Financial Planning for a Happier Life

The Most Hated F-Word

With Dr. Sarah Asebedo CFP® | Associate Professor | School of Financial Planning | Summary: This episode explores the concept of financial flourishing by integrating positive psychology with financial planning. Dr. Sarah Acebedo emphasizes the importance of finding meaning, purpose, and accomplishment in life, moving beyond just functioning to truly flourishing. The discussion highlights how aligning spending with the PERMA well-being model—Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—can boost financial satisfaction and overall well-being. Key points include the role of positive emotions in expanding financial options, the importance of building knowledge and resilience, and the need to cultivate a healthy relationship with money, even before retirement. Highlights: What is the field of positive psychology? What does it mean to flourish? How to integrate positive psychology with financial planning Using the PERMA model with financial planning Becoming financially resilient BIO: Dr. Asebedo, is an experienced researcher, teacher, and practitioner in financial planning. She is spearheading research focused on applying positive psychology to financial planning, financial behaviour change and many other topics. Her work has been published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, Psychology and Aging, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Financial Planning Review, and many more. Dr. Asebedo is a current member and past president of the Financial Therapy Association. She earned her Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. Links: Dr. Asebedo’s LinkedIn Profile Dr. Asebedo’s paper “Functioning to flourishing: Applying Positive Psychology to Financial Planning