SEASON TWO: EPISODE EIGHT
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For as long as I can remember, I've loved to shop. Oh girl, I just love it. But for many years, I shopped mindlessly, seeking that quick dopamine hit rather than being intentional with my purchases. I wasn’t thinking about the bigger picture—how my spending habits were impacting my financial future or my personal growth. It felt good at the moment, but after a while, I realized I had become something I didn’t want to be. I had fallen into the trap of consumerism, and it was time for a change.
But here's the thing: I can't blame myself for my past decisions, and I can’t blame the world around me either. Instead, I chose to learn from my experiences and use them as a stepping stone toward growth. I decided to take control of my financial future, recognizing that in a capitalist society, money is a tool. It’s the key to success, political influence, and ultimately, creating change in the world. Without it, our ability to thrive and advocate for what we believe in becomes limited.
I see this reality in the broader scope of our world today. For instance, the conversation around feminism has shifted in recent years, especially with the rise of debates around white feminism versus a more inclusive, intersectional approach. Feminism is meant to fight for the rights of all women—women of color, transgender women, LGBTQIA+ women, and women from all walks of life. But when we only fight for a select group, we limit the movement’s true potential. True equality and success come when we all benefit, not just a privileged few.
This idea extends beyond feminism and into how we approach financial security. If we, as women, are going to succeed in equitable and profitable spaces, we need to be able to capitalize on our strengths—both personally and financially. We need to understand how to make smart choices that benefit us and our future. It’s not just about having money for the sake of having it—it’s about using it to create opportunities, invest in our growth, and pave the way for more equitable spaces in the world.
I've realized that my financial future isn’t just about personal wealth; it’s also about how I use my resources to empower others and contribute to a more inclusive world. By being intentional with how I spend, save, and invest, I can create the life I want, but more importantly, I can also inspire others to do the same.
So, my advice to all the women out there—let’s get smarter with our choices. Let’s take control of our financial futures. Let’s break free from old habits and shift our mindset toward wealth-building with purpose. Whether it’s in our spending, saving, or investing, we hold the power to shape our futures. Let’s use that power wisely. After all, true success comes when we all rise together.
If you haven’t already, check out episode 8 of the podcast WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT?, where I dive deeper into this topic. Let’s learn, grow, and thrive together!
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Host: Dawne Hanks | IG: @dawnehanks & @eliminate_girl_hate & @wait.holdup.what
Sound Editing & Mixing: Epiphany Recording Studio | IG: @epiphany_recording_studio
