What happens when belonging is tied to your bank account? This piece shows how cult-like religious environments turn “sacrificial giving” into financial control, leaving money scripts like “If I don’t give, I’ll be rejected.” Through client stories—including retirees pressured to keep giving—it highlights how loss of community magnifies money fears. Reframing generosity beyond dollars helps protect well-being while honoring values. The takeaway: healing means separating faith from finances with compassion so choices come from true values, not obligation.
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Money, Belonging, and Trauma – How Cults Shape Financial Futures
About Sarah Carr:
Sarah Carr is passionate about helping others reclaim a life of their own choosing and cultivate financial well-being in a shame-free, trauma-informed environment. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, and as a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and Certified Financial Therapist Level-I™ professional, she brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to guide individuals on their financial journeys. She firmly believes that financial well-being is a key ingredient to personal empowerment. Having survived religious abuse, she understands the power of rewriting our internal scripts. That experience ignited a fire within her to create safer spaces within faith-based systems, challenge the status quo, and foster healing for others. She does not shy away from uncomfortable conversations and is currently working on her memoir, which she hopes will inspire change and healing.
About Rick Kahler:
Rick Kahler, MSFP, CFP® , CFT™, CeFT® , Certified Internal Financial Systems™ Financial Therapy Practitioner, president of Kahler Financial Group, is a lifelong resident of Rapid City, SD. He began his professional career in 1973 selling and appraising real estate He founded Kahler Financial Group in 1981. He became the first fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP ® ) in South Dakota in 1983. In 2020 he became one of the first Certified Financial Therapist (CFT™,) in the nation.
His firm, specializes in the integration of investment advising, financial planning, financial coaching, and financial therapy, serving small business and real estate owners, professionals, and retirees, as well as individuals and families.
He served on and chaired the South Dakota Investment Council and served in leadership capacities with the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Financial Planning Advisors. Kahler is also a nationally renowned speaker and educator. In 2003, National American University recognized Mr. Kahler with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
Interested in working with Rick Kahler, MSFP, CFP®, CFT™, CeFT®, Certified Internal Financial Systems™ Financial Therapy Practitioner? Please go to our website, Book a Financial Therapist Appointment and fill out a request for a 30-minute free consultation.
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