Welcome - You're Not Broken

If you’re here because money feels heavier than it “should”…
If you’re successful on paper but still feel behind…
If you’ve paid off debt before and somehow found yourself back here again…
If you avoid looking at your numbers because of the shame they bring up…

You’re not broken.
You’re human.

And you’re in the right place.

The Financial Fresh Start exists because most of us were never taught how to understand money emotionally — only practically. And without that foundation, even smart, capable people struggle.

This is a space for honesty, compassion, and sustainable change.
Not perfection. Not hustle. Not shame.

Why Financial Fresh Start Exists

I grew up in a small town with hardworking parents who did their best — but money was stressful, emotional, and rarely talked about.

Like many people, I learned:

to shop to cope with hard feelings
to avoid uncomfortable money conversations
to tie my self-worth to how I was “doing” financially

I went on to earn degrees in accounting, work in high-level finance roles, and build a comfortable life — and still found myself repeating the same emotional money patterns.

That’s when I realized something important:

The problem wasn’t the math.
It was the emotional foundation underneath it.

The Financial Fresh Start was created to talk about the part of money most spaces ignore — the feelings, the shame, the avoidance, the identity pieces — and to help you build a healthier relationship with money that actually lasts.

What You Will Find Here

This is not a traditional personal finance blog.

Here, we talk about:

emotional spending (and why it makes sense)
debt cycles and why they repeat
shame and avoidance around money
relationships and money
parenting and breaking financial cycles
building systems that fit real life
learning what you were never taught — gently

You’ll find:

honest personal stories
practical guidance without judgment
tools you can actually sustain
reassurance that you’re not alone

Everything here is rooted in one belief:

Money is emotional — let’s talk about it.

Who This is For (And Who It Is Not)

This space is for you if:

you didn’t grow up with strong financial guidance
you feel shame around money, even when you “shouldn’t”
you’ve struggled with emotional spending or debt cycles
you want better for your kids than what you learned
you want progress without punishment

This may not be for you if:

you’re looking for get-rich-quick strategies
you want extreme budgeting or rigid rules
you believe shame is a good motivator
you’re not open to emotional self-reflection

This is a judgment-free space — but it is an honest one.

How to Start (Read This First)

If you’re new here, I recommend starting with these posts:

My Financial Fresh Start: The Real Story Behind This Project
Emotional Spending Isn’t Weakness — It’s a Learned Survival Skill
How to Start Facing Your Numbers Without Shame

These will give you context, language, and reassurance before diving into more tactical topics.

There’s no rush.

Go at the pace your nervous system can handle.

A Note from Me

I’m Claire Ellison — an accountant by training, a working mom, and someone who has had to restart her financial journey more than once.

I don’t believe in perfect money habits.
I believe in honest ones.

If you’re here, it means you care — even if you’re struggling.
And that’s enough to begin.

Your fresh start doesn’t require punishment or perfection.
It only requires awareness, compassion, and a willingness to keep going.

I’m really glad you’re here.

— Claire

Join the Newsletter

If this resonates, I’d love to stay connected.

The Financial Fresh Start newsletter is a gentle, weekly note where I share:

emotional finance insights
encouragement without pressure
reflections you won’t always see on social media

No spam. No hype. Just steady support.