Rewriting Our Financial Stories

Welcome back, beautiful souls! Today, we’re having a real talk about something that affects us all—our relationship with money. If you're new here, this is the space where we break down barriers, uplift each other, and get real about the things that matter, especially when it comes to understanding our finances.

Let’s be honest: money can feel like this heavy weight that we’re all trying to navigate, and for Black women, it’s often even more complicated. I know I’m not alone in this struggle. A staggering 47% of Black women have poor credit scores, which can limit access to jobs, housing, and opportunities. That’s nearly half of us, dealing with the consequences of systemic inequities and a lack of resources. It’s frustrating, but it’s also a reminder of why we need to change the narrative.

Here’s another tough pill to swallow: 66% of Black women feel they lack basic financial knowledge. I’ve been there, too. Growing up, I wasn’t taught how to budget or manage money. I remember feeling overwhelmed every time a bill came in, not knowing how to make ends meet. It felt like I was just trying to survive, never really getting ahead and always avoiding the mailman.

But here’s the good news: we can rewrite our financial stories. I’ve been on a journey to shift my mindset, and it’s been empowering. It started with educating myself—learning the basics of budgeting, understanding credit, and setting small financial goals. Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s about freedom, empowerment, and self-worth.

In this week's episode of The Black Women Deserve Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dai Mixson, a mother and finance enthusiast who’s on a mission to bring financial education to her community. Day shared her journey of breaking the generational cycle of financial illiteracy in her family and how she’s now mentoring others on credit repair and financial planning.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of mindset. It’s not just about how much money you make; it’s about how you manage it. Dai shared an eye-opening example of someone making $300,000 a year but still living paycheck to paycheck due to poor financial habits. It’s a reminder that without a solid understanding of how to budget, save, and invest, we can easily fall into unhealthy financial patterns.

Dai also emphasized the need for an emergency fund—because life happens, and we need to be prepared. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people one paycheck away from financial instability. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s one we can avoid by shifting our mindset and prioritizing financial stability. It’s about putting ourselves first and making decisions that will set us up for success in the long run.

So, what does this all mean for us? It means we deserve to take control of our finances. We deserve to negotiate raises, demand better financial education, and break the stigma around discussing money. We’re done just surviving—we’re here to thrive. Whether it’s setting a small savings goal, understanding credit, or having open conversations about money with our loved ones, each step is a victory.

Remember, this is a journey. It’s not about being perfect, but about progress. We’re building healthier relationships with money, and we’re doing it together. Let’s keep learning, growing, and supporting one another on this path to financial wellness.

Catch the latest episode of The Black Women Deserve Podcast for more on developing a healthier relationship with money and how you can take charge of your financial future. 

xoxo,

The Croptop Cutie