We all know the statistics. Latinas earn .54 for every $1 that a white man earns. For black women, that figure is like .61. It’s a national disgrace, and I don’t pretend for a moment to be the woman with the answer to the big systemic problems. I am just a single woman of many who is determined to financially help as many people like me- black and brown women, who don’t come from wealth but want more for themselves and their families. So in writing this blog post, I fully recognize that I am only talking about what this means on a hyperpersonal level. Nevertheless, I hope it helps you in your quest to break poverty cycles and level-up financially.

Be prepared to feel imposter syndrome. You are going to doubt yourself. You are going to ask yourself “who do you think you are?” and “why do you think you can/should do this?” Do it anyway.

Be prepared for everyone else to doubt you. When you tell your tia Lourdes that you’re trying to be a millionaire by 40 or that you want to start purchasing investment properties, you should prepare yourself for the inevitable. She will look at you like you’re crazy, laugh and say something along the lines of “ Do you actually think you can achieve that? That’s cute…” Do it anyway.

Get yourself a tribe of like-minded sistas. Do you ever discuss money with your friends or family? Do you know other people who are on the path to building significant financial stability for the first time in their family? If not, you’re setting yourself up/ for a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty. Find your tribe and get after it anyway.

Keep your eye on the prize. It is going to feel impossibly slow. You’ll see the hard-earned money leave your bank account every pay period and won’t feel like you’re moving at all. Truly sustainable, long-lasting wealth is not built by trading, or flipping houses like the Instagram gimmicks would have you believe. It most certainly isn’t built quickly. It’s built by taking the right steps towards your short, medium and long-term goals and continually choosing those over the momentary distractions year after year. Remembering your “hard why” and putting it before all else for years will get you where you want to go.

I just want to close this post by saying I am unbelievably proud of you ladies out there. The ones who don’t come from money, who have people doubting your ability to create a life and wealth beyond what anyone in your family could have imagined. I see you, and I am rooting for you.

Reach out and let me know how I can be of service on your quest. 

XO

Anna