Why Your Body Knows More About Money Than You Think

When we think about money decisions, most of us imagine spreadsheets, calculators, and cold hard logic. But here’s the truth: our bodies often know the answer before our minds do.

A Common Example

Imagine a woman considering whether to leave her super in a high-fee fund or switch to a lower-cost option.

• On paper, the numbers are clear — she’d save thousands over time.

• But when she imagines calling her current adviser to say she’s leaving, her stomach knots up.

That knot isn’t about the numbers; it’s about fear of disappointing someone. Recognising that difference helps her act from financial clarity rather than emotional entanglement.

Why Women Over 50 Often Feel Stuck

Many women over 50 are at major crossroads — divorce, retirement, inheritance, or downsizing. These are not just financial decisions; they’re deeply emotional ones.

The unknown can feel frightening. The complexity of money matters can feel overwhelming. And sometimes, the easiest option seems to be doing nothing at all. But “doing nothing” often costs more in the long run.

This is where somatic embodiment comes in.

What Is Somatic Embodiment?

Somatic embodiment is about tuning into the felt sense of your body. It’s noticing sensations — like tightness in your chest when stressed, or warmth in your belly when something feels right — rather than overriding them.

When we face money choices, our bodies often react before our rational mind has sorted things out:

• Tight chest, racing heart, shallow breath → signals fear, stress, or overwhelm.

• Calm breath, open shoulders, settled stomach → signals alignment, trust, or readiness.

Learning to listen to these cues can transform the way we make financial decisions.

A Real-Life Story: Nikkie

When I first met Nikkie, she was nervous. Money had always felt overwhelming, and she had never managed it herself before.

Instead of rushing her, we created a space of calm. No push, no pressure — just gentle guidance and trust. Over time, I noticed her shoulders drop, her voice soften, and her energy shift. She began to feel excited about her financial future, rather than fearful.

That change didn’t come from the numbers alone. It came from her body realising she was safe, supported, and empowered to take control.

What Happens When We Ignore the Body

When we ignore our body’s signals, mistakes happen. Think about a time when a salesperson pressured you into buying something you didn’t need. Your body probably felt tense, maybe even desperate to escape. That was your body waving a red flag.

Money decisions are no different. If you feel rushed, intimidated, or pressured, pause. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel open and relaxed?

• Or do I feel tight, anxious, and unsettled?

It’s the difference between making decisions from a place of empowerment versus fear.

Practical Somatic Tools for Money Choices

Here are three simple ways to bring your body into the decision-making process:

1. Pause and Breathe

Before deciding, take three slow breaths. Notice where your body feels tight or relaxed. This interrupts automatic, fear-based reactions.

2. Body Check-In

Ask yourself:

• “If I say yes, how does my body feel?”

• “If I say no, how does my body feel?”

This often surfaces hidden resistance or alignment.

3. Grounding Through Movement

Stand up, plant your feet, roll your shoulders back. A grounded posture signals to your mind that you’re safe and ready to think clearly.

And one last takeaway: don’t commit on the spot. Sleep on it. Our “fast brain” makes impulsive choices when excited or stressed. Slowing down allows our “wise brain” to step in and guide us.

Money is never just about numbers. It’s about trust, safety, and confidence — all of which live in the body. When you learn to listen to your body’s signals, you gain not only financial clarity but also peace of mind.

Your body already knows more about money than you think. All you have to do is pause, listen, and trust it.