She Strengthens

Breaking the Money Taboo: One Woman’s Honest Story

Money is a sensitive topic, often considered impolite to discuss in social circles. However, we believe that openness about our financial experiences can lead to valuable lessons and a stronger sense of community. To encourage this conversation, we’re launching a series featuring women from diverse backgrounds sharing their unique money stories.

Meet Ashley C. Ford, Our Inaugural Interviewee

Ashley is a talented writer, editor, speaker, and professor at The New School in New York. Her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as ELLE, The Guardian, and BuzzFeed. Known for her supportive and inspiring nature, Ashley has been vocal about her desire for greater transparency in discussing money.

Growing Up with a Warped Relationship to Money

Ashley’s childhood was marked by a complex relationship with money. While her family wasn’t destitute, they struggled to make ends meet. Her mother worked tirelessly to raise four kids alone, often sacrificing personal desires for the sake of her children. Ashley’s allowance, provided by her grandmother, was spent on small pleasures like magazines and snacks. There was no emphasis on saving or financial planning.

Lack of Financial Education

Ashley’s financial education was limited, both at home and in school. Her mother’s conversations about money focused on scarcity, and she didn’t learn about savings accounts or credit until her senior year of high school. When applying for college, Ashley’s mother couldn’t assist with the FAFSA process, leaving her to navigate it alone.

Debt and Payment Strategies

Ashley has faced debt, including medical and credit card bills, accrued during her college years. Her approach to paying off debt involves creating a payment plan and making extra payments when possible. Although she finds the process frustrating, Ashley is determined to pay off her debts.

Career Path and Financial Growth

Ashley’s career has been marked by a series of jobs, each teaching her valuable lessons about what she didn’t want to do. She eventually found her passion in writing and editing, leading to her current freelance career. Ashley believes that being open about her desires and seeking help from others have been crucial to her success.

Negotiating for Herself

Ashley’s first experience negotiating for herself was at a marketing job, where her boss encouraged her to advocate for her needs. This lesson has stuck with her, and she now prioritizes her own desires when entering into work contracts.

Money-Related Mistakes and Lessons

Ashley’s biggest money mistake was accruing late fees, which she learned can quickly drain her finances. She now prioritizes asking for help when needed and maintains a separate savings account for repaying debts.

Financial Goals and Strategies

Ashley’s current financial goal is to save three months’ worth of living expenses. She and her partner are working towards this by saving 15% of their income each month.

Dealing with Financial Setbacks

When faced with financial setbacks, Ashley now deals with them like an adult – by asking for help and cutting back expenses when necessary. She believes that ignoring problems or being too proud to ask for help can lead to further financial struggles.

Personal Definition of Success

Ashley defines success as living a life that challenges her and makes her proud. By this definition, she considers herself successful, but acknowledges that complacency can undermine her progress.

Follow Ashley on Twitter to learn more about her journey and experiences.