Why Emotions Matter More Than Math: Financial Therapy with Mariah Hudler a Podcast Re-cap
On Limitless Minds, a Cal alumni podcast, certified financial therapist Mariah Hudler (founder of Koru Financial Therapy) explains why our money problems rarely start with spreadsheets. She treats the cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological sides of money—helping individuals, couples, and entrepreneurs replace shame and avoidance with clarity and action.
Mariah Hudler is one of California’s pioneers leading the charge in this emerging field. She’s not your typical money expert. Founder of Koru Financial Therapy, Mariah is a certified financial therapist, licensed clinical social worker, and trauma-informed money mentor. Mariah helps people heal the emotional and psychological side of money — from avoidance, guilt, anxiety, and trauma, to understanding your money identity and rebuilding a healthier relationship with finances. 💡
What a Financial Therapist Does
Mariah works with clients who know the “right” financial steps but feel stuck. Common patterns include:
Money avoidance: not opening bills, delaying taxes—even when the rational mind says “do it.”
Anxiety & shame cycles: stress → impulse spend or freeze → guilt → more stress.
Money personalities formed early: savers vs. spenders often emerge in the same family.
Her approach blends awareness with skill-building: notice what you feel in your body when you default to “no” or “later,” then practice being open, present, and aligned with what matters (think Acceptance & Commitment Therapy in a money context).
Mariah’s Story
Raised by a single mom after divorce, Mariah absorbed money scarcity and grew into a self-described “recovering money avoider.” A global career took her from Cal to seven years in New Zealand (medical social work → program leadership → MBA). A “successful” director role felt soulless, so she returned to the U.S. to do people-first work—merging mental health with finances.
Myths She Wants Gone
“Money is hard.” The mechanics aren’t; the blockers are emotional (shame, fear, worthiness).
“I’m not worth it.” Self-value and pricing matter—especially for helpers and creatives.
Who She Helps (and How)
Individuals & creators: move from rigid deprivation or chaotic spending to values-based choices.
Couples: build financial intimacy—language, roles, and rituals that reduce conflict.
Entrepreneurs: unwind scarcity habits, price confidently, and spend without panic.
The Bigger Movement
Mariah’s mission is financial and emotional liberation, especially for people historically left out of the money conversation. That means honoring your money story, breaking generational patterns, and building a life that’s wealthy in both well-being and dollars.
If your money habits feel confusing or heavy—even when the numbers look fine—this episode is a nudge to explore financial therapy and start rewriting your story.
