Financial Therapy Texas Blog

Pragmatic Ideas, Virtuous Goals

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/20/24 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/20/24

Gambling Addiction: When something fun becomes problematic

Ah, Gambling! Just the word conjures images of smoky casinos, bright lights, and a soundtrack of Sinatra’s “Luck Be A Lady Tonight” playing overhead. While still a way to safely enjoy the thrill of the chase for many, for some, this can quickly become life-shattering.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/2/24 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/2/24

5 Steps for Getting on the Same Financial Page as Your Parents Age

Putting off money conversations with aging parents can have negative consequences. Here are some steps to help clarify expectations for the whole family.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 11/8/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 11/8/23

Financial Intimacy: Going beyond “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours”

Being vulnerable about money is actively discouraged in our society. This makes it difficult to open up to loved ones about finances. Taking that risk can open up a whole new level of closeness.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/18/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/18/23

Couples Therapy for Gambling Addiction: Stronger together

Many of the approaches to Gambling Disorder focus on the individual (and can be helpful, but take quite some time). One approach that might be more helpful is Couples Therapy for Gambling.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/15/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/15/23

Couples Financial Therapy: Budgeting that reflects both of your values

Couples Financial Therapy: Budgeting that reflects both of your values. A guide to setting up your budget together.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/6/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/6/23

Online Shopping Addiction Scale — A closer look

Am I a ‘healthy’ shopper … Or am I using my shopping in an addictive way? How the hell can I tell the difference?

This is where scales can be helpful as we assess our need to change our spending behaviors (or not!).

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/4/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/4/23

If I Won the Lottery: Using Powerball to articulate hopes for relationship

Whether you’re buying a ticket this time or not, this exercise can help you explore what hopes lie beneath the dream of financial freedom.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/2/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/2/23

Hoarding Disorder: How to know when saving has gone too far

Hoarding Disorder with money: How to know the difference between responsible saving and going too far.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/28/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/28/23

Student Loans & Relationships: How Forbearance ending can improve Financial Intimacy

Student Loan Forbearance ending provides a unique opportunity for couples to work on their relationship by increasing their Financial Intimacy.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/23/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/23/23

The Burden of Breadwinner Guilt: The strain of bringing home the bacon as a woman

In heterosexual relationships, the data of who is the breadwinner has shifted dramatically in the past 40 years — but the cultural norms might not have changed as quickly as the numbers.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/21/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/21/23

The Scarcity Mindset and Its Impact on Relationships

Scarcity Mindsets can lead to tension in relationships. Learn about the risks and a better way to live in awareness of spending, but not be overwhelmed by it!

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/17/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/17/23

Managing the Stress of Buying a Home as a Couple

Don’t let the stress of the home-buying process make you hate the person you’re about to live with!

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/15/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/15/23

Start the Conversations: The Power of Financial Communication in Your Relationship

Financial communication with your spouse (or relational partner) is a crucial element that can significantly impact your financial well-being and overall happiness as a couple. Fostering financial communication is an investment worth making.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/1/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 8/1/23

Spending On Your Kids: How to stay on budget and preserve your relationship with your children

Spending too much on children is a quick way to hurt the budget and your relationship. Convert the discussion from a battlefield to a conversation.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 7/6/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 7/6/23

Credit Card Debt & Secrets: How to get out of the cycle of shame

The shame around Credit Card debt can be a huge impediment to addressing the problem because it makes us isolate when we most need to be reaching out to trusted others.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 6/28/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 6/28/23

Your Cheatin’ Wallet — Financial Infidelity

Infidelity — a breaking of trust — is generally spoken of in terms of the romantic/sexual realm. Financial Infidelity, however, is another way relationships can be harmed (and offers a wonderful opportunity for people to improve!)

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/12/23 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 2/12/23

Super risks at the Super Bowl: Gambling Addiction on the rise

The tech industry is changing the way we gamble dramatically.
And it is also changing dramatically the way we begin and maintain our gambling problems.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 11/1/22 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 11/1/22

Oniomania - Compulsive Buying AKA Shopping ‘Addiction’

Emotional Spending can represent an avoidance of issues. Learn how to handle life’s stressors in a healthier way and be more intentional about your spending.

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/27/22 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/27/22

Compensatory Buying: An underlying mindset in Shopping Addiction and Overspending

Am I enjoying a splurge or am I using spending to compensate for something?

Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/12/22 Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, LMFTS 10/12/22

Shopping Addiction & Covid: Pandemic impact on increase of compulsive buying

Shopping Addiction & Covid: Pandemic impact on increase of compulsive buying