Emotionally Invested

About Me

Hi there, I’m Karina! I’m an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), a soon-to-be Certified Financial Therapist, and the founder of Emotionally Invested - a counseling practice built on the belief that money and emotions are deeply intertwined. I’m also a member of AFCPE’s Government Relations Task Force, where I stay engaged in shaping financial policies and access.

As a counselor, I don’t ignore emotions when it comes to money - I welcome them. Because money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about stress, communication, values, and how we show up in our relationships.

I help couples reduce financial stress, improve communication, and build a healthier, more connected relationship with money. Because more often than not, it’s not just a money problem, it’s a “how do we navigate this together?” problem.

When you work with me (whether in a one-on-one session or a workshop) we’ll explore how your individual experiences, values, and emotions shape the way you each relate to money and to each other. From there, we’ll create a way forward that feels aligned, sustainable, and actually works for both of you.

I’m not here to tell you what you should do with your money. I’m here to help you build a financial life that feels calm, connected, and true to who you are as a couple.

When I’m not counseling, you can find me happily nerding out. Binge-watching Survivor, getting lost in an audiobook or podcast, or working through a puzzle. I love using my own money to live my rich life: traveling with my husband, trying new restaurants, and tracking down the best fruity drinks around (and yes, please send me your recommendations).

If you’re ready to feel more like a team with your money, I’d love to work with you. You can head to the booking tab to schedule your free financial counseling session, or check out the services page for workshops and speaking opportunities.

I can’t wait to explore your relationship with money - together!

Testimonials

"She is help[ed] us reframe money and what it means to us. Putting into words the things we think and feel about is one of the best things we could for ourselves. I would highly recommend her.”
~ Marci Welker, Previous Client

“Karina is an incredibly smart, kind, and compassionate mentor. I’ve learned so much about my money mindset from working with her.”
~ Natalie Freeze, Previous Client

“A year ago, my family was dealing with unemployment and I was seriously struggling with scarcity mindset and often had mental breakdowns over our financial situation…Karina was able to help me navigate through many tricky financial stressors. She not only helped me save and make extra money, but she also helped counsel me through past trauma that was impacting my financial wellbeing…Karina taught me how to view my life as rich, regardless of how much money we actually make. She taught me that living a rich life is less about numbers and more about using your resources to honor your values.”
~ Maria Whittington, Previous Client

Services and Prices

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FAQ

• What does the financial counseling process look like?

  Our first session is all about understanding where you are right now. Your pain points, your dreams, and your current financial situation. Think of it like planning a hike: there's no point in mapping out a route if we don't know our starting point!

  After our first session, I'll have you complete a financial wellness assessment, and from there we'll build a game plan tailored to what you need most.

  One thing I'm passionate about is starting with your financial psychology before we get into the logistics. This is why: imagine a friend tells you they have the secret to becoming the best runner in the world — and it's a stopwatch. You'd probably have some questions, right? A stopwatch only measures time; it doesn't change behavior. A budget works the same way. It's just a tool. And tools alone don't change financial habits.

  That's why we start at the root: your money psychology.

• How many sessions will we have together?

  That entirely depends on your situation! Some clients have deep-seated beliefs we need to work through together — and that takes time (sometimes six months to a year!). Others just need a quick check-in to see how they're doing. That's why I charge per session rather than in packages.

• My partner doesn’t want to come to the session. Are you still willing to meet with me?

  Yes, absolutely. I'm happy to meet with you individually.

• What's your cancellation policy?

  I'm pretty flexible! As long as you give me at least 8 hours' notice, there's no cancellation fee. After that, a $15 fee will apply.

• Are you in-person or virtual?

  Both! You're welcome to come in person to my home office in Lindon, Utah. Or if you prefer virtual, I'll send you a Google Meet link.

• What areas do you serve?

  Anyone in the US! Due to registered investment advisor regulations, I can take up to 5 clients per year from each state outside of Utah. I haven't reached that limit in any state yet — but spots fill up. So don't wait too long! If you're in Utah, no worries, there's no limit on my end.

• Can I bring my kids to our session?

  As much as I love kiddos, I want to make sure your finances get the full attention they deserve! Talking about money is stressful enough. I want you to feel relaxed and focused, without the added juggle of managing little ones at the same time.

• Do you give investment advice?

  Yes! I am a registered investment advisor for the state of Utah. That said, I have a personal policy of giving investment advice but not implementing it. Meaning we'll talk through the pros and cons of different investments, but you'll be the one making the purchases. If you'd like my guidance during a session while you make a purchase, I'm more than happy to help with that!

  To keep your information secure, I won't ask for login credentials to any of your investment or bank accounts.

• What’s your investment philosophy?

  I believe in research. Just because something worked for your friend's uncle and made him a millionaire doesn't mean it'll work for everyone. That said, countless studies have shown that following the market is one of the safest and most consistently successful investment strategies.

  If you're looking to learn day trading or get into cryptocurrency, I'm probably not the best fit — and that's okay!

• Would you be willing to talk to my kids and/or teenagers about finances?

  Absolutely! While I typically work with adults and couples, I'm happy to help anyone interested in building a healthy relationship with money. If you're homeschooling and have more than one child, I'd charge my workshop rate since every homeschool setup looks a little different. Feel free to email me and we can figure out an arrangement that works best for you!