my personal story

From overspending to financial empowerment

Moneysophy is a logical continuation of my journey at the intersection of personal development and financial empowerment.

Before sharing the philosophy of financial confidence, let me share with you my personal story.

Hi, I’m Sophie, an Economics/Peace Studies degree holder by training, a Wealth Manager by experience, and a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® by choice. I founded Moneysophy in November 2022, an online platform that embodies both the essence of my financial journey and my professional aspirations.

THE STORY OF MONEYSOPHY

MONEY BELIEFS ARE FORMED BEFORE AGE 10

Growing up in a Chinese household in France, I received conflicting messages about money. On the one hand, my Chinese heritage instilled in me the belief that money synonymous with the holy grail of society. On the other hand, my French friends made it clear that wanting to have money is bad, and that there are greater pursuits in life, such as art, culture, and justice.

There is no right or wrong. This is what my 8-year-old self learned from my surroundings.

As a result, I rejected money and looked for meaning whatever I did. My academic path led me to study in every corner of the world: France, China, the UK, the US, and Belgium, where I deepened my understanding of humans, cultures, and languages.

In the last 15 years, I've made a lot of financial faux pas.

I was a spender - I rejected it, craved it, earned it, gambled it until I learned how to build my financial confidence to live my best life.

I began my career in the non-profit sector with a focus on promoting women's empowerment and achieving overall equality in human rights. 
I had meaning but no money.

Then, I transitioned to the corporate industry as a consultant for blue-chip companies, where I designed strategies and solved management and communication problems. 
I had money but no financial education.

Eventually, I entered the wealth management field, assisting individuals with their financial planning. I finally came to the realisation that investment alone is not the solution to all financial issues. 
I had financial education but no financial confidence.

Through this journey, I discovered that neither money nor financial education alone can fully address financial problems without a healthy money mindset.

MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER

After 15 years of financial trial and error, I finally realise I wasn't alone in this journey. I wasn’t the only one feeling shameful or stressed about my personal finances.

Traditional financial education is limited to budgeting and investing only, well… there is way more than that.

In fact, 70% of people today live paycheck-to-paycheck (that’s right, seven zero!).

And the #1 reason why even 49% of people earning more than $100,000/year still live paycheck-to-paycheck is because money is a taboo topic. People are more comfortable discussing sex, politics, and religion than openly talking about money.

There are common patterns in our society that contribute to the struggles of 7 out of 10 individuals who are unable to cover a $500 emergency. These include:

  • Unnecessarily complex financial jargon

  • A lack of money coaches

  • Insufficient financial education in schools and workplaces.

  • Thinking that money alone will solve all financial problems.

My commitment to financial confidence emerged as a central pillar of my approach. Financial well-being has a direct impact on individuals' lives and their ability to achieve their goals and dreams. 

That is why I have founded Moneysophy as an inclusive space for individuals living paycheck-to-paycheck or struggling with financial denial, regardless of their gender or geographical location. It is my firm belief that true financial empowerment begins from within ourselves.

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

ADVANTAGES OF MONEY COACHING

Financial coaching allows individuals to take control of their financial lives and make informed decisions. It equips them with the tools to transform their relationship with money, set financial goals, create realistic financial plans, build emergency funds, manage debt, build wealth, and live a more fulfilled life every day, not when they retire at age 65.

Financial empowerment enables individuals to make choices aligned with their values and aspirations rather than limited by financial constraints. Ultimately, it fosters a positive relationship with money, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting financial well-being.

THE FOUR PILLARS

In Ancient Greek, sophy (sophia) means "wisdom" and "technical skill."

Moneysophy coaching methodologies are a combination of the Money Coaching Institute Framework and evidence-backed protocols such as the ontological and systematic change approach and neuroscience applications.

Moneysophy’s Modus Operandi:

PRACTICAL - Built for simplicity.
We teach but we mostly practice. Moneysophy shares the most straightforward and proven methodical tools according to your needs and wants, so you get the most out of it at each step.

ACCOUNTABLE - Committed to your success.
We are constantly evolving. Moneysophy curates evidence-based studies in psychology, neuroscience and habit change to maximise your impact and guides you through building your true wealth.

FLUFFLESS - Crafted with NO BS.
We are not Magicians. Moneysophy arms you with timeless tools, but you are the one taking action to nurture your two skills (money mindset and money management).

INCLUSIVE - Designed with compassion.
We all have our own stories, and are on our own journey. Moneysophy creates a judgment-free and emotionally safe environment that welcomes, connects, and values all.

Moneysophy is more than just a platform to me; it is a tangible and transformative expression of my commitment to empowering individuals in their financial journeys.

Let's make this generation money-worry free!

10 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

  1. I was raised in Paris but dreamed to live in NYC because of Friends.

  2. I hated sports and skipped PE classes pretty much my whole childhood.

  3. I bought and sold my first NOKIA and made a profit at age 13.

  4. I switched my major every year and simultaneously moved to different cities while in University.

  5. I submitted 100 applications to peacebuilding-related jobs after graduation, but got zero offer.

  6. I began exercising at age 20 because my eating disorder was out of control.

  7. I learn to love sports after 10 years of practice, and my current favourites are running, tennis and Muay Thai boxing.

  8. I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur.

  9. I was ashamed of my Asian heritage as a kid, but I have since learned to fully embrace it.

  10. I’m an ISTP, Enneagram 7 and Projector.