievers experience. Together, we explore what happens when ambition meets burnout, how to move through guilt around cultural identity, and how to reframe emotional sensitivity as a strength—not a setback. Ana María also breaks down a three-step framework for navigating internal conflict and offers tools for those working in systems they’re not fully aligned with.
Meet Our Guest
Dr. Ana María is a Latina leadership coach. Shel coaches high-achievers to build unshakable confidence, break through limiting beliefs, strengthen their leadership skills, and transform uncertainty into strategic clarity. Her work empowers clients to achieve lasting impact and cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.
Originally from Colombia, Dr. Ana María holds a PhD in Latin American Studies from Tulane University and brings over 15 years of leadership experience to her coaching practice. She offers both 1:1 coaching and group coaching and will be hosting group coaching in Q3 and Q4 of 2025.
Dr. Ana María’s group coaching program is designed for high-achieving professionals who are ready to gain clarity, build confidence, and embrace their unique identity as leaders.
Over five 90-minute sessions, participants will walk away with actionable strategies, powerful insights, and a strong sense of community to fuel their personal and professional growth in 2025.
The next cohort kicks off on June 25th — find out more and sign up here!
To learn more or to schedule a discovery call, visit www.anamarialc.com.
 
Episode Highlights
[00:01:26] Meeting Dr. Ana María & Her Coaching Work[00:05:56] Ana María’s Story: From Colombia to New Jersey[00:07:56] Privilege, Identity, and Learning to Belong[00:10:16] Academic and Career Journey: From Corporate to Coaching[00:12:29] Navigating Misalignment in Corporate Spaces[00:18:25] Signs of Internalized Oppression & Reclaiming Latinidad[00:22:17] Somatic Responses to Financial Fear[00:25:13] Coaching High Achievers & Overstimulated Clients[00:28:26] Reframing Sensitivity as a Superpower[00:35:26] Beyond the Business Case for Latino Inclusion[00:47:32] Three Steps to Find Alignment in the Face of Dissonance.
There’s something powerful about hearing someone speak directly to experiences you’ve never quite found the words for—and that’s what this episode offers. Whether you’re navigating a workplace that doesn’t fully reflect your values, trying to bring more of your cultural identity into how you lead, or simply figuring out how to manage everything on your plate without losing yourself in the process, Dr. Ana María has something for you.
She offers more than insight—she offers frameworks, tools, and a grounded presence that reminds you you're not alone. From her own story of crossing borders—both literal and emotional—to supporting clients through somatic journaling, parts work, and boundaries, Ana María reminds us that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about integration. Hit play, take a deep breath, and let this conversation guide you back to your own internal wisdom.
 
Resources
WebsiteLinkedInInstagramJournaling Exercises on Appreciative InquiryHispanic star website
 
Watch this episode on YouTube
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Embracing Financial Wellness through Somatic Finance® Gayle Colman’s Journey

Embracing Financial Wellness through Somatic Finance® Gayle Colman’s Journey
 
In this episode, our guest Gayle Colman and I dive into the connections between money, personal growth, and embodied awareness. Gayle, a leading expert in personal finance and creator of Somatic Finance®, brings over 40 years of experience helping individuals integrate holistic financial practices into their lives. From her early days in finance to her development of transformative approaches to money management, Gayle shares how financial well-being is intrinsically linked to our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.Together, we explore what it means to cultivate financial integrity, the powerful role of somatic practices in shifting limiting beliefs, and how bringing the “whole self” to our financial choices can liberate us from inherited money trauma. Gayle also shares personal stories that shaped her values around money, her philosophy on creating safe spaces for financial discussions, and her approach to teaching clients how to align their deepest motivations with financial practices.
 
Meet Our Guest
 
Gayle Colman is one of the country's leading experts in personal finances through her innovative work in Integral Wealth Advisory Services and the creator of Somatic Finance®. She is a coach, writer, entrepreneur, and financial planner with 40 years of professional experience and the author of The Body of Money: A Self Help Guide to Creating Sustainable Wealth through Innate Intelligence.Gayle’s holistic approach to wealth advice champions both practical financial health and personal aspects of money mastery: beliefs, patterns, desires, family-of-origin stories. Her unique blend of experience and training guides clients from confusion to refreshing clarity, integrating inner values with real-world practicality.Tapping into decades of training and practice developing the field of Somatic Finance®, Gayle's unique meditative and embodiment practices demystify our money woes, tend to wounds created by generational trauma, and put financial agency squarely back in our own hands, creating clarity and confidence around our choices rather than overwhelm.Along with certifications as a CFP® and Master Integral Coach®, Gayle is a Big Leap Coach through the Hendricks Institute and a Certified Teacher in the Gateless methodology. She is co-founder of Colman Knight Advisory Group, LLC, a holistic and integral wealth advisory firm based in Massachusetts.
 
Highlights
 
[00:01:10] Bridging the inner and outer aspects of finance[00:03:30] Early finance journey: From risk management to purpose-driven work[00:08:20] A breakthrough client moment and the psychology of money[00:10:00] Money as a psychological inquiry, not a problem[00:11:50] Somatic finance explained: field effects and body awareness[00:21:00] Simple titration practices for financial anxiety[00:23:30] Connecting body centers to financial awareness[00:28:10] Gayle’s earliest money memories and how they shaped her philosophy[00:33:00] Exploring shame and guilt in financial history[00:36:10] The impact of race on financial identity[00:47:00] Supporting family without sacrificing personal financial success[01:00:10] Sacred action: Moving beyond habit into intentional financial practicesJoin us on this journey to uncover the layers of financial self-discovery and gain insights into using Somatic Finance® for personal empowerment. Gayle shares stories that are both relatable and eye-opening, reminding us that our financial well-being is deeply personal and unique. Whether it’s learning to create safe spaces around money or integrating the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of finance, Gayle’s insights offer a fresh, compassionate way to engage with our finances. This conversation will leave you inspired to explore your own beliefs about money, embrace conscious actions, and move beyond financial fear into a place of empowered choice. 
 
Resources
 
Colman KnightLink Tree The Body of Money: A Self Help Guide to Creating Sustainable Wealth through Innate Intelligence by Gayle Colman Curiosity Creates Safe Space
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Douglas Tsoi on Finding Financial Freedom, Meaning, and Community

Douglas Tsoi on Finding Financial Freedom, Meaning, and Community
 
In this episode, our guest Douglas Tsoi and I dive into the intersection of financial freedom, personal values, and social impact. Douglas, founder of the School of Financial Freedom, shares his journey from lawyer to educator, achieving financial independence by living simply and intentionally. Together, we unpack how his minimalist philosophy allowed him to pursue a path focused on meaning and community. As he shares stories of his family’s immigrant history and insights from his own life transformations, Douglas invites listeners to rethink the roles of money, work, and community in their own lives.Finding peace and purpose beyond financial independence can be elusive, but in this conversation, Douglas Tsoi offers a fresh perspective on how financial freedom opens the door to more meaningful pursuits. Rather than seeing wealth as an end goal, Douglas invites us to explore our motivations and embrace a simpler, more intentional life. 
 
Meet Our Guest
 
Douglas Tsoi is the founder of School of Financial Freedom. This is his short financial freedom story: After college, he had careers as an intellectual property lawyer, Quaker school teacher, government sustainability officer, and nonprofit training manager, making an average of $36,000 a year. During all that time, he lived on $20,000 a year for 20 years and invested the rest. At age 42, he “retired.”After FI, Douglas spends most of his time playing soccer, writing, traveling, and hanging with his dog Wu Wei. He also started a Portland Underground Grad School, a place for affordable lifelong community and education. He became a Franciscan Spiritual Director, trained as a hospital chaplain, and does financial-spiritual coaching. He created The Appreciation Effect, the Gratitude Dojo, and a reparative justice fund. His principle values are voluntary simplicity, integrity, gratitude, lifelong learning, and community.Beyond his financial achievements, Douglas is a multifaceted thinker and leader, committed to building connections and inspiring personal growth. He founded the Portland Underground Grad School to foster lifelong learning in his community and offers financial-spiritual coaching through his roles as a Franciscan Spiritual Director and sustainability advocate. In line with his principles, Douglas has created community-based initiatives such as The Appreciation Effect, the Gratitude Dojo, and the Jubilee Fund, aiming to address systemic financial challenges and bring awareness to the ethics of consumption. Through these projects, Douglas embodies a life of purpose, balance, and meaningful contribution.
 
Highlights
 
[00:00:30] Why Douglas founded the School of Financial Freedom[00:02:10] The role of inner longing in financial decisions[00:06:50] Douglas’s family’s immigrant history and money trauma[00:08:20] Learning to live on “enough”[00:09:50] Money vigilance and scarcity in immigrant families[00:13:20] Ethics of consumption vs. investing[00:15:30] How capitalism affects our identity[00:19:50] Supporting family without losing oneself in “workism”[00:24:50] Balancing giving with self-care[00:27:50] From corporate lawyer to Quaker teacher[00:33:20] Social justice through spiritual interconnectedness[00:34:50] Applying spiritual principles to financial education[00:36:50] The challenge of finding purpose after financial independence[00:39:20] The value of analog leisure and true rest[00:47:00] Building community through the Jubilee FundFrom his work at the School of Financial Freedom to the creation of the Jubilee Fund, Douglas’s approach is not about financial shortcuts but about building a life rooted in values of community, gratitude, and enoughness. This episode challenges conventional ideas of success, exploring the emotional aspects of capitalism and the liberating power of “doing nothing.” Tune in for an insightful discussion on rethinking our relationships with money, work, and each other to live fuller, more purposeful lives.
 
Resources
 
Douglas TsoiSubstackSchool of Financial FreedomScarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.

Creating Financial Alignment and Embracing «Good Enough» with Shannon Wilkinson

Creating Financial Alignment and Embracing “Good Enough” with Shannon Wilkinson
In this episode, our guest Shannon Wilkinson and I dive into the transformative power of aligning finances with personal values and overcoming perfectionism. Shannon, a life coach with over two decades of experience, shares her journey from starting her career when "life coaching" wasn’t even a well-known term to becoming a specialist in helping others find clarity, confidence, and momentum in life. We explore how Shannon’s experiences with financial awareness, ADHD, and concussions shaped her coaching approach and led her to prioritize simplicity and “good enough” over perfection.Throughout our conversation, Shannon shares the impact of using systems like YNAB (You Need A Budget) to manage money with intention and purpose. She discusses how avoiding money often leads to financial stress, and how consciously giving every dollar a job can bring freedom. Shannon also opens up about her personal journey with sensitivity, ADHD, and how these have influenced her work, enabling her to better understand and support her clients. From letting go of perfectionism to finding meaning in money management, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to create a life they love.
 
Meet Our Guest
 
Life Coach, NLP Trainer, and Advocate for Personal Empowerment.Shannon Wilkinson has spent more than a decade helping individuals create the change they wish to see in the world. Starting her coaching career when the iPod and Blackberry were the pinnacle of technology, she has worked with hundreds of clients, helping them find clarity, maintain momentum, and achieve their dreams. Shannon’s clients have written books, run marathons, and founded businesses that make a difference in the world.With certifications as a Trainer and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as well as hypnotherapy, Shannon brings a unique blend of intuition and expertise to her coaching practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Scripps College, with additional studies at McGill University and American University. Her deep commitment to personal growth is reflected in the hundreds of continuing education hours she’s pursued in coaching, writing, finance, and small business development.
 
Podcast Highlights
 
[00:01:20] Aligning money with values[00:03:30] How money became part of Shannon’s coaching journey[00:04:40] Exploring money avoidance and common financial challenges[00:06:20] How YNAB (You Need A Budget) transformed Shannon’s approach[00:12:00] Planning for meaningful life experiences[00:13:40] Childhood financial background and its influence[00:23:30] Discovering highly sensitive traits and their impact on life[00:26:50] Navigating concussions and health challenges[00:31:40] How ADHD changed Shannon’s view of productivity[00:34:30] The importance of aligning with personal strengths[00:43:50] Embracing imperfection and “good enough”[00:53:50] Why perfectionism holds people back[00:56:00] Productivity blocks and how to overcome them[01:00:10] The deeper connection between self-worth and financial well-beingShannon Wilkinson's journey as a life coach is a testament to how personal and financial well-being are deeply intertwined. Through years of experience, she’s developed an acute awareness of the internal barriers people face when striving for change—whether it’s overcoming perfectionism or creating financial security. In this episode, Shannon shares how simple yet powerful practices like budgeting with YNAB can completely reshape your relationship with money and how being "good enough" can unlock the freedom you’ve been seeking.She offers fresh perspectives on how emotional and financial wellness go hand-in-hand, breaking down the idea that financial security comes from ignoring money. Instead, it’s about giving every dollar a job and aligning spending with values that resonate deeply. As you listen, you’ll find yourself reflecting on how you might integrate some of Shannon’s techniques into your own life—whether it’s creating a system for managing finances or learning to embrace life’s uncertainties with confidence. Tune in to discover practical tips, thought-provoking insights, and the motivational push you need to create a life you truly love.
 
Resources
 
Shannon WilkinsonShannon’s PodcastThe Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron I Capture the Castle by Dodie SmithYNAB’s “Give Every Dollar a Job” Principle
 
Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.