Ten years ago, I was just a 22 year old living in New York City, trying to make rent and dreaming of a lifestyle I couldn’t afford.
I was sick of sharing a bathroom, tired of traveling on a shoestring budget, and feeling guilty every time I went to brunch with my friends.
I wanted to actually enjoy the city I lived in - to have my own apartment, to travel on my own terms, and to sign up for Classpass without having to check my bank account first.
I felt like no matter how hard I worked, I could never build up enough money to afford the things I really wanted.
Then one day, I broke down sobbing in the dentist's chair. I needed an $1,800 dental implant. Basically, every penny of my savings.
While handing over my credit card and trying to hide my tears, I decided I couldn't live like that anymore.
I realized I was afraid to face my money situation. I was obsessing about money all the time - that I wasn't good with it, that there was never enough it - But I wasn't actually looking at my finances or managing my money. I had to make a change.
I started tracking every penny I spent.
I read every money book I could find.
I negotiated a raise and picked up side work.
I made a list of all the things I wanted - the apartment, the vacations, the gym membership - to calculate the actual cost of the lifestyle I was dreaming about
I challenged myself to start investing.
I learned to splurge on the things I loved while cutting out the rest
I got clear on my career goals and started building my own business.
I’m channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw living on the top floor of a brownstone in Harlem.
I can treat my girlfriends to a round of drinks without the stress of splitting the check.
I can fly to see my brother in Nashville without feeling anxiety about buying the plane ticket
When I chip a tooth in a bike accident, I can go to the dentist without worrying about the money
As a nationally recognized money expert, I’m on a mission to help ambitious women feel as confident with their money as they do in their careers.
I’m a published author and frequent guest on national television, including ABC World News, CBS News, Fox & Friends, Reuters and The Dr Oz Show, and a go-to money expert with advice featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Glamour, SUCCESS and Oprah Magazine.
(surprise, it’s not always glamorous)