Share

cover art for Why Talking About Money Feels So Awkward (And How Financial Trauma Shapes Wealth)

Say Hola Wealth

Why Talking About Money Feels So Awkward (And How Financial Trauma Shapes Wealth)

Season 17, Ep. 204

In this episode of The Say Hola Wealth Podcast, Luzy King is joined by licensed therapist and coach Stephanie Olano (@awkmoney) to unpack the emotional weight of money—from financial trauma and ADHD to the guilt Latina therapists often feel about charging their worth.


Stephanie shares how money became a trigger in her own mental health journey, even as a trauma-informed professional. Together, they explore:

  • Why money convos still feel taboo in Latinx culture
  • How financial trauma shows up in the body
  • The overlap between ADHD and money mismanagement
  • Why undercharging is self-abandonment, not service
  • And how to reframe money boundaries as emotional care

If you’re a first-gen Latina therapist or coach struggling to charge your worth or manage money without shame—this episode is for you. Healing your relationship with money doesn’t make you less of a healer—it makes you a whole one.


Resources + Links Mentioned

💻 Work with Luzy 1:1: sayholawealth.com/hola

💌 Join the Cash Libre Newsletter: sayholawealth.com

📲 Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @awkmoney



More episodes

View all episodes

  • 212. Single Mom to Wealth Builder: Investing, Motherhood, and Financial Freedom.

    33:27||Season 18, Ep. 212
    What if the money lessons you inherited were designed for survival—but not for wealth?In this powerful episode of Say Hola Wealth, host Luzy King sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and transformational coach Mariela De La Mora to talk about rebuilding financially after divorce, becoming a single mom, investing after 40, and creating generational wealth as a first-generation Latina.Mariela shares how she went from food stamps and starting over financially to building a six-figure investment portfolio, opening an investment account for her daughter, and redefining wealth on her own terms.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up with immigrant money beliefs Why saving money wasn’t enough to build wealth How Mariela started investing after 40 Building a six-figure portfolio as a single mom Creating generational wealth for her daughter Redefining success, freedom, and financial securityConnect with Mariela on Instagram.If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start investing, rebuild after divorce, or create a different financial future for your family… this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a mujer who needs to hear it.💌 Join the Cash Libre waitlist:https://cashlibre.com⭐ Love the show? Leave Luzy a review on Apple Podcasts and help us reach more mujeres building generational wealth.Follow Mariela:https://marieladelamora.com
  • 211. Breaking Barriers: How Latinas Build Wealth, Lead with Purpose, and Rise to the C-Suite

    21:54||Season 18, Ep. 211
    In this episode, Michelle Seijas shares how her upbringing shaped her view on money, leadership, and building wealth with intention. She opens up about breaking barriers, navigating leadership as a Latina, and creating agency through aligned career moves.What You’ll Learn:How your upbringing influences your relationship with moneyCommon barriers Latinas face in leadership and how to overcome themThe importance of mentorship and sponsorship for career growthActionable steps to move into leadership roles with confidenceWhy defining your values is key to building wealth and agencyConnect with Michelle on Instagram.Ready to take control of your finances? Join our newsletter to learn how to save your first $10K and start building your wealth.www.sayholawealth.com/hola
  • 210. How To Max Your Roth IRA This Year: 3 Simple Strategies That Work

    13:15||Season 18, Ep. 210
    In this solo podcast episode Luzy talks about how to max out your Roth IRA, grow your wealth tax-free, and build long-term financial security with simple, actionable strategies.In this episode, Luzy breaks down exactly how a Roth IRA works, contribution limits, and the smartest ways to invest consistently—even if you're just getting started.What You’ll Learn:What is a Roth IRA and how it worksRoth IRA contribution limits and income rulesHow to max out your Roth IRA step-by-stepMonthly vs bi-weekly vs lump sum investing strategiesHow to automate your investments for consistencyThe mindset shifts needed to start investing confidentlyThe true cost of not investing (and why inaction is expensive)How to build long-term wealth—even as a beginnerJoin the Cash Libre Newsletter to get investing tips and money strategies directly from Luzy at www.sayholawealth.com/holaJoin the book Waitlist to be the first to know when Cash Libre launches: www.cashlilbre.com
  • 209. How To Get Paid As A Speaker

    32:53||Season 18, Ep. 209
    In this inspiring interview, Steph shares her journey from corporate to public speaking, emphasizing the importance of representation, relationship-building, and authentic storytelling for Latinas and underrepresented communities. Discover practical tips on how to start, charge your worth, and build a personal brand that opens doors to paid speaking opportunities.About our Guest:Steph is a Latina speaker, coach, and Founder of the Speaker Movement. She reframes public speaking as identity work—not performance—supporting creatives and underrepresented leaders in reclaiming their voice after a lifetime of societal conditioning.Through her work, Steph helps people stop editing themselves and start speaking from lived experience—where visibility doesn’t require assimilation and leadership doesn’t demand dilution. Her work centers on immigrants, queer folks, first-gen leaders, and anyone who was never shown they belonged on stage.Connect with Steph on Instagram.What You'll Learn:00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:43 Introduction to Public Speaking and Community Impact03:19 The Journey to Becoming a Speaker05:32 Transitioning from Corporate to Public Speaking08:21 Monetizing Speaking Engagements11:20 Finding Speaking Opportunities14:22 Setting Financial Goals as a Speaker16:57 Investing in Personal Branding19:58 Reclaiming Your Voice and Identity22:51 Cultural Background and Storytelling25:40 Encouraging Latinas to Speak Up28:18 Defining Wealth and Generational Empowerment31:59 OuttroResources:Join the Cash Libre Community today! www.sayholawealth.com
  • 208. How First-Generation Latinas Use Education to Build Generational Wealth

    35:35||Season 17, Ep. 208
    How First-Generation Latinas Use Education to Build Generational WealthIn this episode of The Say Hola Wealth Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Cristina Rodriguez—educator, advocate, and founder of Latinas with Masters—to talk about what it really takes to build wealth as a first-generation Latina.Cristina shares her journey from being the daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants to earning her doctorate, all while navigating higher education systems that were not designed for us. This conversation goes beyond degrees and titles—it’s about using education as a tool for empowerment, advocacy, and long-term wealth building.Together, we unpack the realities of being the only Latina in the room, the importance of community in higher education, and why knowledge is one of the most powerful assets we can pass down to future generations. Cristina also shares how her work in housing and student support has shaped her understanding of financial stability and what it truly means to build generational wealth.This episode is a powerful reminder that wealth is not just about money—it’s about access, awareness, and the courage to use your voice.What You’ll LearnHow first-generation Latinas can use education as a pathway to build wealthThe difference between getting into college and actually graduating—and why it mattersWhy community and representation are essential in higher educationHow to advocate for yourself in systems that were not built for youWhy knowledge, healing, and rest are key components of wealthListen to the EpisodeListen to the full episode to learn how to navigate higher education, build wealth through knowledge, and step into your power with confidence.Connect and Continue the ConversationConnect with Cristina on Instagram to learn more about her work and the Latinas with Masters community.Join the Cash Libre Newsletter for all things community, wealth building, and resources to help you grow your income and create your version of financial freedom.
  • 207. The Good, The Messy, & The Real: My Book Journey (No One Talks About This)

    20:42||Season 17, Ep. 207
    In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my book journey—the good, the messy, and the real. From business pivots to burnout and financial adjustments, this is an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build wealth in a heavy season.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed trying to balance life, money, and your goals… this episode will remind you that it’s okay to pause, reset, and realign.What You’ll Learn:What it really takes to launch a book and grow a businessHow to set boundaries to protect your time and energyWhy it’s okay to adjust your financial goals in different seasonsHow to shift from consuming stress to creating intentionThe importance of building wealth in a way that supports your lifeReady to take the next step?Sign up for my upcoming FREE webinar: From Earner to Owner: Investing Without the OverwhelmAnd if this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps us reach more mujeres who are ready to build wealth juntas 💛
  • 206. Emergency Financial Plan for Immigrant Families | How to Protect Your Kids & Money

    26:44||Season 17, Ep. 206
    In this episode of the Say Hola Wealth Podcast, Luzy King speaks with immigration attorney Cynthia Grande about financial preparedness for immigrant families and how families can protect themselves during uncertain immigration times.Cynthia shares practical guidance on navigating changes in immigration law, creating a family preparedness plan, and finding accessible legal support. They also discuss the importance of community support and mentoring the next generation of Latina lawyers.If you're part of an immigrant family or want to better understand your legal and financial options, this conversation offers practical insights and empowering advice.Connect with Abogada Grande on Instagram & when you book a consultation, tell her you listen to this episode.What you'll learn in this episode:00:00 How Can Immigrant Families Prepare Financially for Uncertain Times?03:13 How Can Immigrants Find Affordable or Accessible Immigration Lawyers?05:51 What Immigration Law Changes Should Immigrant Families Know About?07:38 How Do Immigrant Families Prepare in Case of Immigration Enforcement?09:44 How Can Latinas Become Immigration Lawyers and Support Their Community?12:05 When Should Someone Talk to an Immigration Lawyer?14:38 How Can Immigration Advocates Avoid Burnout and Practice Self-Care?17:14 What Financial Resources Exist to Support Immigrant Families?20:09 Can Immigration Lawyers Help Clients Outside Their State? Subscribe to the Cash Libre Newsletter for culturally relevant money conversations and wealth-building opportunities:https://sayholawealth.com/hola
  • 205. Money Anxiety Even With 6 Figures? The Truth About Financial Trauma

    42:03||Season 17, Ep. 205
    In this conversation, financial therapist Rahkim Sabree discusses the concept of financial trauma, its impact on individuals across different income levels, and the importance of community in healing. He shares his journey from banking to financial therapy, emphasizing the need for awareness and understanding of financial trauma. The discussion also touches on the systemic nature of financial trauma and the role of personal agency in navigating financial challenges. Rahkim highlights the significance of community support and shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with money.What you'll learn:Chapters00:00 Introduction to Financial Trauma03:47 The Journey to Financial Therapy06:27 Understanding Financial Trauma09:17 The Impact of Financial Trauma on Individuals11:55 The Role of Community in Healing14:53 Financial Trauma Across Different Income Levels17:33 Coping with Financial Trauma20:15 The Importance of Awareness23:02 The Systemic Nature of Financial Trauma26:02 Personal Agency and Financial Trauma28:54 Happy Money Memories31:19 Supporting the Community through Financial EducationIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to the Cash Libre Newsletter to receive weekly, money tips directly to your inbox.www.sayholawealth.com/hola