Okay, let’s get real for a second. 💁‍♀️ Money talk can be intimidating, especially when you’re a woman navigating a world that sometimes feels like it wasn’t exactly designed for us. But here’s the thing: taking control of your finances isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom, confidence, and creating the life you want. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment here 🍷), and let’s dive into how I went from clueless to confident in my financial journey.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: why is it so hard for women to talk about money? For me, it was a mix of societal conditioning and good old-fashioned fear. Growing up, I was taught to be “nice,” to avoid conflict, and to let others take the lead. Money was this mysterious, “adult” thing that I assumed I’d figure out someday. Spoiler alert: someday never came until I decided to make it happen.
My wake-up call came when I realized I was living paycheck to paycheck, despite having a decent job. I was working hard, but my bank account wasn’t reflecting that effort. I felt stuck, and honestly, a little embarrassed. How could I be so smart in other areas of my life but completely clueless when it came to money?
So, I started small. I downloaded a budgeting app (no, I’m not naming names, but you know the ones) and began tracking every single dollar I spent. Let me tell you, that was a humbling experience. Did I really need that third latte of the day? Probably not. But seeing where my money was going was the first step toward taking control.
Next, I tackled my debt. I had student loans, a car payment, and a credit card balance that seemed to grow every month. I decided to focus on paying off the smallest debt first—it’s called the “snowball method,” and it’s as satisfying as it sounds. Every time I paid off a debt, I felt a little more powerful, like I was reclaiming a piece of my life.
But here’s the thing: budgeting and paying off debt are just the basics. If you really want to build wealth, you’ve got to think bigger. That’s when I started learning about investing. I’ll admit, the stock market felt like a foreign language at first. Terms like “index funds” and “dividends” made my head spin. But I refused to let fear hold me back. I started reading books, listening to podcasts, and even joined a few online communities where women shared their investing experiences.
One of the best pieces of advice I got was to start with what I knew. I invested in companies whose products I used and believed in. It felt less intimidating that way, and it gave me a sense of connection to my investments. Over time, I diversified my portfolio and started seeing real growth. It wasn’t overnight, but it was progress.
Another game-changer for me was learning to negotiate. As women, we’re often taught to be grateful for what we’re given, but that mindset doesn’t serve us when it comes to our careers and finances. I practiced negotiating my salary, and let me tell you, it was terrifying at first. But every time I did it, it got a little easier. And guess what? I started earning more, which meant more money to save, invest, and enjoy.
Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the emotional side of money. For me, money has always been tied to feelings of security and self-worth. When I was struggling financially, I felt like I was failing at life. But as I started taking control, I realized that money is just a tool—it doesn’t define who I am.
That shift in mindset was huge. Instead of feeling guilty about spending money on things I enjoyed, I started seeing it as a way to celebrate my hard work. I set up a “fun fund” for things like travel, dining out, and yes, the occasional shopping spree. Because let’s be honest, life is about more than just saving for the future.
Of course, building wealth isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you don’t do. I stopped comparing myself to others, especially on social media. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you see someone else’s highlight reel, but the truth is, everyone’s journey is different. I focused on my own goals and celebrated my progress, no matter how small.
One of the most empowering things I’ve learned is that building wealth isn’t a solo journey. I surrounded myself with supportive friends who were also interested in financial growth. We shared tips, held each other accountable, and celebrated each other’s wins. Having that community made all the difference.
So, where am I now? I’m not a millionaire (yet!), but I’m in a much better place than I was a few years ago. I have a solid emergency fund, a growing investment portfolio, and a sense of control over my financial future. More importantly, I feel confident and empowered.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start where you are, take small steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Building wealth is a journey, and every step you take is a step toward the life you deserve.
So, what’s your money story? I’d love to hear how you’re taking control of your finances and building the life you want. Let’s keep the conversation going—because when we lift each other up, we all win. 💪✨