She Strengthens

Financial Awakenings: 10 Articles That Changed My Perspective

The Pay Gap Reality Check

I used to think I was aware of the wage gap, but reading about “equal pay awakenings” opened my eyes to a harsh reality. Women still earn only 77-79 cents to a man’s dollar, and some women even believe they deserve to be paid less due to outdated societal norms. This realization made me question my past paychecks and freelance rates, wondering if I’d been shortchanged.

Rethinking Wedding Expenses

The average wedding costs a staggering $28,000 to $32,000. While I’m not at a stage in life where I need to consider wedding expenses, I do know that I’d rather allocate that money towards more meaningful pursuits. Seeing a breakdown of what you could do with that cash instead of spending it on a single day forced me to reevaluate my priorities.

The Myth of Perfection

I used to fall victim to the “minimalist pixie dream girl” phenomenon, envying seemingly perfect lifestyles on social media. But one article showed me that this perfection is often an illusion, and that envy spending is a real thing. This realization helped me cut back on impulse purchases and focus on what truly matters.

Spending for Joy

I struggle with spending money, but one piece helped me see the importance of responsible leisure-time spending. It’s not about depriving yourself of experiences, but about allocating your money towards what truly brings you joy. Sometimes, it’s the spontaneous, unplanned moments that bring the most happiness.

Credit Card Myths Debunked

I thought I had a good grasp on credit cards, but one article dispelled some surprising myths. Did you know that you have multiple credit scores, not just one? And closing a credit card account can actually hurt your credit? These revelations changed my approach to credit cards.

The Savings Myth

One article claimed that if you have savings in your 20s, you’re doing something wrong. I was appalled by this assertion, and it reaffirmed my commitment to saving. It’s okay to prioritize your financial goals and take pride in your money habits.

The Coffee Conundrum

One writer calculated how much she spent on coffee in a year and what she could’ve done with that money instead. This piece made me rethink my own coffee expenses and consider investing in my future.

Rethinking Career Goals

One article about a woman who quit her $95,000 job to move to an island and scoop ice cream made me jealous, but it also helped me realize that I don’t want to pursue a life of constant travel and adventure. I want a job I care about, and that’s okay.

The Emergency Fund

When I first started saving, I didn’t know what an emergency fund was. But one article broke it down for me, and I realized the importance of having a rainy day fund. This knowledge gave me peace of mind and helped me prioritize my savings.

Standing Up for Your Choices

One piece about a Yelp employee who got fired after complaining about her salary stuck with me. The author’s defense of working in a bar to make ends meet resonated with me, as I too had taken an unconventional path after college. This article gave me the confidence to stand up for my own choices and recognize their value.