Welcome to Fall

There is something about the transition from summer to fall that carries a sense of possibility, productivity, and a fresh start. Perhaps it's the lingering influence of all those years spent returning to school each September. The anticipation of "buckling down to work" or the beginning of something new. It almost feels like a second New Year.

In our August newsletter, we focused on the theme of rest, exploring what it means to truly slow down and give our bodies, minds, and nervous systems a chance to recharge. I hope you followed along with us on our blog and on Instagram if not perhaps you’ll go back and take a look.

This month, we’re shifting gears to delve into a different topic: money—specifically, how finances intersect with our values and our sense of value.

Reflecting on the topic of money has been more challenging than I anticipated. It’s a subject that carries weight, complexity, and often, discomfort. For some, even broaching the topic feels like crossing into forbidden territory; for others, it brings up feelings of inadequacy, judgment, or even envy. As I attempt to navigate this conversation, I’m left with the question: What can I share about my own journey that might be meaningful but also appropriate to share? While I haven't fully resolved this dilemma, I’m grateful to have insights from two remarkable coaches, Nina Choi and Jared Aquilina, whose perspectives on money and value I’ve included below. For a deeper dive, you can find the full interviews on our blog.

As I reflect further on the topic of wealth and its role in our lives, I find myself grappling with more questions than answers. In a society where financial growth is often seen as a measure of success, what does wealth truly signify for us? What are we striving to attain with it? Is it about accumulating more assets, gaining power, increasing our agency, or simply securing more time with loved ones? And perhaps the most critical question: Does our pursuit of wealth align with our deepest values, or does it sometimes create barriers to what genuinely matters?

Lately, I’ve noticed a shift in how people around me are thinking about their lives and their relationship with money and productivity. There’s a growing trend of people questioning the traditional paths to financial success and exploring alternative ways to achieve their goals without sacrificing their happiness. Friends are banding together to buy homes or brownstones, pooling resources in ways that were once reserved for families or communes. Couples are re-evaluating household dynamics, making decisions about how to balance income with quality of life. The rise of the DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) is part of this trend, but I've also noticed more dual-income households opting to downsize to a single income. This shift allows one partner to focus on family, home, or personal passions, while the other assumes the role of financial provider. More fathers are staying home with their children, and many people are transitioning to remote work, prioritizing flexibility and time spent with loved ones over traditional career trajectories.

These shifts reflect a broader rethinking of what it means to live a fulfilling life in today’s world. The pursuit of wealth, while still important, is being weighed against other forms of richness—emotional, relational, and experiential. This evolution in thinking raises important questions for all of us: How can we redefine our relationship with money in a way that aligns with our values and enhances our well-being? How can we create lives that are not just financially secure, but also deeply satisfying and true to who we are?

As you read through this newsletter, I invite you to reflect on your own relationship with money. What does it mean to you? How does it influence your decisions, your relationships, and your sense of self? And most importantly, how can you navigate your financial life in a way that supports your overall happiness and well-being? If you need a little help you can check out this exercise in a recent blog post of ours, Money Trouble?

So, did I ever figure out if there’s anything personal I want to share on this topic? Well, not exactly, but here’s what I will say: I’ve learned that my anxiety about money (or about anything for that matter) isn’t necessarily linked to the reality of the situation or what’s in my bank account. With enough insight and growth, you can learn to feel secure, resourced, and safe. And when we feel secure, resourced, and safe, what can’t we achieve?

Is all of this money and mental health talk inspiring you to consider investing in therapy? Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our clinicians.

Until next month!

Jennifer Byxbee CAP Founder

This month’s topic felt so expansive that we decided to bring you insights from multiple perspectives. We interviewed two of our favorite coaches, Nina Choi from Austin, Texas, and Jared Aquilina from NYC. Here’s a glimpse of what they had to say.

Nina Choi is a coach who works with both corporate clients and individuals and is a close friend of CAP. She shares her story of how she got out of 100k in debt in just 4 years. She sat down with us to talk about money, identity, and mental health.

“Paying off $100k in 4 years was no small feat and required me to take severe ownership of my situation. The first thing that was really useful was learning about money because I didn't even know where to start.”

Curious about her story? Check out her piece; In my late thirties, I was in over $100,000+ dollars worth of debt and had no idea how to get out from under it. Read her full interview with us here.

Jared Aquilina Trainer and Financial Coach

How closely linked do you see mental health, fitness, and finance?

“VERY closely. I believe that having a routine, structure, and habit around all of these is the ultimate path to freedom & happiness in life.

It all STARTS with your mindset. Are you ready to make a change? Do you have the mindset to make those changes? Do you have a growth mindset to consistently strength train or reach your financial goals even in times when you experience setbacks? All 3 of these require consistent efforts over long periods of time.”

$taff Picks

A roundup of resources for money and mental health management:

Wellness Date

Wellness Directive:
Bringing In / Letting Go

Materials:

Paper or sketchbook and preferred drawing materials - i.e. colored pencils, markers, or pastels

Procedure: 

1. Draw a vertical line down the center of your paper

2. On the left of the line at the top of the paper write, “Bringing In”

3. On the right side write, “Letting Go”

4. Draw (or list) the things that you would like to bring into your life on the left and the things you would like to let go of on the right

Explorative Questions: 

1. Are there any themes that you notice in your piece?

2. Is anything surprising to you?

3. Is there a relationship between any of the things that you would like to bring in and let go?

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.