Do you consider yourself financially stable? It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s rarely defined clearly. For some people, financial stability means earning a high income. For others, it means owning a home or hitting a certain number in their bank account. Instead of leaving it ambiguous, let’s define it. What Financial Stability Looks Like: Financial stability usually shows up in a few consistent ways. An emergency buffer. You have cash set aside so unexpecte

You hit six figures. You’re thinking it’s time for that luxury SUV or sedan you deserve. But ugly contract terms can drain your investing cash flow. Below are five common red flags that explain why car deals go bad — and how to stay in control. 1. Why Talking Monthly Payment First Backfires You start out by telling the dealer how much you’re able to pay each month. The car itself may only cost $58K, which should result in a much lower monthly payment than what you’re willing

In almost every community, families help each other with money. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: how families help often determines whether that support builds wealth—or simply keeps people afloat. Research shows a hard truth: not all family help builds wealth the same way. Many Black, Latino, and other families of color often use family money to survive—covering bills, emergencies, and debt. Higher-wealth (often white) families are more likely to use family money to build

How do billionaires use their wealth without selling assets and triggering massive tax bills? They follow a simple pattern. That pattern is known as Buy, Borrow, Die . What Is Buy, Borrow, Die? The term Buy, Borrow, Die was coined by tax law professor Edward McCaffery to describe a long-standing wealth strategy used by high-net-worth families. Step one: buy assets — such as stocks, real estate, or businesses — that grow over time. Step two: borrow against those assets ins

Happy New Year, lovely. Wishing you ease, clarity, and moments of peace as you step into what’s next. As the year begins, it’s natural to think about time and moving forward. Today’s topic is debt — a practical one, and an important one — because it can either limit what’s possible or help bridge the gap between where you are and what you’re building. What Is It? Good debt and bad debt are not moral labels — they describe how debt affects your financial position. Good debt in

This time of year is usually about resolutions. A habit to start. A goal to reach. A fresh beginning on January 1. But here’s what the data is saying. According to DriveResearch (2025) , only about 9% of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually keep them for the full year , and nearly a quarter quit within the first week. And while it’s fine to make a resolution, I encourage you to think a little more expansively when it comes to personal finances. Let’s put on our mone

What Is Opportunity Cost? Opportunity cost is the value of what you give up when you choose one option over another. Every financial choice has a trade-off. Simple example: You have $200. Option A: A trip to Sephora Option B: Build your emergency fund If you choose the makeup, the opportunity cost is what that $200 could have done elsewhere. This isn’t about right versus wrong — it’s about understanding what you’re trading. Why Opportunity Cost Matters You have limited mone

Sis, money stress can steal more than your peace — it can quietly impact your body, your mind, and your relationships. Ongoing financial stress has been linked to elevated cortisol levels, which are associated with higher heart-health risk, poor sleep, and chronic fatigue. Many women report losing sleep over money worries, and financial strain is consistently cited as one of the most common sources of relationship conflict. It’s also closely connected to anxiety and depressio

What would you do if money didn’t limit your choices? Wouldn’t it be nice if your decisions weren’t controlled or restricted by money? That’s what we’re talking about today: cash flow . Money should not control your choices. Cash flow is what gives you options — and you can start creating more of it right now, with the money you already earn. What Is Cash Flow? Cash flow is the money coming into your life compared to the money going out. When more money comes in than goes out

Someone earning $250,000 with heavy debt may be poorer on paper than someone earning $75,000 with little or no debt. That’s the difference between income and net worth. The Big Difference Income is money coming in — your salary, business income, or investment earnings. Net worth is what you own minus what you owe. Income shows activity. Net worth shows progress. What You’re Measuring Assets are what you own — cash, investments, property. Debts are what you owe — mortgage

Ever wonder what these numbers really mean — and how they can help you make smarter financial decisions? What It Is APY (Annual Percentage Yield) APY tells you how much your savings will grow in one year, including compound interest. Compound interest means you earn interest on your money — and on the interest your money has already earned. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) APR tells you how much it costs to borrow money for one year. APR doesn’t show compounding the way APY does

Do you sometimes find yourself about to make a purchase at what isn’t probably the best time or in the best way, but you make that purchase and say, “I deserve this”? And actually, you do. You deserve every good thing. You work hard. You show up for everyone. You absolutely deserve to feel good, to have nice things, to enjoy your life. But you deserve financial peace even more — the kind that doesn’t disappear the moment the credit card bill hits. People joke about “retail th

When was the last time you checked your credit score? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone — but that’s a problem. Too many women are walking around with no idea what their credit looks like until they need it. And by then? It’s too late to fix it quickly. Your credit score isn’t just some random number lenders made up to stress you out. It’s your financial reputation. It determines whether you can rent that apartment in the neighborhood you want, finance a reliable car, q

Hi lovely, Happy Thanksgiving. I hope today feels warm, grounded, and full of good food and good people. Before you slide into that delicious post-meal nap, I want to catch you for a moment — because tomorrow is the real test of your soft-life discipline. Black Friday. And listen, the way those “amazing deals” are waiting to jump you at midnight? If you’re not careful, they’ll undo a whole year of progress and drop you straight into a January full of overdraft fees, maxed-out

We’ve been talking about how income should be allocated — the 50/30/20 rule, needs vs. wants vs. savings, a foundational budget guideline. You’ve seen that cute little “money pie” — the 50/30/20 chart that shows how your income should be split. This is the recommended Money Mix. And I invited you to use the Money Snapshot Calculator to see your own Money Mix (find the link to the calculator below). And I already know some of my sisters are feeling some kind of way right now…

Hi lovely — and no, I’m not talking about your checking account. On Monday, we talked about the Money “Girl Code” — the core concepts of financial literacy that help you use money wisely, invest and build wealth effectively, and secure your future. Cash flow, saving and investing, budgeting, debt management, insurance, and your mindset… all key pieces in building and protecting your wealth. But knowing the concepts is one thing. Understanding how your own numbers line up wit

Money has rules — just like Girl Code. We all know that Girl Code is about unwritten principles that guide friendships — loyalty, respect, support. It’s a thing. But here’s something just as important: Money “Girl Code” — your relationship with your money — or as I like to call her, Money Dearest. Yes, I say Dearest because she can be very exacting about how she wants to be treated. Handle her well and respect her, and she’ll work for you. Abuse her or ignore her rules, and s