Money Thought Leader: Karen McAllister
As a long-time money coach, I’ve seen the unlocking of financial freedom for women over 50 many times.Â
Kate’s story is one of hope and transformation. A woman over 50, she emerged from a painful and abusive marriage only to realize that, despite her financial savvy and organizational skills, she was still living in a fortress of fear. The walls she had built around her money were, in fact, walls around her trust—both in others and in herself. Uncovering her hidden beliefs around money was the key to stepping into a new sense of freedom, joy, and purpose.
A Conversation on Money, Trust, And Spirituality:
Through deep introspection and exploration of her money shadow, Kate came to understand how her fears had shaped her financial behaviors and how she could reclaim her power by releasing them. This conversation captures her journey of self-discovery and growth.
You: Kate, when you first started exploring your relationship with money, what was your mindset like?
Kate: Oh, I was all about control. I had everything organized, structured—it made me feel safe. But there was this nagging feeling that money was ruling me, rather than the other way around. It felt like a fortress I had built, but I wasn’t sure why.
You: That’s a powerful image—a fortress. What made you start questioning it?
Kate: I realized that something wasn’t adding up. Despite my financial stability, I felt limited, like I was holding myself back. I knew there was something deeper, something emotional, that needed attention. That’s when I decided to join your money circle—to explore what was really going on beneath the surface.
You: And what did you uncover as we started this journey together?
Kate: So much! The archetype work was eye-opening. I discovered I had a strong Warrior and Magician side—determined, strategic, creative. But then I hit on something uncomfortable: the Tyrant. I didn’t want to see it at first, but I had built my fortress out of fear. It was a response to being in my abusive marriage where trust had been broken—deep betrayals that left me retreating and protecting at all costs.
A Big Realization:
You: That must have been a big realization. How did it feel to recognize that?
Kate: Honestly? It was a mix of relief and shock. Relief because I could finally see it—why I had built this fortress. But shock because I realized I was still letting those old wounds dictate my present. I was keeping myself small, captive to a belief that control over money meant control over my safety. And that belief wasn’t serving me anymore.
You: That’s such an important shift—to see that control can sometimes be a form of self-imprisonment. Did you notice other missing pieces?
Kate: Yes! The Fool archetype. It was almost nonexistent in me. The Fool is about joy, spontaneity, taking risks—and I had been avoiding all of that. I was so used to being contained that I wasn’t allowing myself to receive or experience joy.
You: That’s huge! Because without the Fool, there’s no room for trust, play, or expansion. So what happened when you started bringing more awareness to these patterns?
Kate: My whole perspective on goal-setting turned upside down! It felt like I had lost my compass. For a while, it was unsettling—I had been operating under such a rigid framework, and suddenly, I wasn’t sure what direction to take.
“I realized I had inner strength—pillars within me that I hadn’t acknowledged before.”
Relationship With Money:
You: That kind of unraveling can feel destabilizing, but it’s also where deep transformation happens. What helped you navigate that uncertainty?
Kate: Trust. Or rather, learning to rebuild it. At first, I thought my fortress was about not trusting others, but really, it was about not trusting myself. Once I saw that, I could start shifting my focus. I realized I had inner strength—pillars within me that I hadn’t acknowledged before. And as I leaned into that, my relationship with money changed, too.
You: That’s so profound. It’s not about tearing down the fortress completely but transforming it into something that supports rather than confines. How does that feel now?
Kate: Freeing. And empowering. I still like to have structure, but it’s no longer coming from fear. It’s coming from a place of self-trust. I don’t have to grip so tightly anymore.
Trust Into The Process Of Financial Freedom:
You: That’s beautiful, Kate. And I imagine others can really see themselves in your story. What would you say to someone who’s just starting this journey?
Kate: I’d say, be willing to look beyond the surface. Money isn’t just about numbers—it reflects our deepest beliefs, wounds, and desires. And while facing those hidden parts of ourselves can be uncomfortable, that’s where the real growth happens. The more we bring awareness and trust into the process, the more we can step into financial flow and freedom.
You: Exactly. Money is such a potent teacher when we’re willing to engage with it consciously. Thank you for sharing your journey, Kate—I know it’s going to resonate deeply with so many people.
Kate: Thank you for guiding me through it. It’s been life-changing!
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About the Author:
Karen has worked with over 100 clients, helping them untangle their money issues and to become more effective in their work because of it. To do this, Karen has studied financial issues extensively from both the practical, behavioral, and the emotional perspectives.
She has been certified by Deborah Price of the Money Coaching Institute as a Certified Money Coach, a Couples Money Coach, and a Business Archetype Coach. She has studied with Lynne Twist from the Soul of Money Institute for two years on Mastering your Money and Transforming your Life, including studies in Lynne’s Fundraising from the Heart program. Checkout Karen’s site TheMindfulMoneyCoach. Or, you can email Karen directly at the karen@themindfulmoneycoach.com. If you want to improve in any of these areas—whether it’s your scarcity mentality, your communication around agreements, or developing a practice of generosity—join my FREE webinar on September 25th @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm EST here.
