Hi, I’m Ariel
Sci-fi fan. Geography and urban studies nerd. Recovering “money avoider” turned financial educator.
For years, I struggled with money—and happiness. Growing up, money was a regular source of stress and conflict for my family. I knew I wanted something different, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. Books became my lifeline: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway taught me courage, and Happiness is a Choice reminded me that joy isn’t something we have to wait for—it’s something we can create.
I know what it feels like to want a better life and to feel stuck. That’s why today, my work is about helping others shorten that journey.
What I Believe
Over time, I’ve learned that building a better life—and helping others to do the same—comes down to a few essentials:
- Happiness first: When we feel “enough” on the inside, we stop chasing status symbols and start living in alignment with what really matters.
- A healthier relationship with money: Knowledge matters, but so do underlying beliefs and behavior. It’s not about strict budgets or shame—it’s about empowering choices and freedom.
- Wellbeing as the foundation: Health, relationships, and meaningful experiences are the real wealth. Money is a tool to support them—not the other way around.
No “shoulds”: I don’t believe in telling people what they should do. I help people discover what they can do, and how their lives can transform in the process.
I’m on a Mission
I’m on a mission – to break (and transform) generational legacies of being broke and miserable!
I do that by helping financial educators, wellness coordinators, and individuals engage with money in a way that is practical, hopeful, and human.
Better Living, Better World
Better Living, Better World is the umbrella for my work. While my earlier writing emphasized the environmental benefits of living well, my primary focus today is helping people create happier, healthier, financially confident lives.
And the best part? When we’re happier, when we’re better with money, we free up the capacity to see our lives differently and to more easily solve problems, big and small — and to help others do the same. That’s how being happier and better with money connects to a better world.
If you’d like to explore more of my past writing on money, happiness, habits, and intentional living, you’ll find a library of blog posts here. While my focus now is financial education and empowerment, these timeless ideas still offer valuable insights. You can also learn more about how living better helps the World (and the environment) in The Principle.