As an Accredited Financial Counselor®, I spend a lot of time in conversations between my DMs, one-on-ones, workshops from people who are trying to make sense of their money. As I reflect back on 2025, a few very clear patterns keep coming up. I want to name them, debunk a few myths, and share what I’m noticing.
For context, I primarily work with women, especially BIPOC women. This is my community. This is who I love partnering with. And because of that, I also see the very real systemic and emotional barriers that show up in our financial lives.
You Can’t Budget Your Way Out of Being Underpaid
One of the biggest patterns I continue to see is how many women are underpaid or underemployed. There is simply no way to budget your way into stability if you are not earning a living wage. Period.
Budgeting is often framed as a personal discipline issue, but we have to be honest about the reality: you cannot spreadsheet your way out of systemic inequity. We need both financial tools and have intentional conversations about our wages and if they are actually sustainable.
“I Want to Save, But I Don’t Know How”
So many people tell me they want to save but feel stuck. My biggest tip? Automate, automate, automate. Set it up so a portion of your paycheck automatically goes into a high-yield savings account. If you don’t have one, that’s a great place to start. Your money should be working for you, some high-yield accounts are earning close to 4%, depending on the institution.
Financial strategies only go so far
I’ve also had many people reach out asking whether bankruptcy or debt consolidation is the “better” option. My response is usually the same: it’s less about which route you choose and more about what happens after.
Debt payoff without healing your relationship with money often leads right back to the same patterns and cycles. We have to ask deeper questions about why we spend the way we do, while also acknowledging reality. Many people are in debt because of medical bills, caregiving, or basic needs. Acknowleding the context matters and deserves compassion. Let's commit to doing the healing work.
Slow Down on Travel Credit Cards
Another popular question: Which travel credit card should I get?
Honestly? I don’t recommend travel credit cards until you’ve built a strong relationship with your money and truly know your numbers. Using credit strategically is like training for a marathon — you don’t wake up one day and run 26 miles. You build endurance first.
I didn’t start using credit cards the way I do now until 2024, even though my financial journey started back in 2016. I needed to build the discipline and diligence with budgeting first.
Financial Boundaries Are Hard, but Necessary
This one is tender, especially for those of us who grew up low-income or in immigrant communities. I’m seeing a lot of financial boundaries being crossed, often rooted in guilt, obligation, or pressure.
We should never make financial decisions out of guilt. I'm all for generosity but not when it puts you into debt or harms your own stability. Boundaries might look like creating a “family emergency fund," in your budget, where you save $100 a month. This way when a family member is in need you can give it as a gift, instead of borrowing it to them.
Naming Financial Manipulation and Abuse
We don’t talk about this enough, but financial decisions should be consensual. If someone is opening your mail, accessing your bank account, or controlling your money without consent, that can be a form of financial manipulation or even financial abuse.
I won’t label anyone’s experience for them, but knowing the language matters. Awareness helps us do the healing work, set boundaries, or if necessary, create an exit plan.
Save With Intention
I see so many people saving out of fear — fear of not making more money, fear of what might happen. I’ve been there too. But saving works best when it’s intentional.
Ask yourself, are you saving for an emergency fund? A vacation? Medical expenses? Naming the “why” or setting the intention behind why you are saving helps to remove the fear around saving.
The Truth About the “800 Club”
Finally, I get asked all the time: How do I get an 800 credit score? My question back is always: Why?
Is it just to say you’re in the 800 club, or is there a real intention behind it? Are you looking to leverage debt, access better rates, or use travel strategies? Your credit score is a tool. Every financial goal deserves a purpose.
If any of this resonated, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Working with a financial counselor, coach, or even a financial therapist can be incredibly supportive. And yes, financial therapists exist.
If I’m not the right fit for you, please feel free to reach out still. I’m always happy to help connect you with someone who is. Healing our relationship with money is possible and we ALL deserve that healing.
Until next time,
@yourfriend.jasmine
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