What if money wasn’t just about numbers, but a mirror reflecting your inner world? In this conversation, I sit down with Monica Kaufman, trauma-informed financial planner and founder of Harmony Wealth Academy, to explore how our personal histories, traumas, and inherited money stories shape the way we save, spend, and invest.

Monica shares why she believes that mastering money begins with healing what’s inside. From financial imposter syndrome to the shame many introverts feel about asking for help, Monica offers both compassion and practical wisdom for anyone ready to reclaim control over their financial life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why money is a reflection of our inner emotional state, not just a financial tool
• The hidden connection between trauma, control, and financial abuse
• How financial imposter syndrome keeps high achievers stuck—and what to do about it
• The difference between “earned dopamine” and “bad dopamine” in spending habits
• Why introverts often struggle to ask for financial help and how to build confidence
• Practical steps to rewrite old money stories and create affirmations that work
• The role of micro-steps and community support in achieving lasting financial change
  
  

About Monica Kaufman

Monica Kaufman is a trauma-informed financial planner and the founder of Harmony Wealth Academy. She helps high-earning professionals—especially women—gain confidence and clarity in their money decisions without shame or overwhelm. Through her academy, she teaches not just the American financial system, but also the mindset shifts necessary for lasting financial freedom.

Connect with Monica:

Website: harmonywealthacademy.com

Introvert Resources:

To support your Quiet Warrior journey, join The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions