Helen, 

This past weekend, I decided to do a deep dive into what’s currently going on for women and money.

Money, wealth, and prosperity are growth edges for me personally — and I am committed to releasing all the barriers that keep me from allowing more abundance into my life. I know many of you are on a similar journey. And here’s what I found…

Money isn’t just numbers.

It carries the weight of our emotions, fears, and dreams. It shapes how we behave in ways we often don’t even recognize.

At a recent women’s financial event, I read about how accomplished, professional women — lawyers, executives, leaders — still shrank in shame when talking about money. They prefaced their questions with: “This might be dumb…” or “I should know this already…”

What struck me was that every woman thought she was the only one who felt behind or inadequate. But the truth is, shame around money is collective — it thrives in secrecy, silence, and judgment.

Here’s what the research shows:

• Knowledge isn’t the problem. Studies reveal that women’s financial literacy is often equal to men’s. The real gap is confidence and self-worth.

• Confidence predicts behavior. Women who believe in their ability to handle money are more likely to save, invest, and plan for the future — regardless of their knowledge.

• Cultural conditioning runs deep. From “good women don’t care about money” to “ambition makes you unlikable,” inherited narratives shape how we earn, spend, and invest.

• Women carry more responsibility. Research shows women reinvest 90% of income into families and communities, compared to 35% for men — but often feel guilt or shame when prioritizing themselves.

• Historical trauma is still alive. Financial trauma — passed down through systemic exclusion and inequity — shows up in the body as fear, avoidance, and even panic when dealing with money.

The good news:

Money shame dissolves when it’s met with empathy, awareness, and safety. When we recognize that our patterns are not personal flaws but inherited wounds, we free ourselves to step into new possibilities.

Because when a woman feels safe in her body, worthy in her identity, and powerful in her choices — she naturally expands her capacity to receive, hold, and grow wealth.

A practice for you this week: The Body Check-In

Before making a financial decision — whether that’s investing, paying bills, or even considering a purchase — pause. Notice what’s happening in your body:

• Is your chest tight?

• Are your thoughts racing?

• Do you feel numb or checked out?

You don’t need to fix anything in that moment. Simply noticing builds awareness and interrupts automatic patterns. Over time, this practice creates the inner safety that allows external strategies to actually stick.

Next week Ill share some of the cultural narratives we have unconsciously inherited and how they outpicture in our lives.

Standing for your greatness!

Helen