Feel-Good Finance: Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being

by Aja Evans

Budgeting is more than just simple math. Money impacts every aspect of our lives—including and especially our mental health. With expert tips and guidance from a licensed financial therapist, this judgment-free book will help you take control of your money while prioritizing your financial wellness.Picture You’re at a group dinner scanning the pricey menu in dread, knowing you have food at home. When it comes time to pay,  your friend proclaims, “We should split the check!” So you hand over your card, praying it’s not declined, while internally screaming, But I only got water! If that sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. Coined the “feel-good financial therapist,” Aja Evans can relate—and she wants to help. But I Only Got Water peels away the layers of niceties that hinder our ability to get real and talk about money. Where other financial education books provide the “what,” this one will give you the “why.”`Based on years of clinical practice, training, and lived experiences, Evans will equip readers with an accessible, researched-based route to financial empowerment. In this book, she will uplift you Understand your unique relationship with money Learn the 6 most common financial attitudes—and the psychological basis behind themBuild generational wealthLet go of financial beliefs that no longer serve youYour mindset about money is more important than ever before, especially for women and people of color.  But I Only Got Water will prepare you to rewrite your wealth narrative, help you heal your relationship with money once and for all, and attain the financial freedom you deserve.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Psychology, Money, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Aja is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Financial Therapy. After going through her own financial awakening, Aja realized the connection between finances and mental health was deeper than she had been taught. With over a decade of experience, Aja is determined to help more people break the taboo of keeping money and emotions secret. Her debut book, Feel Good Finance due out December 3rd dives into the experiences so many of us hid and guides the reader in connecting their life experiences to how they behave with money. Additionally, Aja serves as president-elect on the board of the Financial Therapy Association and writes a monthly newsletter, Finance in Focus, for Square.

Aja has been featured in a variety of major news outlets including The New York Times, Business Insider, NerdWallet, Time, and Teen Vogue. Aja is on a mission to get more people engaged in living their best lives while attuning to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around money. Outside of work, you can find Aja chasing after her two young children as they hunt down the next delicious place to eat. 

Reviews

[Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aja Evans’ Feel-Good Finance is more than just a personal finance guide—it’s a mindset shift. Unlike traditional financial books that focus solely on numbers and budgeting, this book dives into the underlying beliefs and emotional patterns that shape our relationship with money. Evans emphasizes that financial well-being isn’t just about knowing what to do but also understanding why we make the financial choices we do. This approach makes the book especially valuable for beginners who may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by past financial experiences.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance of motivation and practical advice. Evans reassures readers that they don’t need to be financial experts to take control of their money. Instead, she stresses the importance of awareness—the simple yet powerful realization that you can do things differently from how you were raised. This perspective is both empowering and refreshing, making financial growth feel achievable rather than intimidating.

The book also provides actionable steps for readers looking to change their financial habits. Rather than just offering generic advice, Evans presents clear, digestible strategies that help beginners build a solid foundation. Her writing is relatable and accessible, making complex financial concepts easy to understand. It’s the kind of book that feels like a supportive conversation rather than a lecture, which makes it an excellent resource for those just starting their journey.

Overall, Feel-Good Finance is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their financial mindset. It’s not just about money—it’s about personal growth and learning to make choices that align with the life you want. I know several women who could benefit from reading this book, and I only wish I had discovered it earlier in my own journey. If you’re a beginner looking for both encouragement and practical guidance, this book is the perfect place to start.

[LaKeisha W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel Good Finance is a refreshing and practical guide to improving your relationship with money without the guilt, shame, or overwhelm that often comes with financial advice. The author does a great job blending mindset work with tangible strategies, making finance feel more personal and less intimidating.

What I appreciated most is the balanced approach, it’s not just about budgeting and saving, but also about aligning your finances with your values and life goals. The tone is friendly and encouraging, and there are plenty of actionable tips throughout.

A great read for anyone who wants to feel more confident and empowered with their money. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a finance book that feels more human and less like a lecture.

[Amanda Hellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible first of its kind book! Thought provoking, funny, relatable and actionable. Aja raises the discrepancies that manifest in the lack of financial education and confidence many of us feel and experience. And gives us real tools to work with to reclaim our financial security and comfort. Thank you for this debut book - we need to hear more from you.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic combination of the practical and emotional sides of money to give anyone who wants to
do a little better or a little more the knowledge and confidence to take the next step. I’ve been a practicing financial planner for nearly 20 years - and I know I will be recommending this book for many years to come.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very approachable read for someone who has long felt like I just don't "get" money. The author is insightful and supportive. A really incredible jumping off point for anyone looking to really start taking control over their relationship with money.

[Lori Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a really good starting proint to reflect on money though there are better options to better tailor your budget.

[clancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book wasn't written for me, but i did like the reflection questions

[LENORA · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Feel Good Finance" by Aja Evans is a refreshing take on personal finance. Evans's approach focuses on well-being and happiness, rather than just numbers. The book offers practical advice on managing finances, saving, and investing, all while prioritizing mental health and self-care. Evans's writing is approachable, relatable, and engaging. While some topics may feel familiar to seasoned finance enthusiasts, the book's emphasis on emotional intelligence and holistic financial planning makes it a valuable read. A great resource for those seeking a more balanced approach to finance. Highly recommended!

[Christa Jeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good--a decent balance of psychology and financial advice. It could have been a little heavier on the financial but I don't think that's a detractor. A lot of finance literature goes into great detail that feels too overwhelming to the beginner. This would be a good place to start for folks starting out.

[حمده الشامسية · Rating 3 out of 5]

‎ بسيط وسهل الفهم، ويقدم نصائح عملية لتحسين الصحة المالية دون الشعور بالذنب أو الضغط. مناسب لمن يرغب في تغيير نظرته إلى المال بأسلوب إيجابي وداعم.

[Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good ideas and exercises here, but this book was not really written for me.

[Judy]

Could not get into this book.

[Jessica C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good tidbits in here, just a bit too beginner for me!

[Rhonesha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate when authors, especially women, use profanity. What is the reason an entire chapter needed a title with profanity in it. It’s ignorant and classless. I would never recommend this book to anyone.