Wise Monkey Blog

Wise Monkey Financial Coaching

Money Nuggets Interview with Financial Coach Simonne Gnessen

Money Nuggets Interview with Financial Coach Simonne Gnessen

My interview with Money Nuggets sharing tips and advice, talking about financial therapy and our 'Do Money' online behaviour change programme...

"Simonne is a certified life coach, Master NLP practitioner and Registered Life Planner, who has a great deal of experience in helping her clients manage their finances.

She is also founder of Wise Monkey Financial Coaching and co-author of Sheconomics – a personal finance book which provides practical and actionable money tips for women to take charge of their finances. Using a non-traditional approach to financial planning, with a blend of skills and experience gained as an ex-independent financial adviser (IFA), Simonne has successfully motivated her clients to take control of their finances, take responsibility for their financial future and most importantly transform their relationship with money.

So what exactly does a financial coach do? And how can a financial coach help me overcome my money worries? Find out in our exclusive interview with Simonne..."

read more

Change your money habits one Do at a time

Change your money habits one Do at a time

I transitioned from being a traditional financial adviser to a financial coach partly as a result of asking myself this question: 'Why don’t we do what we know we need to do?'. I became interested in opening my doors to people who had challenges and blocks when it comes to money. My research since then has been focussed on ways I can provide, not only practical solutions, but also address the obstacles that get in the way of financial success.

That was why I became interested in the ‘Do Something Different (DSD)’ approach. Professor Karen Pine, with whom I co-wrote Sheconomics, is one of the founders. 

DSD have created a range of innovative online behaviour change programmes, designed by Psychology Professors and delivered by text and email. Each cost only £14 for a 6 week programme. The principle behind it is that...

read more

how to break free from doom spending

“Doom spending” has become a common coping mechanism - shopping to soothe stress, sadness or overwhelm. In the moment it can feel like relief, even a small act of control. But afterwards it often leaves us with guilt, regret, or emptier bank accounts.

The good news is that doom spending isn’t a life sentence. By understanding the emotional triggers behind it and making a few gentle shifts, it’s possible to step out of the cycle and feel calmer, more in control, and more connected to what truly matters.

I was recently interviewed for a Sun article on this very topic, drawing on what I see in my work with clients. What often surprises people is just how closely their money habits are tied to their emotions - and how powerful it can be to bring a little more awareness and compassion into the mix.

read more

Draw your ideal future1

If you want to create changes in your life, I strongly suggest that you watch this TEDxTalk: Draw your future: Patti Dobrowolski.

The talk is both entertaining and inspiring. It shows you how to leverage your power of imagination and visualisation to actualise the desired vision of your future. I've used this exercise personally, and with many clients, with remarkable results.

The act of focusing on what is truly and profoundly important to you, and identifying your bold steps, has a powerful impact. Clearly, you have to take action too. But change always starts with clear, sharp, focus on what you want.

Click here to download her template. 

read more

Are you thriving or simply surviving?

Are you thriving or simply surviving?

I was interviewed by a journalist recently who wanted to write an article about ‘financial therapy’ - a combination of financial advice and therapy for unhelpful money behaviours - that is currently popular in the US.

The article - Do you need financial therapy? – was published by The Guardian this week. While I don’t describe myself as a therapist, my work often involves helping clients address the emotions they experience surrounding the subject of money and helping shift unconscious patterns of behaviour around money.

As well as interviewing me about my work, we did some work on the journalist’s relationship with money so that she could experience what I do. She’d never before given much thought to her relationship with money.

What was revealing was that she can get herself out of trouble but can’t maintain that forward momentum once it no longer feels like a problem. We did an exercise where I got her to personify her relationship with money, and what came to her was ambivalence, disinterest and discomfort about engaging with money. We realised that her focus was on survival: getting through the month, paying off debts, but not on thriving.

read more