EPISODE SUMMARY What does it actually mean to be "good with money" in 2026? In this episode of the Money Healing Club podcast, Rachel sits down with Ilia Pèrez, aka Your Dinero Doctor, a pharmacist and bilingual budget coach who's redefining financial wellness through her signature "Dinero Date" framework. They explore why tracking your money should feel like self-care (complete with croissants and coffee), and how Latina women navigate cultural messages around money and gratitude. This conversation bridges the deeply emotional with the refreshingly practical, perfect for anyone ready to build a money practice that actually sticks.   💬 "Being good with money is a personal definition. For somebody it can simply mean paying their bills on time. Another person being good with money could be having a certain amount of savings. I think it's being honest with yourself what that personal definition is." Key Takeaways: Dinero Dates are weekly money check-ins designed like self-care dates with ambiance, treats, and pleasure Pairing money tasks with sensory comfort is actually trauma healing (your brain starts associating money with positive experiences) Working hard isn't the same as working smart; learning to be strategic with money is a skill we often have to teach ourselves Cultural messages like "God will provide" or "don't be ungrateful" can block us from wanting something different Your values should guide both your present spending AND your future planning   About Ilia Pèrez: Ilia is a pharmacist and financial coach who offers budget coaching in both English and Spanish through her practice, Your Dinero Doctor. She helps clients build sustainable money habits through her Dinero Date framework and values-based budgeting. When she's not coaching, she loves slow mornings at coffee shops and exploring new places in Puerto Rico.   ⏰ EPISODE BREAKDOWN 05:30 | What Is a Dinero Date? How to turn money tracking into actual self-care (candles, croissants, and your favorite corner table included) 15:00 | Values on a Post-It Note Why Ilia keeps her seven core values visible during every money decision 23:00 | The Latina Experience: Working Hard vs. Working Smart Navigating cultural messages about gratitude, boundaries, and wanting something different 31:00 | Introducing The Money Reset How Rachel and Ilia are co-teaching a 90-day program that bridges emotional healing with practical budgeting   📚 Resources Mentioned The Money Reset - 90-day program co-taught by Rachel and Ilia (doors close February 2nd) Get in touch with Ilia Pèrez - Your Dinero Doctor instagram & email 💬 Join the Conversation What would YOUR Dinero Date look like? What's your favorite corner table, your go-to treat, and when would you schedule it? The Money Healing Club podcast wants to hear your answers, click the big orange button: https://www.moneyhealingclub.com/podcast 🎧 Your next listen: Check out our episode with Bari Tessler on why therapists need their own money work 💫 Visit the Money Healing Club website to start your money healing process! https://www.moneyhealingclub.com 💌 Free Email Course: Curb impulse spending with compassion and mindfulness  https://www.moneyhealingclub.com/challenge Full transcript: https://www.moneyhealingclub.com/podcast 🎙️We're a proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective where creators like me are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change.