Kathryn Amenta Money Coach

Kathryn Amenta Money Coach Kathryn Amenta, Money Coach is committed to helping people unravel the emotional and psychological dimensions of their money problems.

Kathryn Amenta, Money Coach has earned a reputation for providing excellent financial planning and financial therapy services to clients throughout San Francisco, Las Vegas and other areas in the United States. With Kathryn Amenta’s sincere passion for helping individuals understand the psychology of money, her work as a money coach is rewarding for those who need financial counseling or other fin

ancial services. She proudly serves Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Marin County, Sonoma County, Summerlin, West Las Vegas, Southern Highlands, Enterprise, Spring Valley and other neighboring areas. Additional Business Information: Available by appointment with special agreement.

Cognitive Bias Will Cost You Money Cognitive bias is an unconscious part of our thinking process. Per Money Management ...
02/21/2023

Cognitive Bias Will Cost You Money

Cognitive bias is an unconscious part of our thinking process. Per Money Management International, because life is complicated, we tend to develop shortcuts in our thinking that lead us to make potentially illogical judgements or decisions. We become clouded by ingrained assumptions, and we lose the ability to be truly objective. We tend to buy with our gut and not with our brain.

The types of bias we need to look out for are:
Status Quo Bias – we keep doing what we’ve always done,
Confirmation Bias – we look for “answers”, but we believe (subconsciously) that what we already know is the truth, and,
Self-Serving Bias – we think good things happen because of choices we’ve made while bad things happen for reasons outside of our control. This allows us not to take personal responsibility and/or not get the help we need to change this dynamic.
Cognitive bias in our finances keeps us from learning and improving.

Find a few quiet moments and ask yourself these questions:
Why do I shop at one store and not another?
What are the factors I point to when I justify my financial decisions?
Why are those factors important to me?
Where else could those factors be satisfied?
What other factors might be more important?

You owe it to yourself to become more aware because bias always plays a part in our thinking and decision making.

If you or a loved one would like to explore your own biases on a deeper level, please contact me now. I’m here to help!

Kathryn Amenta, Money Coach
Expert in Budgeting, Cash Flow and Emotional Money Issues
415-519-3013
www.KathrynAmenta.com
[email protected]

Connection Through Bearing WitnessSome years ago, I picked up a card entitled 50 Ways To Use Journals. Indeed, there we...
02/15/2023

Connection Through Bearing Witness

Some years ago, I picked up a card entitled 50 Ways To Use Journals. Indeed, there were 50 ideas on the back of the card but I found it interesting that writing one’s story and one’s thoughts and ideas was NOT on that list.

Yes, journals can be used for lots of things but to write one’s thoughts, feelings, and story are one way to connect to yourself and to bear witness to yourself. To speak them out loud and to share them with a trusted close friend, family member, or therapist allows one to be heard and seen and to connect to ourselves and others. It also allows us to see where we want to make positive changes in our lives.

The same is true for our finances. Keeping a budget is essential for all. Looking back at what we’ve actually done with our money – the analysis of behaviors – is THE key to changing the behaviors that we no longer need or want. It’s important to concentrate not on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in one’s own attitudes and behaviors.

Our attitudes and beliefs inform our money behavior. If you would like to talk about your money behaviors, I’m here for you. Please give me a call, text, or email to schedule your no-fee consultation now.
415-519-3013
[email protected]

https://buff.ly/3iZyEZr

Mindful RegiftingRegifting differs from straightforward giving in that goods are not acquired specifically for donation....
02/07/2023

Mindful Regifting
Regifting differs from straightforward giving in that goods are not acquired specifically for donation. Typically, goods that have been received as a gift are offered to others, unbeknown to them that it was originally a gift to the person offering it. Often their motives are principally charitable but also includes giving items which are surplus to one’s needs. However, re-gifting also refers to the act of giving away unwanted gifts as a way of disposing of them. (Wikipedia) The term was popularized by a 1995 episode of the Seinfeld Show. Although the practice pre-dates the term considerably.

Is regifting financially savvy, or is it tacky?

National Re-gifting Day is an actual holiday! It’s the Thursday before Christmas each year (Money Management International). About 40% of people polled by MMI pragmatically cite regifting as a way to save money. The alternative could be credit card debt and shopper’s remorse.

Lest you think the middle class, the upper middle class and the wealthy abstain from the practice, consider that one-third of households with annual incomes in the $150,000 and up range recycle unwanted presents (The Motley Fool).

The etiquette and ethics experts say the focus shouldn’t really be on the gift itself but rather what it represents. According to Bruce Weinstein, President of Ethics at Work, “There is no reason to feel guilty for regifting”. The purpose of giving a gift is to give pleasure, to bring joy to someone’s life.

Once a gift is given, it’s the recipients to do with as they wish, whether it be returning it or regifting it. Good etiquette doesn’t require you to keep anything, just that you are grateful when you receive it.

Not only is it okay to regift, but some experts also say there are times you are morally obligated to regift. For example, if someone gives you an article of clothing or food that you don’t want or don’t need but that someone else could benefit from such as a friend or family member, homeless person or a shelter, it’s not only a good thing to give it to that person or entity, but you ought also give it.

If you are on the receiving end of a regift, take comfort in knowing that most people are regifting with good intentions.

Some of you will still disdain this practice, but regifting can be done right if you give with the best intentions and receive with a gracious heart.

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

How’s Propping Up the Luxury Goods Market?For some consumers, luxury goods can go a long way in increasing their self-es...
01/31/2023

How’s Propping Up the Luxury Goods Market?

For some consumers, luxury goods can go a long way in increasing their self-esteem, or a sense of belonging - to gain acceptance from others, or a feeling of accomplishment from hard work. Many consumers who buy luxury goods are not in a financial position to be able to afford them. One way to explain this is that many consumers do not act rationally, or in a way that is in their best financial interest. A perfectly rational person would always act in their own best interest. But we don’t. Instead, with all brands online now, luxury goods are just a click away. People buy luxury goods for a variety of reasons; nearly all these reasons are related to strong emotions

Today, the luxury goods market is being fueled by Gen Z (born 1996-2015). Nearly half of U.S. young adults are currently living at home – a high not seen since the great depression (U.S. Census Bureau and Morgan Stanley analysts). Living at home is freeing up their budgets and leaving them with more disposable income for spending and saving. Although one-third of Gen Z folks are putting more money into their retirement savings than prior generations, they are spending on luxury goods too. This group is saving money on daily necessities like rent (living with parents, rent is generally $500 or less per month) and groceries freeing up disposable income for discretionary spending (Morgan Stanley). Factors like high rent costs, enrollment in higher-education programs, and delayed marriage are also keeping young adults at home.

With a recession on the horizon, Gen Z folks may be in for a big surprise. Perhaps that means no raise in 2023, and/or parents feeling the pinch and charging their young adult more for rent, utilities, and groceries. The middle-class will be hard-hit in a recession so now is the time to rethink spending and saving behaviors.

If you are the parent of a Gen Z child living at home, I can teach you the difference between enabling, hindering, and supporting adult children. If you are a Gen Z living at home, it might be the time to rethink your plan. Please call me today to set up your no-fee consultation. I can vouch for the fact that you can live well within your means!

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

Financial Stress Can Lead to Physical Pain“Physical pain is considered an illness on its own with three major components...
01/24/2023

Financial Stress Can Lead to Physical Pain

“Physical pain is considered an illness on its own with three major components: biological, psychological and social” (Kandauda A.S. Wickrama, professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences).

Many longitudinal studies on financial woes and physical pain have been done. Among the institutions who have done these studies are University of Virginia, Columbia University, and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Many longitudinal studies found that families who experienced financial hardship in the 1990’s are experiencing physical pain now. The experience of depletion of resources activates brain regions that are sensitive to stress, launching pathological, physiological, and neurological processes that lead to health conditions such as physical pain, physical limitations, loneliness, and cardiovascular disease. It can hurt physically to be economically insecure. “Nearly two-thirds of adults complain of some type of bodily pain, and nearly that many complain of loneliness.” This has become a public health concern.

If you are experiencing physical, psychological symptoms due to stress, fear, and anxiety around your financial situation, please contact me today for a no-fee consultation.

You too can live well within your means!

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

Are you playing a suckers game?Financial problems can be rooted in one’s refusal to accept the fact that life isn’t fair...
01/17/2023

Are you playing a suckers game?

Financial problems can be rooted in one’s refusal to accept the fact that life isn’t fair. As long as you feel entitled to material things you cannot afford, you will have money problems. Many, many times over my career, someone has lost their job – maybe weeks ago – and have not made any changes to their lifestyle. This is a recipe for failure.

Money problems are the result of irregular and unpredictable expenses. I call these “seasonal” or “periodic” expenses. We can almost predict they will happen (car repairs, computer or appliance repair/replacement, taxes, vacations, gift giving holidays, etc.) but don’t generally know when they will happen and most of us don’t put money aside for them. Most people don’t think about the things that don’t happen on a regular basis when they add up their monthly expenses. When irregular or “periodic” expenses occur, they see them as emergencies or financial crises.

Money problems will never go away as long as unsecured debt is carried from month to month. Credit card debt has an odd way of reproducing and credit card debt is a sucker’s game.

Financial ease has nothing to do with being rich. It comes as the result of taking responsibility and by following sound financial principles. The more accountable I am, the greater is my freedom. The more I am disciplined, the more numerous are my options. The more carefully I plan, the bigger I can dream, and the better my life becomes, the more joy I will experience.

I know that whether your financial situation requires a minor correction or a major overhaul, no situation is hopeless. Not even as we head into recessionary times. No matter where you are right now, you can take control of your finances. You can get out of debt, develop savings, and learn how to live below your means. You can get off the financial roller coaster and stay on level ground where money ceases to be an issue.

If you see yourself in my writings, please give me a call or email for a no-fee initial consultation. I invite you to browse my website for more information on my process with clients.

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

What Does Trusting Your Gut Mean? Trusting your gut means following the physical feelings your body gives you that you a...
01/10/2023

What Does Trusting Your Gut Mean?

Trusting your gut means following the physical feelings your body gives you that you are making the right or wrong decision. They are feelings of intuition that occur when the neurons in your gut communicate with those in your brain (Adrienne Cademenos, Berkeley-Haas School of Business, 2022).

I grew up in a family that strongly insisted that my gut feelings were always wrong. The fighting and compulsive spending weren’t happening, they said. The fact that my parents never knew where their next mortgage payment was coming from wasn’t really happening either – so I was told. Therefore, I stopped trusting my gut at an early age.

In my mid-20’s I began cultivating bringing my attention back to my gut feelings and learning to trust them. Gut feelings can also be called a hunch, instinct, deeper knowing. There are many names for gut feelings or the ability to immediately understand something without conscious reasoning.
Gut feelings can manifest in many different ways.

Here are a few:
“Butterflies” or stomach nausea
Clammy or sweaty palms
Tension or muscle tightness
Tightness, a sinking feeling, or a sense of calm in your chest and throughout your body
A sudden sense of clarity
Vivid dreams
Increased heart rate
A sudden sense of clarity or calm after making a decision

The gut is an incredible organ and the only one to host its own nervous system independent of the conscious brain!

That’s amazing!

I encourage people to check in with and to trust their gut. This strategy is important in every aspect of our lives and can be particularly useful when dealing with our finances. You may be a compulsive saver or an impulsive shopper. You may be carrying debt – and it doesn’t feel good. Let your gut inform you. Maybe save a bit less and pay down some debt. Maybe you see a beautiful item in the store or online and are ready to BUY. Stop. Go home and do a quiet scan of your body focusing on your gut feelings. Your gut will not steer you wrong.

If I can assist you in learning to hear and to trust your gut, don’t hesitate to call, or email me for a no-fee consultation. Your life can be lived well within your means in 2023!

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

Financial Concerns and Depression. Are They Related? The short answer regarding financial concerns and depression is YES...
01/07/2023

Financial Concerns and Depression. Are They Related?

The short answer regarding financial concerns and depression is YES.

For many people, debt has become a part of their lives. Most recently, due to COVID, the unemployment rate skyrocketed up from under 4% in February 2020 to 14.4% in April 2020. For context, unemployment only went up to 10.6% following the Great Recession of 2008 (U.S. News and World Report). The average U.S. household debt in 2020 was greater than the same in the last decade, many people are facing the most challenging and stressful times of their lives.

There’s a misconception that people in debt got there because of reckless spending or living beyond their means – but that isn’t always true. Worrying about your budget when you’re facing financial challenges can increase anxiety and create feelings of hopelessness that can lead to depression.
This depression can lead to:
-low self-esteem
-changes or disruptions in sleep
-less interest in things you used to enjoy
-fatigue
-feelings of hopelessness
-employing unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drinking more, smoking, eating more or not eating, increased anxiety, irritability, and suicidal thoughts.

All these feelings and symptoms are real and can be dealt with. Here are some suggestions:
-Set small, realistic goals for yourself – don’t worry about paying off everything at once – that probably won’t happen, but you can focus on one “win” by addressing one financial issue
-Offer yourself a little grace – what if it were a loved one who was in this situation? You would be loving and supportive. Try giving that love and support to yourself.
-Consider a medication for depression – this doesn’t have to be long term. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
-Consider seeking support – a Money Coach can help you create a realistic budget, help you understand your cash flow, assist you in getting out of debt and developing savings. A therapist can be of great assistance since other causes could benefit from treatment.

No matter how big your financial problems might be, it’s important to remember that there’s always a solution. By being open to asking for support, you’ll get through this!
Feel free to call, or email me and I invite you to visit my website for more information on my process.

Live well within your means.

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

What Does Resilience Have to Do with Your Money?(Please see my 1/3 post)Resilience speaks to both the process and the ou...
01/05/2023

What Does Resilience Have to Do with Your Money?
(Please see my 1/3 post)

Resilience speaks to both the process and the outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences (APA). Being resilient doesn’t mean that people don’t experience stress, emotional upheaval, and suffering. Demonstrating resilience means walking through and not around emotional pain and suffering. Those lacking resilience get easily overwhelmed and may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. One such unhealthy coping mechanism can manifest in how we earn, spend, and save money. If we are not resilient, this can have negative and disastrous consequences on our money behaviors. We can use money to walk around competence and healing.

Per Dr. Ken Ginsberg, MD, the 7 C’s of resilience are: competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control. When all these skills are in place, we can build inner strength and utilize outside resources.

If you have difficulty being resilient with your finances, please allow me to help. Together we can build your resilience and step away from unhealthy money behaviors and adopt new, positive financial behavior. Call me for a no-fee consultation and I invite you to visit my website for more about my process.

415-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

Laughter in our lives is one of the best healing mechanisms we can employ in our lives for maintaining overall good heal...
01/03/2023

Laughter in our lives is one of the best healing mechanisms we can employ in our lives for maintaining overall good health. Please click on the link below to read 6 Reasons Why Laughter is the Best Medicine.
https://buff.ly/3VysaSH

Surround yourself with people and programming that makes you laugh out loud and with abandon. I wish you good cheer in this New Year.

For the first 5 people who contact me for a no-fee initial consultation, I will send you a copy of a wonderful coffee-table book entitled 42 Encounters With Laughter written by my friend and colleague, Manny Kagan.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to talk about your personal situation.

(415)-519-3013
[email protected]
www.kathrynamenta.com

Schedule your free consultation now! https://www.kathrynamenta.com/freeconsultation

As we head into the New Year, is one of your goals to become more organized and create a system for all of your importan...
12/29/2022

As we head into the New Year, is one of your goals to become more organized and create a system for all of your important documents? I have created a full guide for where to store different types of documents, how long to hold onto them etc. This is a great resource if you’d like to manage your important documents in the New Year!

Visit: https://www.kathrynamenta.com/contact and choose the “Important Documents” download!

Have questions now? Please contact me at [email protected]

What is it like to work with me? Here is my process as a money coach:Assess your personal finances.Identify your money h...
12/28/2022

What is it like to work with me?

Here is my process as a money coach:

Assess your personal finances.

Identify your money habits.

Uncover your psychological dynamics.

Gain effective money skills.

Keep on track with non-judgmental accountability.

https://www.kathrynamenta.com/process

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San Fransisco, CA

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Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+14155193013

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