Financial Stress in First Responder Families: Real Talk on Money, Work-Life Balance, & Communication

Hosts:

• Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

• Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

Episode Overview:

In this heartfelt episode, Jennifer and Ashlee take a break from interviews to have a raw, honest conversation—just the two of them—about a theme that impacts every first responder family: money. They open up about how financial stress shaped their own childhoods as police officers’ kids, explore the pressures that come with trying to provide, and dig into the hidden costs of working extra: time away from family, emotional stress, and tough financial conversations at home.

Together, they tackle common misconceptions (spoiler: not all first responder families are rolling in dough), share some hilarious stories (RIP Jennifer’s egg demonstration activity), and get real about why financial stress can make or break families.

Key Topics Covered

• The personal impact of financial stress growing up in first responder households

• How societal expectations and job identity can make it hard to balance work and family

• The “work as escape” dynamic, and how overtime can sometimes be about avoiding conflict at home

• Why communication about money is so hard—and so important—for couples and families

• The myths around first responder salaries and the reality of living paycheck to paycheck

• How early childhood experiences with money shape adult anxieties, defensiveness, and relationship patterns

• Upcoming plans to bring on financial experts to offer tips and tools for listeners

Why Listen? If you’ve ever worried about money, argued about overtime, or felt pressure as a provider (or partner/kid of one), this episode is for you. Jennifer and Ashlee share their own vulnerabilities and clinical insights, reminding every listener that you are not alone—and that honest conversations are the first step to healing.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

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