Our story, mission, and the people behind the resources
We help people develop the mental skills and frameworks needed for better financial decision-making, especially under pressure and uncertainty.
Financial Mindset was founded on a simple observation: Most financial challenges stem not from a lack of information, but from how we process that information and make decisions. By focusing on the cognitive and psychological aspects of financial thinking, we aim to help people make choices they'll feel good about both today and in the future.
We believe that improving financial decision-making is a skill that can be learned—and that doing so has ripple effects throughout all areas of life.
After working in behavioral economics research for a decade, our founder Dr. Sarah Johnson noticed a significant gap between academic knowledge about decision-making and practical application in people's financial lives. A series of workshops on "psychological financial literacy" became the testing ground for what would later become Financial Mindset.
We conducted interviews with over 200 individuals about their financial decision-making processes, especially during high-pressure situations. These conversations revealed common patterns and needs that weren't being addressed by traditional financial education.
As global uncertainty increased, we worked with pilot groups to test decision frameworks and tools designed to maintain clear thinking during financial pressure. The results showed significant improvements in decision satisfaction and reduced financial anxiety.
Financial Mindset officially launched as a digital platform to share evidence-based frameworks, tools, and insights with a wider audience. Our focus on the thinking processes behind financial decisions rather than specific financial products or investments set us apart.
Financial Mindset continues to evolve based on reader feedback and emerging research. Our community spans over 40 countries, united by a common goal: to make more intentional financial decisions aligned with personal values and long-term wellbeing.
Financial Mindset brings together experts from diverse fields including behavioral economics, psychology, financial education, and communication.
With a Ph.D. in Behavioral Economics from Stanford and 15+ years researching how psychological factors influence financial decision-making, Sarah leads our research initiatives and content development.
Mark's background in cognitive psychology and experience consulting with emergency responders brings unique insights into decision-making under pressure. He develops our frameworks and practical application methods.
Elena bridges academic research with practical applications through her work with individuals and organizations. She focuses on helping people create personalized frameworks for their financial decisions.
James specializes in the emotional aspects of financial decision-making. His background in clinical psychology helps him develop approaches for managing the non-rational elements of our relationship with money.
Michael's expertise in crisis management and financial resilience comes from both academic study and personal experience navigating significant financial challenges. He leads our crisis financial thinking resources.
With a background in educational psychology and content strategy, Aisha ensures our complex concepts are translated into accessible, practical resources that readers can apply immediately.
These core principles guide everything we do at Financial Mindset.
We ground our work in peer-reviewed research and continuously test our frameworks to ensure they deliver real-world results.
We maintain editorial independence and do not accept compensation for recommending specific financial products or services.
We believe financial thinking skills should be available to everyone, regardless of background, current resources, or previous education.
We foster a supportive learning environment where people can share experiences and insights without judgment.
We focus on applicable knowledge and skills that can be immediately implemented in real-world financial decisions.
We recognize that financial decisions involve both rational analysis and emotional factors, and address both dimensions equally.
2022 Award for Excellence in Financial Education
Featured in Psychology Today's "Innovations in Financial Wellbeing"
Research Partnership with Columbia University's Decision Science Lab
Named in Fast Company's "10 Resources Reshaping Financial Education"
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