Befriending Your Internal Financial System with Rick Kahler

On today’s episode I chat with Rick Kahler, a pioneer in integrating financial planning and psychology and a certified IFS practitioner. We explore how Internal Family Systems can transform our relationship with money, uncovering hidden beliefs and legacy burdens that shape financial behaviors.

Rick shares his journey from financial planner to financial therapist, explaining how emotions—not logic—drive most financial decisions. He introduces key concepts like money scripts, financial protectors, and the internal financial system, showing how understanding these parts can help people move from financial stuckness to greater clarity and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Money isn’t just about numbers—it’s deeply tied to our emotions, beliefs, and childhood experiences.

• Many financial struggles come from polarized parts—a part that wants to save and a part that wants to spend.

• How do money scripts—unconscious beliefs about money—shape our financial decisions without us even realizing it?

• Financial shame is often greater than other types of shame, making finances one of the hardest topics to talk about.

• Legacy burdens around money are passed down through generations, influencing our financial behaviors in ways we may not recognize.

Favorite Quote:
"Every part has a good intention. Every money script is put in place, every burden is put in place with a good intention…it just doesn’t know things are a little different now." – Rick Kahler​

About Rick Kahler:
Rick Kahler is a certified financial planner, financial therapist, and IFS practitioner. He is a founding board member and past chair of the Financial Therapy Association and the creator of IFS-Informed Financial Therapy. Rick has authored seven books and hosts The Financial Therapy Podcast.

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 Episode Sponsor: Michelle Glass

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Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside Podcast. He is a writer, counselor, and IFS Level 1 practitioner.  

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Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start. 

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Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program.  

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