The holidays have a way of bringing financial pressure and emotional stress together at exactly the same time. But preparing for the end of the year doesn't have to begin with a spreadsheet. Shavon Roman joins Steve to explain why a year-end financial checkup should start by looking honestly, and without judgment, at what went well, what caused stress, and where better preparation could make the coming year easier.
Shavon also shares practical ways to create a realistic holiday spending plan that accounts for more than gifts, including travel, meals, gatherings, self-care, and other seasonal expenses. She discusses the importance of writing down your plan, setting spending limits, using separate accounts or savings designated for the holidays, and taking advantage of tools like AI to make planning and gift buying easier. Throughout the conversation, Shavon emphasizes that financial well-being isn't just about the numbers. It's also about understanding the emotions and behaviors behind our money decisions and creating a plan that supports both our finances and our overall well-being.
Shavon Roman is a personal finance expert and the Founder and Chief Money Strategist of Heal. Plan. Invest., a money management company focused on helping women build financial security while addressing the emotional and behavioral side of money.
After spending more than a decade in the financial services industry, Shavon founded Heal. Plan. Invest. to create a different approach to financial guidance, one that connects a person's money with their goals, experiences, habits, and overall well-being.
Her work focuses on helping women heal unhealthy relationships with money, create practical financial plans, reduce debt, build savings, and work toward long-term wealth.
Shavon completed the Executive Program in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia and has been recognized six times as an Atlanta Top Female Financial Advisor by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, as well as a Top Advisor Under 40.
Her financial expertise has also been featured in outlets including Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq, and Black Enterprise.