Unlock the secrets to a healthier financial and emotional life with Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor and financial therapist. This episode of Punk Rock HR is a deep dive into the intricate connection between our financial behaviors and emotional well-being. Aja helps us see beyond the numbers, revealing how trauma can shape our relationship with money and why the advice to “just budget better” is often a superficial solution to a complex issue. Alongside Aja, we examine the growing trend of financial wellness initiatives in the workplace, discussing the role of emotional support in achieving financial literacy. We explore how financial therapy could revolutionize employee well-being programs by integrating emotional intelligence into financial education. Throughout our conversation, we share personal stories and reflections on societal attitudes toward money, acknowledging the deep-seated emotions that come with financial decisions. The path to financial stability is not just about the dollars and cents; it's about personal growth and empowerment. This episode celebrates the victories of those who have emerged from financial hopelessness to a place of confidence and control. We stress the value of community, open dialogue, and fair compensation in fostering a culture of financial empowerment. Join us as we advocate for systemic change and personal transformation and the undeniable impact of financial wellness on bridging wealth gaps and improving lives. In this episode, you will hear: The emotional aspects of financial behaviors and decisions How financial trauma from experiences like job loss or bankruptcy can persist into adulthood and influence financial wellness The trend of financial wellness programs in workplaces Integrating financial therapy to address both financial literacy and emotional support Strategies for managing financial stress, including mindfulness, having a financial plan, and understanding the emotional impact of financial insecurity Success stories of individuals overcoming financial struggles The importance of personal growth and behavioral changes in financial well-being Fostering financial empowerment and bridging wealth gaps with open dialogue, community support, and fair compensation Advocating for systemic change and the value of financial education and emotional intelligence in improving overall life quality Resources from this Episode Visita Aja Evans’s website:  www.ajaevanscounseling.com Connect with Aja on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajaevans Find Aja on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajaetherapy Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.