Financial Mindfulness & Other Matters.

Welcome back, Fam.

Last night, I co-hosted a dinner for 20 incredible founders, operators, and investors working at the intersection of tech and climate. Normally, I love convening people, but after the events of the past week, I really just wasn’t feeling it. But, I went anyway. And I’m glad I did.

In our darkest times, it’s normal to want to pull back and protect yourself from the pain and darkness in the world. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, you just want to be alone and feel the sadness wash over you.

Sometimes, you want to join a rally, sing from your balcony, or share a meal with friends.

We live in a complicated world. There is no right way to process grief and anguish. There are dark days ahead of us. The important thing is to remember to return to the light.

Women don’t start wars, but we do fight them. And we will continue to fight for peace, security, and dignity for all people and condemn terror in all forms, everywhere.

Today, we choose to face the darkness and walk forward, together, toward a brighter tomorrow.

Ready for your financial wellness workout of the week? Let’s dive into the science of financial mindfulness with Professor Simon Blanchard from Georgetown University.

Not Your Boyfriend’s Husband’s Advice

Our beloved Co-Founder and CEO, Kelsey, got married on Saturday! She will be back from her Honeymoon next week. Congratulations Kelsey!

Meet Dr. Simon Blanchard, Aura’s Director of Research

Dr. Simon Blanchard is the Provost's Distinguished Associate Professor and Dean's Professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. He serves as an advisor for Aura and shares some insight into financial mindfulness.

Simon, what is financial mindfulness and how it is related to financial wellness?

Financial wellness and mindfulness play a pivotal role in shaping our holistic well-being. In our research, we define financial mindfulness as “the tendency to be highly aware of one’s objective financial state while possessing a non-judgmental acceptance of that state.” Financial mindfulness, when practiced, is a skill that requires conscious awareness of one's financial state without being overly judgmental. When honed, it leads to better financial behaviors.

Read the full interview here

Behavioral Science Hack: Financial Mindfulness

Interestingly, research has shown that financial mindfulness is unique and distinct from general "mindfulness" and requires its own approach and strategies. Here are Simon’s 3 tips on getting started.

1. The foundation of financial mindfulness is rooted in understanding and acknowledging where you are.

2. It necessitates a blend of two crucial skills: recognizing your financial status and approaching it without letting emotions cloud judgment.

3. Build a habit of routinely monitoring your financial situation while ensuring emotional stability.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can read the full Q&A here.

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