12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast

Auditing Your Shame Portfolio and Investing in a “Good Enough” Mindset: The Financial Degree

Financial wellness is the ability to effectively manage financial resources, plan for the future, and minimize financial stress. It includes budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.

When it comes to financial wellness, how you relate to money can be just as important as how you spend it. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Christina, Deshna, and Lindsey unpack what it really means to feel in control of your money without the shame-spiral or perfection pressure. They talk through how to handle awkward moments when the dinner bill comes, the importance of recognizing when you’re budgeting for the life you wish you had instead of the one you actually live, and why normalizing money conversations can help everyone feel a little more confident, capable, and connected.

Real-Life Strategies for Financial Wellness:

• Practice “good enough” budgeting – Instead of aiming for a perfect system, start with a simple, sustainable way to track what’s coming in and going out—even if it’s just a notes app or a sticky note.
• Notice when you’re budgeting for your imaginary self – Check if your spending plan reflects your actual habits and values—or a fantasy version of yourself who meal preps flawlessly and only shops at farmers markets.
• Create a “stress reduction stash” – Focus on building a small, flexible buffer, not a giant emergency fund overnight. Even an extra $50 or $100 saved for last-minute needs can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
• Plan ahead for awkward money moments – Think through how you want to handle things like splitting the bill or contributing to group gifts so you’re not caught off guard in the moment.
• Make space for honest money conversations – Talking openly with trusted people can reduce shame, offer perspective, and help normalize financial challenges.
• Focus on financial self-trust, not perfection – Practice making small, values-aligned decisions and give yourself credit for progress—not just outcomes.
• Challenge all-or-nothing thinking – Can’t max out your 401(k)? That’s okay. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
• Track spending with kindness – If you choose to track your spending, do it as an act of care—not control. Awareness is empowering when it’s grounded in self-compassion.
• Remember: most of us weren’t taught this – Financial literacy isn’t intuitive, it’s a skill set, not a moral failing. There’s no shame in learning as an adult, and there are plenty of tools, apps, podcasts, and communities out there designed to help you take control at your own pace.