How Financial Trauma Shapes Our Relationship With Money

In this powerful episode of 'Get Ready: Before Life Happens,' host Tony Stewart sits down with Rakeem Sabri, author and financial therapist, to explore the profound impact of financial trauma on individuals across all income levels. Sabri shares his personal origin story growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, where early exposure to financial hardship—managing Section 8, food stamps, and bill payments—shaped his lifelong relationship with money. He reframes financial trauma not as a personal failing but as a systemic issue rooted in financial socialization, generational dynamics, and structural inequities. The conversation dismantles myths such as the idea that financial trauma only affects low-income individuals or that it stems from personal laziness, emphasizing instead how capitalism, benefit cliffs, medical debt, and workplace instability contribute to widespread financial distress. Sabri advocates for a shift from individualism to community-based wealth-building, highlighting the power of networks and collective support. His book, 'Overcoming Financial Trauma,' synthesizes research from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral finance to offer an evidence-based, narrative-driven guide for healing and systemic change. The episode concludes with actionable insights: prioritize high-income skill development over mere saving, recognize the limitations of financial literacy without income stability, and embrace community as a core asset in financial resilience. Sabri’s journey—from Substack writer to Forbes contributor and bestselling author—demonstrates the power of niche expertise and authentic storytelling in driving cultural change. The discussion challenges financial professionals, educators, and individuals alike to move beyond blame and toward empathy, systemic awareness, and collective action. Ultimately, the episode reframes financial health not as a personal achievement but as a shared human experience shaped by history, policy, and connection.