Episode 39

full
Published on:

25th Jun 2024

039: How To Save Money for Travel and Find Financial Freedom with Erika Wasserman | Your Financial Therapist

Have you ever wondered how to balance your love for travel with financial wellness?

In a recent episode of the Transform with Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Erika Wasserman, certified financial therapist. Erika brings a wealth of knowledge, not just from her professional life but also from her personal experiences. 

Erika explains the core of financial therapy: understanding the intertwining of money and emotions. A strong relationship with money offers choices and opportunities, while a weak one can lead to feelings of defeat and helplessness. Erika emphasizes the need for financial education and open conversations about money, which are often neglected in many households.

Kelly addresses a common concern – how to save for big trips without feeling financially irresponsible. Erika introduces the concept of a "Yes Plan," focusing on what you want to say yes to instead of feeling restricted by a budget. She shares practical tips like setting travel alerts, flying economy on less busy days, involving the family in saving efforts, and visualizing your travel goals to build momentum and make savings enjoyable.


Reflecting on her extensive travels, Erika underscores that travel taught her life's fragility and the importance of seizing moments with loved ones. Whether on grand adventures or daily micro-explorations, appreciating the present and those around us enriches life immeasurably.


We talk about:

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 02:21 Rapid Fire Questions with Erica
  • 03:35 Erica's Journey to Financial Therapy
  • 07:25 The Roller Coaster of Life and Financial Control
  • 12:09 Erica's Love for Travel
  • 18:18 Balancing Travel and Financial Wellness
  • 26:02 Choosing Experiences Over Material Possessions
  • 26:37 Family Money Stories and Values
  • 27:37 Fluidity of Financial Priorities
  • 28:16 Travel on a Budget
  • 30:34 Communicating Financial Priorities with Partners
  • 31:17 Handling Different Travel Preferences in Relationships
  • 35:31 Communicating Financial Plans with Family
  • 37:34 Setting Realistic Financial Goals for Travel
  • 40:49 Understanding Your Money Mindset
  • 48:28 Final Thoughts and Life Lessons from Travel


Connect with Erika


Connect with me


Thanks To Our Sponsor:


Show artwork for Transform With Travel

About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. Travel is the ultimate accelerator for personal growth and can be the root catalyst for the pivots and plot twists we make in our lives. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday from Rising Nature Retreats - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

Profile picture for Kelly Tolliday

Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is a Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Lifelong Student & Experience Enthusiast. Kelly fell head over heels in love with the practice of yoga & meditation when she was 15 years old, and the love affair with holistic wellness hasn't stopped since! She's passionate, purpose-driven and committed to serving her community, both on & off the mat.

Kelly has lived in Australia, Europe, Central America, South East Asia, and now back in her hometown in Florida. She's traveled to over 40 countries, and loves to swap stories of adventure with fellow travelers.

Kelly is the co-founder of Rising Nature Retreats - a group travel & wellness retreat company, offering world-class travel experiences around the world. She's passionate about travel, nature, holistic wellness & community building. She believes when these are combined - magic can happen.

Kelly is married to her husband Sam, and a mom to 2 beautiful girls & 2 crazy dogs.