She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Fears

As a millennial, I’ve grown tired of the constant criticism about my generation’s financial decisions. We’re not moving out of our parents’ houses, we’re not building emergency savings, and we’re not investing in our own homes. But what’s often overlooked is that many of us were never taught proper financial literacy. We’re forced to figure it out on our own, which can lead to costly mistakes.

The Weight of Generational Poverty

For those of us who didn’t have parents to model good financial habits, it’s even harder to develop them on our own. Generational poverty is a real issue, but so is generational money mismanagement. If we never learned how to be responsible with money, it’s no wonder we struggle to make ends meet.

The Taboo of Talking About Money

Society has taught us that discussing money is impolite and gauche, especially for women. This silence has led to mistakes that set us back significantly. It’s time to break the silence and start talking about our financial struggles.

My Journey to Financial Freedom

At 25, I’ve finally found a approach to money that works for me. I set specific financial goals, stick to them, and celebrate my accomplishments. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about learning from my mistakes and moving forward.

Forgiving Myself and Moving On

I graduated from university in 2012 with a degree in Photojournalism and a tough decision to make: try to make it in New York or move back home to Trinidad. I chose the latter, and it felt like a huge professional setback. But I didn’t give up. I started freelancing, maintained my blog, and eventually landed a job as a Marketing Manager at a legacy Tobagoian hotel.

Building a Sustainable Money Routine

When I started my new job, I built a budget that worked for me. I use a budgeting app to track my expenses and allocate my money wisely. I’ve managed to pay my bills on time, buy Christmas presents for my family, and even build up a savings cushion.

Small but Significant Steps

My financial goals may seem minor to some, but they represent personal growth and discipline. I’ve never been late on my rent, I pay all my own bills, and I’ve started planning for the future. It’s slow going, but I’m motivated to continue working towards financial security.

Framing Money as Achievable Goals

By framing money as a series of small, achievable goals, I’ve been able to set and reach targets without feeling overwhelmed. It’s helped me forgive myself for past mistakes and focus on building a better financial future.

The Power of Small Victories

Celebrate your small financial victories, no matter how insignificant they may seem. It’s the small steps that lead to bigger goals, and it’s the discipline that helps us achieve them.