Money and Your Future Self
When you’re in the middle of a debt journey, it’s easy to feel stuck in the present. Bills, stress, and shame can create tunnel vision that makes the future feel far away — or even impossible.
In one of our recent Financial Wellness Sessions, our financial therapists, Dr. Erika Rasure and Nathan Astle explored how imagining and connecting with your future self can be a powerful tool for change.
We’re sharing their wisdom here so that, whether you’re a Beyond Finance client or not — you can start to plan for your debt-free future.
Why Your Future Self Matters
Dr. Rasure explained that your future self isn’t just an idea — it’s a part of you that already exists:
“Think about your future self as being shaped by your beliefs and your feelings and your actions. When you are able to get into a place where you can imagine yourself debt-free and thriving, you can really start to change and create in the present.”
By picturing the future version of you who is debt-free, aligned with your values, and thriving, you begin to make choices today that bring that future into reality.
Breaking Out of Tunnel Vision
Astle acknowledged how overwhelming debt can feel:
“When folks enter the Beyond Finance program, they’re under a ton of stress from their debt and whatever got them into debt. A very common outcome is a hyperfocus on what’s going on right now. And that’s important, but it’s also important to remember that this program isn’t forever. Your being in debt isn’t forever.”
To expand that perspective, he invited clients to try imagination work:
“Imagine what it’s going to be like when you get that letter from Beyond Finance: Congratulations, you’ve officially graduated. What do you think you’ll be feeling? What do you think you’ll be thinking? Then ask yourself — what happens after that?”
Building the Bridge Between Now and Then
It’s not about instant transformation — it’s about steady, intentional progress. Dr. Rasure shared:
“Your job right now is to start building that bridge, through small and intentional choices. Maybe it’s saying ‘no’ to unnecessary spending, or maybe it’s noticing when you feel triggered. Those little choices create the foundation for your future self.”
Debt, she explained, often tells lies like “I’ll never get out of this” or “I’m bad with money.” But your future self holds a different belief:
“Instead of saying, ‘I’m bad with money,’ try, ‘I’m capable of managing money. I can do this.’”
One Small Step This Week
Both Dr. Rasure and Astle encouraged our clients to focus on small actions rather than big leaps. Astle instructed:
“This week, pick one thing that will help you get toward your future self. Just one. Progress is something you work towards. Who you are going to be is a wonderful person, and they will benefit massively from a little thing that you do this week.”
That step might look like saving $10, taking a walk to clear your head, being open with a loved one about your financial journey, or setting boundaries around holiday spending.
Even if you can’t save right now, your future self might be able to six months from now. Every small step builds the bridge forward!
A Kind Reminder
Showing up for yourself today — even by reading this or attending an upcoming session as a client — is already proof that your future self is alive and well.
“The choice you made to join the Beyond Finance program — or even just showing up to today’s session — is truly an act of self-care and honoring your future self.”
—Dr. Erika Rasure
✨ Takeaway: Your future self isn’t a distant dream — it’s already inside you. By making one small, intentional choice this week, you begin to bridge the gap between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s thriving.