Episode 156:
Show Me Your Numbers, I’ll Tell You Your Story with Simi Mandelbaum
Download the transcript or watch on Youtube!
In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Simi Mandelbaum, a certified financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, certified financial behavior specialist, and founder and CEO of Prosper Financial Wellness. Simi shares how combining financial counseling, behavioral finance, and financial therapy can help clients transform not only their finances, but their relationship with money.
Together, we explore how neurodivergence and different learning styles can impact financial behaviors, why traditional financial advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how financial professionals can create more inclusive and engaging experiences for their clients. Simi also shares practical strategies—from visual and tactile tools to gamifying financial goals—that can help clients better understand their money and build lasting financial confidence.
Plus, Simi shares her “three cents” of advice, including how to create intentional space between wanting and buying, why every “yes” is also a “no,” and the importance of practicing compassion with ourselves and our clients.
Show Notes:
00:00 Welcome Simi Mandelbaum
02:25 The “Financial Stew” Approach to Financial Wellness
03:35 Neurodivergence and Money Management
04:44 Supporting Neurodivergent Clients
08:03 Making Financial Education Tactile & Experiential
10:30 Why One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice Doesn’t Work
13:08 How Emotions & Past Experiences Shape Financial Decisions
15:15 Creating a More Inclusive Financial Practice
18:40 The Power of Visual Reminders
19:33 From Financial Overwhelm to Financial Confidence
21:01 Supporting Different Learning Styles in Financial Services
22:12 Simi’s 3 Cents
Show Note Links:
ADD is awesome by Penn Holderness
Do you have Financial Anxiety quiz
Vertex Debt Reduction Calculator
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