Money Matters: Navigating Generational and Cultural Financial Beliefs

In this episode of Entre Tías y Amiguis, Adri sits down with Stephanie Olano, a marriage and family therapist and founder of Awkward Money, to explore the deeply ingrained financial narratives that shape our relationship with money. They dive into the intersection of financial trauma, cultural identity, and generational beliefs, unpacking the ways that money anxiety manifests and how we can begin to reframe inherited financial scripts. Stephanie shares her personal journey of bridging her expertise in mental health with financial coaching and offers practical insights on how to heal money wounds while developing financial confidence.

About the Amiguis:

Stephanie Olano (she/her) is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Awkward Money, a coaching platform focused on helping individuals navigate financial trauma and anxiety. With a background in mental health, Stephanie integrates trauma-informed practices with financial education to support BIPOC and immigrant communities in transforming their relationship with money. Through her work, she challenges financial shame, builds awareness of systemic barriers, and empowers people to take financial action that aligns with their values.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How financial trauma manifests and ways to recognize it in yourself
• The role of cultural norms and generational beliefs in shaping financial behaviors
• How money anxiety impacts relationships and decision-making
• The importance of grieving financial losses and reparenting your inner child
• Practical steps to reframe inherited money beliefs and build financial confidence

In Stephanie's Words:

"We have to be able to talk about money trauma in a way that acknowledges both the survival instincts of our ancestors and our ability to create new financial narratives for ourselves."