Money Loves You: The Keys to Financial Freedom | Julia Carlson

A lot of people think that they have to have financial independence to have financial freedom, but it's simply not true. So financial freedom can happen in an instant, and it's yours the moment you take charge of your financial future, the moment that you take action on a financial plan that is right for you, and you walk in that discipline of it. So freedom is found in discipline.

Welcome back, my friends, to the I was born to do this podcast. I'm your host, Kira Brinton, and I am so excited because today we have an amazing guest on the show. And not only is she an amazing human and entrepreneur and businesswoman, but she is one of our JOA authors. She's Julia Carlson. Welcome to the show.

Thank you. I am so happy to be here because that means my book is done and out to the world.

How great does that feel?

Oh, man, it feels so good. So good to be out of creation mode and into, like, promotion mode.

Yes. Yes. Yeah. And just to know that people are reading the words. There's something about that, right?

Yeah. Yeah. When you have a stranger reach out to you or make a post about the book and put you in the same sentence with other really great authors that I admire, I'm like, wow, this is so incredibly grateful. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Oh, my gosh, I love that. Well, let's tell everyone. Wait, hold on. No, no, let's not tell them the name of the book yet. We will keep you all on the edge of your seat seeds. I want you to talk about how the book began, and it can even happen before our experience. But, like, where did this book. Where did it come to you? And then that's going to be where I feel like you're going to share the title of the book, because I feel like the title was, like, given.

Given. Yeah, totally. Well, I wanted to write a book for a couple years now. I think it was stirring in me, you know, I think during the whole pandemic, it was like, it was a chance to slow down, a chance to ground me, a chance to reevaluate my life and what I wanted to stand for and how I wanted to help people. And it was a gift. And through that, I went through some pretty, you know, crazy experiences that. That I wanted to share. And because. And though, yes, my book is about money, it's so much deeper than that because money is a part of all of our lives. Like, that's something we all have in common.

And.

And it is, like, don't make life difficult in your relationship with money. Like, it can be easy, and there's a different perspective that you can bring to it. And what I've noticed is during. During my lifetime in dealing with money, it's something that has come more easily to me, but I've also witnessed how difficult it is for so many out there. And so, like, how. How do I simplify it? How do I make sure that I can share a message that's not complicated, that's not hard, that's heartfelt, that extends unconditional love for wherever you're at in your journey with money, and then help build a bridge to what it could be, what's possible. So, yeah, so during that time, I was very much into, like, meditation. And. And during a specific meditation, I. I was actually. It was like, I was walking up these stairs, and at the top of the stairs, it was a platter, a gold platter. And the. There was a phrase on it, and I'm like, oh, my gosh, is that the name of the book? And then I remember talking to you, like, here, I think I got the name of the book. And are you ready for it?

I'm so ready for you to tell me the book.

The name was Money loves you. And I was like, wow, Money loves you. That's interesting. I mean, that means a lot of different things, right? And I think it hits differently, depending on who's hearing those words. And that actually is a lot of insight with how you. You feel about that. So lean into it. If.

If.

If you're like, I don't know, what is that all about? Well, the book will share all of that, but, yeah. So beautiful. And that came before we actually wrote the words.

Yeah. Which is. Which is why I say our books are alive before we write them. Right. You received that before we even wrote the book. And. And I want to highlight here that you didn't write this book because you read a few books about money. You didn't write this book because you've, like, been to a few courses. Like, I want you to tell people, like, who you are and what it is that you do and, like, why this is the book you chose to write.

Okay. Yeah. I mean, it's definitely my message to share. You know, when I look back, even to childhood, my parents had a very healthy relationship with money. They talked about money, they talked about investing. I remember sitting on my grandfather's lap, and he was watching Bloomberg, and the stock tickers were going across the tv, and I'm like, what is that? And so there was this curiosity met with education. And so when I got my first job at McDonald's. I remember my dad sitting me down and like, okay, we need to start investing. And he helped me pick out a mutual fund. And I was like, isn't this just normal?

Wow.

Right, Right. And, and I. That was in 1996. 95. 96, like in there. And there's probably never been a month that's gone by since then that I haven't invested. Oh, you're so.

It's amazing.

But because of that, I, I, I found myself in a small Oregon coastal community and did not go to college, got married instead, and, and thought, okay, I'm in this small community, I'm married, I'm either gonna have kids or I gotta figure out something to do, so I better just go get a job at the bank. That's what I thought. That's where I ended up. So in that bank, they had an investment department that I just was, like, naturally attracted to. And they helped me get all of my licenses before I could legally drink. That's kind of fun fact. I love this.

I had no idea.

Yes. And, yeah, I remember going to like a, an educational meeting that had a dinner afterwards, and everyone is, like, sitting around having, ordering their drinks, and I'm like, I can't even order wine. But anyhow, so I got exposed to this financial services, specifically financial advisor as a career at 19, and just, I knew that that was what I was meant to do. So fast forward 23. So four years, I left the bank and started what is now my wealth management firm. And we have 20 employees, we have offices all over Oregon. We serve over 1600 families countrywide. And we're just doing what we love every day, helping people with their money.

Oh, my gosh. It's so inspiring. It's so inspiring. And you sent me your book, which I'm gonna have you show in a second here. And in your book, you sent this note. And I keep it next to my bed. Not to my bed, next to my computer. Right here. And I love it. This is your company. And I love it because it has one of my favorite quotes, which is, well, behaved women rarely make history.

Yeah.

Talk to me about why you put this on your card. Because I love it.

Well, you know, I say a lot of women reach out to me. I think I have a natural affinity to help women and empower women. And there's crazy statistics of, fast forward 10 years, women are going to be controlling the most amount of wealth and history in America. So. Wow. It's. And oftentimes we, we feel like maybe we don't Know what to do. We may feel overwhelmed when it comes to money. We may feel like we're doing the wrong thing or we're not smart enough or we're not good enough. There's all these thoughts and beliefs and I think that quote captures. You can't do it wrong. Like make mistakes, do what you think is outside of the box or do something different and you're going to find your way. And so it's this boldness and this empowerment of like it's okay to take action and be out there and, and stake your claim if you will. So. Well, you, you are that quote. Kira. Yeah.

Thank you. That's actually the best compliment I've ever gotten. Yes. Let me be the not behaved woman who, you know, like move some mountains.

And it inspires a new generation that is so needed in our country of conformity and like it like feeling hopelessness, right? Like, oh, there's nothing I can do, you know, you can what? It's like the ripple effect of all the things that we're doing.

Yeah, I feel that. I feel like there's this thing where there's a belief that things have to be hard and especially for single moms. Right? Like, and I'm not saying it's not hard because this is hard as hell. Like being a single mom to five kids is not like a walk in the park, you know, but like I want to change that belief. You know, like we change that belief, we change it and we get, we have the power to change all these beliefs. And that's what I feel like your book does. Your book comes in and changes all these beliefs. And so first of all, can we please show everyone watching YouTube your book cover? I want them to feel it. Oh my God, it's so beautiful.

It's so beautiful.

And the subtitle transform your relationship with money. Read that to us.

Transform your relationship with money and grow your wealth. And you know, it could have said, it could say, transform your relationship with money to grow your wealth.

Right?

Because it is like we can tell like most people come to financial advisors because they want the exact, like, tell me exactly what to do. And that actually is not empowering you if we answer that. So practical strategies, you can get those on the Internet, you can get them in a lot of places. But the front, like the two thirds of this book is really about digging into that relationship. Why don't you implement those practical strategies? Why do you sabotage your success with money? You know, why don't you stay on track? Like all of these things or what to do when. Like, when you get off track.

Right.

How to extend grace and forgiveness to yourself and release the guilt and shame and fear and anxiety we have around money. So you. That's the part that. That is what I'm most excited about this book because a lot of us can know what to do, but it's like, why don't we then do what we know we should do?

Yes. Yes. And that's why I love your book. I also love your book. Because there's no shame.

Yeah.

No, there's nowhere. There's not shame anywhere. And most money books, when you pick them up, they are meant to make you feel some sort of shame in an effort to get you to take action.

Yeah.

Yeah. But the shame actually makes everyone stop. And your book is the. I honestly feel like you have the best book on money out there because it is so layered with love.

Yeah. And unconditional love. Yes.

Yeah. And tools. Like love and tools.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think you. Yeah. You definitely have to have the practical, but it's like when you're ready and ready to overcome what's held you back. Right. When you're willing to examine that those behaviors that don't work, that's where the seed of truth is. That will guide you to what will work.

Oh, that is a profound sentence right there. So beautiful. So you and I, we went on an adventure together.

We had so much fun.

We did have so much fun. We went to Bend, Oregon, which is just beautiful. And why don't you talk a little bit about how it was. And I think this is very important for everyone because when they read this book, it's going to blow their mind. But I literally watched you write it in five days.

Yeah.

So tell us about the experience of writing this book that week. Yeah.

You know, I didn't know what to expect, but I, you know, I honor you so much for just holding space and knowing. Noting. Knowing how to open. I say open the heavens, but open. It's that creative field, if you will, or channel to be able to receive it.

Right.

So I think it's. For me, it was just coming with a willingness of curiosity, of being open to receive the message. And I feel like, too, the way that you're skilled in asking the right questions and understanding how is the reader going to. To take this in and what parts need to be a part of it. Because for me, I've been doing this for 25 years.

Right.

It's just. It's innate in me. And so for you to be able to Know, back up. Like, let's start at square one. Like, you need, you need. This is how you need to break it down. And, and you know, so the way that you guided me and in a, in an interview format, in a, a lot of different formats. Right. It, it was really magical. Like, I surprised myself with, with the ability for it to just kind of flow out of me and, and you were a huge part of that. So I, it was, it was just a cool experience.

Yeah.

Nothing that I've ever had.

And it was amazing. We had deer that were walking along outside our, like, we'd be riding all day and these deer would just walk along every day out back, you know.

Yeah. We're like, what is a spirit animal for deer?

Right, Right. It was amazing. You know, and what I find so powerful is that most people would read this book and be like, oh, this would take her so long. And the fact that it came through in five days actually provides even more proof of how powerful this book is.

Yeah, yeah, like, and to how much of it, like, uh, especially the framework, like the, the practical steps that you go through on the back half of this book. That was basically what I have done for the last 16 years with our, with my money. And so then I was like, oh, wow, this is vulnerable. I'm sharing this. And then, you know, as a business owner, I'm like, how are we going to help people do this? Because it's not a once a year financial planning appointment with investment management, which is, you know, maybe more traditional. This is more like, how do we walk beside them, how do we coach them, how do we empower them, not just advise them and how do we do that on a more regular tempo? And so I was just like, what came out is exactly what I have done to build our net worth to eight figures. And that's the strategy I'm showing in the book. So, yeah, and I started with nothing. Like, I started at zero too. So it's totally possible.

It makes me so excited because you make this possible. Like, it's not like, oh yeah, some people can do it. You're like, no, here's a strategy and if you follow it, then this is going to work. And if someone read your book 100%, if they took action, they would get results. But what I love is that while we were there writing your book, you went a step further and you're like, I don't want just someone to read the book and then walk away and be like, that was like a great idea. You're like, no, I Want to help them. So talk about what you created for the next step.

Yeah. So readers that read this and want to actually work with my company and work with our financial coaches and advisors. That program's out there and it's very affordable. Like, we wanted to help people not because they have a millions of dollars. We wanted to help people because they wanted help. And so we were like, okay, how do we create a platform that uses technology that still has the one on one human experience and relationship with it and has the tools that can go and hey, you get 90 days. You set goals, you say, this is, this is what is important to me in the next 90 days. Based on what you want, not based on what we think you should want. That's a big difference. And really hold you accountable to those, I mean all, all of us. Whether, like I wanted to write a book, I hired you. You were my writing coach, you were my publisher. You know, if I, if I want to go compete in a triathlon, I'm going to go find a coach that helps me get there. And so I know in my history investing in myself, whether it was a business coach, a writing coach, those always were the best investments. Way better than any stock investment I've done. It's an investment in myself. And I think the book sets the stage of do you feel worthy of that? Because a lot of us don't feel worthy of investing in a program or saying yes to something because it's our own belief in ourselves sometimes that hold us, holds us back.

So, and that's what I love. I love that if someone starts with your book, it's going to do all the mindset work, which it's essential. Right. It's just such an essential piece. We all know this about money. It's such a mindset thing. And you take people through the process of really untethering their beliefs that have kept them from having abundance.

Yes.

But then that preps people so that when they learn the tools in the book and they want to go further, they can sign up. And what is the name of your program called again?

Yeah, so the, the, the program is called Inspired Wealth. Yeah. So if you go live inspired wealth.com that will take you to get more information all about it.

And it's like, this is the most genius thing ever. Right. Because they're going to, their mindset is going to get cleaned up in the book. They're going to understand the tools, but then they're going to go to Inspired wealth and they're going to have somebody walking them Helping them implement the tools which is going to actually get them the results they want.

Exactly.

It's amazing.

Exactly. I mean, the whole goal of this book was not, it was like, yes, to inspire people, but more to activate people. So if this is just a motivational read, then I feel like I've failed in some regards because I want people to be inspired. Inspired, which is more long lasting and to be activated, to take action. Whether it's themselves or working with me and my team. It doesn't matter. It's like, how do we actually help people really win with money and, and get to a place where they have mastery over it.

Yeah.

Where they do feel that money loves them and believe it. Yeah.

And what I love about your book, and I think everyone listening today can feel like this book will be a generation changer because when one person reads it and they're able to shift this, that changes their whole generational line totally. Which means, like, this is like the most transformative thing we can do because all of our money issues stem from the beautiful parents that raised us who, they got it from their beautiful parents. And we get to be the ones that go, we changed that.

Yeah.

But we have to be the one who does that.

Yeah. I have a fun story. So my daughter, my, my middle daughter has, she's 16. She's been with me on this whole journey, Right. And so she's, she's a part of a, a state organization where she had to volunteer at a fundraising event. And her job was to sell pens to wealthy people to donate money for the organization. And I, you know, like I, I had talked to her after the event, so it was done. And she was saying, you know what I did, mom? I just went around and said, oh, come on, money loves you. You give money and money comes back to you. And she hasn't read this book, Right. But it's like she just got that from being around me. They, she's caught that with going through this process and even like she's, she was a waitress and made tips and you know, she would just kind of stuff, stuff, you know, stuff money away or tips and like she had a thousand dollars in her room. Right. Just like, so she's, so it's just fun to see her attitude around money. And, and now we're like, okay, so what should we do with this money? You know, we. Let's invest it. Let's, let's, you know, going down and teaching her the same things that I would teach someone else.

So.

Kids are such a space sponge. And so I think if. If people could read this with a childlike spirit and be like, okay, how do I undo some of the stories that I have around money and start thinking about it from a fresh perspective is going to really serve you as you go through this book and the exercises.

And I wholeheartedly agree as I just really love this book and I just think everyone needs this book. I would love to ask you, what would you say is one of the most important principles in this book?

Like more of the practical or the mindset piece of it?

I think let's start mindset because. Right. I think from the podcast, a mindset piece could really alter someone's day right now.

Yeah. Yeah. So I think it is. There is a part in the book where we actually help identify the beliefs that do hold. You hold someone's back. And it's there really. Sometimes we don't know. Right. One of the fun quotes that are in the book is it's hard to read the label when you're inside the jar. So sometimes actually seeing these thoughts, like these are all that. We call them wealth busters in the book, but it's like these are all the thoughts that you could have about money. Like, I had a friend that was telling me. Yeah. Another friend was telling her that. That she hates money. I hate money. Well, what do you think? Money's a mirror. Money. Money is gonna hate you back.

Right.

Or not. Not avoiding money or it's too hard or I don't have time. That's a. That's a very common one nowadays. But it's. It's often under that. So I don't have time. Oh, is it because you don't feel. Feel like you're smart enough to dig into it? Maybe you don't feel like you're worthy of money? I mean, there's a lot of layers. So it's like, how do you get down? I like to call it mind the subconscious, because the subconscious is there. It's. It's a superpower. It's there to help us, but it can also be. Work against us too. So it's. It's really being willing to dig down and sit quietly and figure out where. What, what's those beliefs that don't serve you and then figure out, I think the gift of that and what I mean by that is that has served you in some way. It's protected you. It's, you know, it's built you into who you are today. So I think we need to find gratitude for that. But then we need to thank it. And let it go on its way and replace it with a more empowering wealth belief. I love that.

Could you give us. Could you open your book and give us like two wealth busters and then two of the empowerment ones just so people can hear that today?

Yeah. So the wealth busters would be, I'll never have enough money. I hear that. I'm not good with money. More money, more problems.

You hear that one a lot?

Yeah.

Interesting. That seems like one that's said a lot.

Yeah. And another one I think in, in Christian circles is money is the root of all evil.

We hear that all the time.

All the time.

It's crazy. Yeah. Wow.

And.

And what would you. Oh, sorry.

I was gonna say that. And the Bible has so, so much to tell us about abundance and riches and mindset and actually share that in the. In the book as well. But yeah, some wealth beliefs are, I am generous with money. I treat money with respect. I trust myself with money. I have all the money I need.

Oh. So for everyone listening, I want you to feel there's a shift in the energy between the wealth busters and. What did you call them? The wealth beliefs.

The wealth beliefs, yeah.

Yes. You can just feel it. The shift is so different and it feels so much truer. Like when the other ones are said, you can feel like they don't feel that true. I mean, I hear it, but it doesn't feel true. When you say the beliefs, it like, this feels true.

Yeah, this feels true.

Right. So I just, I. I just can't say enough. Good. I want everyone right now to go onto Amazon, get her book Money loves you and follow along. We are going to be doing a live book launch this. This week. This week on Wednesday. So I guess a week from today in Oregon. Are you so excited about this?

I'm so excited, yes. Yeah. I have so many podcasts lined up and the big book signings next week. So so much good stuff.

Yeah. It's going to be amazing next week. I can't wait to come to Oregon and just be there with you in person. Celebrate the birth of this book. Celebrate the birth of inspired wealth and all that you've created. If there's anywhere that people could go find you quickly, where would they go to learn more about you?

Yeah. So I just refreshed my website@juliamcarlson.com so you can find me there. That has links to all my socials and my company is financial freedom wmg.com.

So I love it. Yeah. Well, my friend, I love, love, love to have My guests sit down into their heart and just listen. If there's a message that you could give our listeners today as we leave, what would that message be?

I feel like it's a financial freedom. Freedom, I think, is something that all of us yearn for. And what I. I think the message is financial freedom. A lot of people think that they have to have financial independence to have financial freedom, but it's simply not true. So financial freedom can happen in an instant, and it's yours the moment you take charge of your financial future, the moment that you take action on a financial plan that is right for you, and you walk in that discipline of it. So freedom is found in discipline.

Oh, that is powerful. Well, thank you. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for bringing this book to the world.

Thank you. Thank you for helping me bring it to the world. I have so much gratitude for you and your company.

Thank you. Same. I feel so honored. So with that being said, everyone here go grab her book. Be in this energy of hope, of creation, of what is possible, that you can be the one that changes the patterns in your family line and that you get to create a whole different life that you didn't even know is possible. And I know that Julia's work will be the thing that leads you there. It really, really will. So thank you, Julia, for being here. Thank you, everyone, for listening. And I'll leave you all with a message that it doesn't have to be hard. No matter what you're in, even if the world has told you it's hard, even if your brain wants to tell you it's hard. I'm gonna invite you to lean in. That it doesn't have to be my friends. We'll see you next week on the I was born to do this show.