How the Sliding Scale Works

Lower Bottle
For families where paying the higher end would feel stressful or create financial strain. You may need to budget carefully or navigate financial instability.

Middle Bottle
For families who are financially steady but intentional with larger investments. Basic needs are met, though planning may be required.

Full Bottle
For families who are financially resourced and able to invest comfortably. Choosing this tier helps sustain this work and makes lower tiers accessible to others.

There is no verification process — I trust you to choose with honesty and care.

Choosing Your Bottle

Full Bottle:

• I am comfortably able to meet all of my *basic needs

• I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

• I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property

• I own or lease a car

• I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs

• I have regular access to health care

• I have access to financial savings

• I have an expendable** income

• I can always buy new items

• I can afford an annual vacation or take time off

Middle Bottle:

• I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them

• I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs

• I own or lease a car

• I am employed

• I have access to health care

• I might have access to financial savings

• I have some expendable income

• I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others

• I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden

Lower Bottle:

• I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them

• I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs

• I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing

• I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but I am not always able to afford gas

• I am unemployed or underemployed

• I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care

• I have no access to savings

• I have no or very limited expendable income

• I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them

• I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden

* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.

​If you are unsure, we can gently discuss your options during your consultation.