Our mission is to support relational and financial well-being for all.
Money and relationships are two of the most powerful forces shaping our lives — and they're deeply connected. Financial stress affects mental health. Relationship dynamics influence financial decisions. Yet these dimensions are rarely addressed together in clinical practice, research, or professional training.
The field of financial therapy has been growing since 2009, and its relevance has never been greater. Economic pressures, rising costs of living, and increased awareness of mental health have made these connections impossible to ignore. People need professionals who understand them.
The Love and Money Center sits at the intersection of top-tier programs in couple and family therapy and financial planning — a rare combination that positions us to meet this moment.
Whether you're seeking services, exploring training opportunities, or interested in our research and outreach, we invite you to join us as we continue our story...
-
Our Story Begins
The Love and Money Center began as the ASPIRE Clinic, providing interdisciplinary support services to the Athens community. For over a decade, we offered a range of services reflecting a holistic vision of wellbeing.
-
Refining Our Vision
In 2024, we refined our focus to where we could make the deepest impact: the intersection of relational and financial health. This wasn't about doing less - it was about doing what we do best, with greater intention and expertise. We became the Love and Money Center for Relational and Financial Well-Being.
-
Expanding Our Capacity
In 2025, the launch of a new Master's in Couple and Family Therapy program expanded our training capacity, bringing more student therapists to serve the community.
-
Session Recording System Upgrade
We are hoping to upgrade our professional-grade session recording system. Check out the section below for how you can support this project and be part of our story!
Join Our Mission
Love and Money Center Support Fund
Giving to the LMC’s support fund sustains our work right now, as we continue operating through annual gifts while building toward our first long‑term endowment. Donations of any size help us expand student training, strengthen clinical services, and advance research at the intersection of relationships and finances. Your support ensures the LMC can keep growing its impact year after year.
Immediate Impact - Greatest Needs
Graduate Assistantships (x2) - Annual Goal $25,000
Funding for graduate student support allows the Love and Money Center to hire a part‑time graduate assistant, expanding our capacity to provide training for the students we serve, expand outreach, and support research. This role also offers a UGA graduate student from a related field valuable professional experiences, strengthening both their career path and the Center’s ability to advance high‑quality, mission‑driven initiatives.
Content Recording Studio | Space Naming Opportunity
A dedicated content recording studio will allow the Love and Money Center to produce high‑quality professional training videos to expand our reach. This space will include upgraded recording technology, lighting, sound equipment, and a pseudo‑therapy room setup that mirrors real clinical environments. With these tools, faculty and students can create clear, engaging instructional content that supports coursework, supervision, and community education - elevating the Center’s ability to share best practices across the field.
Or scan this QR code:
Questions? Contact Dr. Megan Ford