Women own less, save less, carry more debt, and are less financially literate than men. That changes now.
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We asked you to vote on a question you’d like answered. The winner was:
How can I set budget boundaries without burning myself out?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Brandyn Rodriguez
Founder of the finance blog PositivelyB
My husband and I set boundaries by prioritizing making room for personal funds in our budget and cutting unnecessary expenses where we can. We have a certain dollar amount for each of our respective personal funds: BMo funds for me (named after my nickname) and DJ funds for my husband. It was $200 each when we first started, but now we’ve increased it to $300. This is the cash that we can do whatever we want, whatever brings us joy. If DJ wants to golf or if I want to eat out, then that’s what we’re going to do. I can't judge him for what he wants to do with his funds, and he can't judge me for what I want to do with mine. These funds help us stay focused on our debt, because if we weren’t able to spend money on the things we enjoy, then we would get frustrated or want to quit. Our fun funds let us have the best of both worlds: Work on our goals and still enjoy our lives.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can read an extended version here.
money win
An inside look at how women are building wealth.
“I was recently promoted and given a lot more responsibilities at work, but my pay didn't reflect that. I advocated for myself; highlighting the responsibilities I consistently performed well, and how my pay did not reflect that. In the end, I was successful in getting a raise, and my management was proud of me for knowing my worth.”
— Sophie D (CA). Reminder: You deserve to be paid fairly for your work. Here’s a guide on how to negotiate your salary.
Scored a raise, saved up for a big purchase, or reached another money goal? Tell us about it here. Quotes are edited and condensed for clarity.
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investment piece
The items celebs and influencers think are worth the big bucks.
Documentary filmmaker Rachel Fleit is known for telling the compelling stories of others. But it should come as no surprise that she’s got one of her own. Below, she tells us all about an investment piece that’s not only symbolic of her recent successes but also an emblem of her future legacy.
Tell us about a recent investment purchase you made.
In 2021, I sold my first feature documentary, “Introducing, Selma Blair.” Then, in 2022, I met my current boyfriend, fell in love, and finished my second feature film, “Bama Rush.” It was an incredibly abundant time, and I wanted to honor it. The two garnets in Sonia Boyajian's Garnet Ring felt like the perfect nod to those two years.
How much did you spend on it?
$15,000.
Why do you consider it a good investment?
Sonia is one of my best friends. She has seen me through every incarnation and has rooted for me at every turn. It felt right to have her beautiful work on my hand as a reminder of her love and support. Jewelry is a great investment — because gold and gems — but also, I cherish the jewelry of my late grandmothers. I hope whichever lucky person gets this ring from me one day will enjoy it very much and feel the abundance it represents.
Answers are edited and condensed for clarity.
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