Money Musings 💭 my weird non-hack life hack 🤪
You might not know this, but the Fiscal Femme started out as a blog. At the time, I was figuring out my own finances (which were pretty much a hot mess 😂) and felt compelled to share what I was learning with others - because it was really working!
The only problem? I was absolutely terrified of having a voice 🗣 on the internet.
What if I say something stupid? Will I look back at what I wrote and cringe? Will people think I’m crazy?
Yes, all of it happened. But it was okay! We’re allowed to change and grow. Just google a photo of Justin Timberlake’s 90’s hair and full body denim outfits. 🤪
One of the things that has served me best in my own personal growth and growth as a business owner is following my fears.
As much as it sucks, the thing I’m most scared 😬 of doing is usually the right next step for me.
After starting the blog, it was public speaking. I was TERRIFIED the first time I gave a workshop to ten people. Then, I wanted to curl up on the floor and disappear the first time I went on TV and again when I recorded my music video parody...
This is all top of mind for me because I just revamped my speaking reel. It kicks off with footage of a keynote I gave to 500 women and includes clips of me talking about my book on NY1, CNBC and Yahoo Finance.
Did the fear all go away? No way LOL. I still get nervous and sometimes terrified to do these things.
But what I’ve learned is in all areas of our lives - speaking, negotiating, money, relationships etc., if we push ourselves to go where the fear is, it’s the fastest way to grow.
If you followed your fear, what would be next for you?
For me, I’m likely having my second child 👶 in about 15 minutes. Again, terrified but excited. ❤️
MONEY MOVE OF THE WEEK
Take inventory of your debt. From our anonymous spending survey, I learned that 56% of our Fiscal Femme community is paying off non-mortgage debt. The first step? Take inventory. List out each credit card or piece of debt you have along with the balance, interest rate, monthly payment and payment date. We have a free handy debt tracker tool to help you get started and track your progress. If taking inventory feels daunting, start by listing out each debt by name (and leave out all of the details). You can build from there.
If you are looking for step-by-step guidance and support to put together a manageable plan to pay down your credit card debt for good, check out our Tackle Your Debt Course. It’s a fan favorite!
YOU GOTTA SEE THIS
Your favorite podcasts. Michelle Obama’s new podcast came out about a month ago (it’s SO good) and it got me thinking about all the incredible podcasts out there that I’m missing out on. Now that I’m not commuting or on the go as often (or really at all), I’ve noticed I’m listening to fewer podcasts. But while on maternity leave, I’m excited to get back into it.
So I went to you, the amazing Fiscal Femme community to get your favorite BIPOC and womxn-run podcasts. Here’s what you recommended (in alpha order):
Anti-Racism
Good Ancestor (Layla F Saad)
Intersectionality Matters (Kimberlé Crenshaw)
Lunch & Unlearn (Bryana Clover and Dr. Jessica Petty)
Culture, News & Politics
Higher Ground (Michelle Obama)
Pants (Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey)
Pod Save the People (DeRay Mckesson)
Small Doses (Amanda Seales)
Still Processing (Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham)
The High Low (Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton)
Two Dope Queens (Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams)
Dating, Sex & Relationships
Call Your Girlfriend (Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow)
Girls Gotta Eat (Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg)
Terrible Thanks for Asking (Nora McInerny)
For the Bachelor Fans
Personal Development
Mind Your Money (MissBeHelpful)
Rise (Rachel Hollis)
The Happiness Lab (Dr. Laurie Santos)
Unlocking Us (Brene Brown)
Science & History
Metis in Space (Sci-Fi)
Ologies (Alie Ward)
You’re Wrong About (Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall)
True Crime
My Favorite Murder (Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark)