Under the leadership of Dr. Megan Ford, the University of Georgia is training the next generation of financial therapists in a way few institutions can. Inside the Love and Money Center, financial planning students and couple and family therapy students learn side by side—sometimes even sitting together with real clients as money stress and relationship conflict unfold in real time. Rather than separating numbers from emotions, Dr. Ford’s model teaches future professionals how deeply intertwined they are and how to collaborate when those worlds collide. With low- to no-cost services for the community and structured supervision for students, this isn’t just interdisciplinary education—it’s the intentional shaping of a new profession
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Training for the Moment Money Gets Messy – with Dr. Megan Ford
About Dr. Megan Ford
Dr. Megan Ford is a leading voice in financial therapy and the driving force behind the Love and Money Center’s mission. Her research explores how couples navigate money conflict, the role of physiological responses in financial discussions, and how interdisciplinary training prepares professionals to address the complex connections between relational and financial wellbeing. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Financial Therapist™, she brings both clinical expertise and scholarly rigor to advancing the field. Dr. Ford’s leadership extends beyond UGA – she served as President of the Financial Therapy Association (2016-2017) and has shaped national conversations about financial therapy through her publications, including co-authoring The Fundamentals of Writing a Financial Plan and developing the Ford Financial Empowerment Model. Her work exemplifies the Love and Money Center’s commitment to bridging research, practice, and professional training.
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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