Celebrating Financial Literacy Month With Female Finance Leaders

Women in finance share transformative money decisions that go beyond budgets and spreadsheets, revealing the emotional, psychological, and cultural barriers to financial empowerment and the boundaries, beliefs, and strategies that changed their financial

Financial Literacy Month is a time to talk about something most women don't talk about enough: money. Not the budgets and spreadsheets, but the real stuff, the beliefs we've inherited, the decisions that changed everything, the emotional weight we carry around finances, and the permission we're still learning to give ourselves.

We asked women in the Influential Women community who work in finance a simple but powerful question: What's the one money decision that changed your financial trajectory? And what's the part nobody talks about when it comes to stepping into financial power?

Their answers are honest, strategic, and deeply human. Because financial literacy isn't just about knowing how to budget, it's about understanding yourself, your story, and what's really holding you back.

Here are their stories.

"What's the one money decision, whether a risk you took, a boundary you set, or a belief you had to unlearn that changed the trajectory of your financial life? And what would you tell a woman standing at that same crossroads today?"

The Power of Boundaries

Kimberly Helm shares the simple rule that transformed her finances:

"The boundary that changed everything: I decided I would never carry a credit card balance. It sounds simple. Maybe even obvious. But at the time, it was a line I drew in the sand—and holding it changed the entire shape of my financial life.

The rule was clear: pay the card off in full, every month, without exception. And underneath that rule lived a deeper commitment—to live within what I actually earn, not what I could borrow against.

Credit makes it easy to feel richer than you are. A card rarely says no. But the bill always comes, and with it, the interest—quiet, relentless, compounding in the wrong direction.

If you're standing at that crossroads today, this boundary isn't about deprivation. It's about deciding, in advance, that your future self deserves better than carrying debt into next month. You don't have to earn more to start. You just have to decide."

Celines Surillo approached boundaries differently, but with the same transformation:

"The biggest shift in my financial life came when I stopped believing I had to 'push through' everything alone and started treating money as a strategic tool rather than a source of stress. I learned to set boundaries around my spending, get honest about my long-term goals, and make decisions that aligned with the future I wanted, not the moment I was in.

For any woman standing at that crossroads, I'd say this: permit yourself to choose the path that supports your stability and your peace. You don't have to apologize for wanting financial security, and you don't have to wait for the 'perfect moment' to start building it. Small, consistent steps compound into real power."

Courage Without a Safety Net

Leila Ladjevardi reframes what true financial courage looks like:

"The single most transformative financial decision I made was choosing to trust myself, even when I had no safety net.

I immigrated to a new country alone with my two-year-old daughter, starting from absolute zero. No established network, no financial cushion, no guarantees. At that crossroads, I had two choices: play it safe and small, or take full ownership of my future. I chose to invest in myself, in my education, my career, and my ability to build something meaningful from the ground up.

That decision required me to unlearn a deeply rooted belief many women carry: that we need certainty before we act. In reality, growth often demands action before confidence fully arrives.

To any woman standing at that same crossroads, I would say this: You do not need perfect conditions to begin. You need courage, clarity, and the willingness to back yourself, even when the path is unclear. Your ability to create financial independence is far greater than your current circumstances may suggest."

Purpose-Driven Financial Decisions

Pamela Ellis reframes financial decisions as deeply personal:

"A financial life crossroad that women may encounter, as I did, is asking yourself the question: what really is holding you back from pursuing the answer to what's next within you? How often do we allow our personal and financial growth to become stagnated due to our efforts to be non-confrontational with ourselves?

To achieve financial goals, we are instructed to ask ourselves the first question: 'Why?' When you find and understand your 'Why'—which can be an elusive answer personally wrought by your individual life experiences—you realize that a 'pearl of great price' is in your possession. Something that belongs singularly to you. You become empowered to do what needs to be done, even if it involves a never-before-practiced level of discipline and determination.

You take new risks because the answer within you requires you to do so. Our financial circumstances sometimes are a reflection of our values, and sometimes they are not. Finding new ways to move in the world to clarify your personal financial identity will ultimately involve this process of self-examination.

As the Greek philosopher Socrates said, 'An unexamined life is not worth living.' The same is true for your financial life."

From Survival to Strategy

Elizabeth Alfaro describes her shift from reactive to intentional:

"The one decision that changed the trajectory of my financial life was choosing to step into ownership instead of remaining in survival mode. There was a time when I was doing what many people do—working, earning, and meeting obligations—but without a clear financial structure or long-term strategy. I was active, but not necessarily intentional.

The shift occurred when I made a deliberate decision: not simply to generate income, but to understand financial systems, take control of my resources, and build something of my own.

I replaced the assumption that a paycheck alone equates to security with a more sustainable truth: security is created through clarity, structure, and ownership.

To a woman standing at that crossroads, I would say: financial confidence does not develop in a vacuum. It is shaped by both personal experience and broader historical context. The path forward is not about working harder or accumulating more products. It is about developing clarity, structure, and the confidence to take ownership. The greatest risk is not to change—it is remaining in place while holding onto beliefs that no longer serve your future."

Unlearning Scarcity

Malette Johnson addresses one of the deepest barriers:

"The belief I had to unlearn was a scarcity mindset around money. There was a season in my life where I started to believe there wasn't enough—enough money, enough options, or even enough power to make different decisions. And I realized that mindset was shaping everything: how I thought, how I planned, and what I believed was possible for my future.

The turning point came when I made a quiet but intentional financial decision. I began learning about credit and took steps to build mine. Getting my first credit card wasn't about spending; it was about creating options and restoring a sense of independence.

That experience showed me that financial growth doesn't start with money; it starts with awareness. When you shift how you think about money, you begin to make different decisions, and those decisions change your trajectory.

To any woman standing at that same crossroads: start small, but start intentionally. Ask yourself, 'What is one step I can take today that increases my options tomorrow?' Whether it's checking your credit, opening a savings account, or learning something new about money—those small steps matter. You are not as stuck as you may feel."

Betting on Yourself

Kim Jones reframes the risk:

"The money decision that changed everything for me wasn't just about dollars, it was about belief. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to have it all figured out before stepping into the financial industry. Like many people, I thought, 'I'm not a numbers person' or 'I'm not good at sales.' But the truth is—every job requires you to learn something new. This was no different.

The risk I took was betting on myself anyway. I stepped into a space where I could learn about money while earning money, and that shift changed my entire trajectory. It opened my eyes not just to income, but to ownership, protection, and building something bigger than a paycheck. Along the way, I also had to set boundaries—who I allow in my business, the energy I accept, and the standard I hold myself to. That part matters just as much as the money.

If I could talk to a woman standing at that same crossroads today, I'd tell her this: You don't need to be perfect, you just need to be willing. Willing to learn. Willing to grow. Willing to not let fear make your decisions for you. Staying comfortable might feel safe—but it can cost you everything you're capable of becoming."

Strategic Math: Debt vs. Investment

Dee McCord-Ochoa myth-busts one of the most common financial beliefs:

"Paying off low-interest-rate debt, like a 3% mortgage or 5% student loan, can sometimes be a myth-busting move. The belief that debt is bad and must be paid off ASAP can lead to missed investment opportunities.

For example, if you pay off a 4% mortgage early, you're essentially earning a guaranteed 4% return. But if you invest that money instead, you might earn 7-8% or more over time.

For anyone standing in a similar situation, I'd say: run the numbers. Compare the debt's interest rate to potential investment returns. If investing is likely to yield more, it might make sense to invest while making regular debt payments.

This isn't about being reckless with debt. It's about making strategic decisions based on math, not emotion or inherited beliefs about what 'good' financial behavior looks like."

Building a Strong Foundation

Elisa Belderol shares her step-by-step approach:

"The first thing I did was unlearn what I know and accept that I need help and that I don't know everything. After I accepted these things, I looked for financial workshops that could help me with how to manage my money, learn how it works, and make the money work for me and not me working for my money.

Here are the financial concepts I put into action: Buy only what you need, not what you want. Pay yourself first. A strong financial foundation starts with having proper protection, then paying off debts, then having a 6-month emergency fund, then having at least 20x of my annual income for investment/retirement.

Like building a house, we should start with a solid financial foundation and build it from the ground up. A strong foundation will build a sturdier, more enduring financial house. Otherwise, it won't remain standing when the storms of life strike."

The Simple Wisdom

Lori Cunningham offers straightforward advice:

"Money in your account doesn't always mean you have to/can spend it all. Make a budget and stick to it. Treating yourself is ok, but constant splurges are not. Always put in savings first and let it sit there. Add to it. THEN make sure your bills and necessities are paid for. It doesn't matter where you start, just start. And start saving for retirement early.

Give yourself permission and grace. Save for what you want if necessary. Many women handle the family finances and take care of everyone else. Take some of that power for yourself. You know the money that's there."

Discipline With Balance

Joy Ramirez reframes financial responsibility:

"The one belief I had to unlearn—which I would share with others—is that fiscal responsibility is not about completely denying oneself and rigidity, but about focusing on specific goals and your commitment and willingness to achieve them.

I can give you the tools to unlock your financial freedom, but you ultimately have to make the choice to achieve it, and that requires discipline. Knowledge and understanding allow for a healthy balance. It is similar to why most diets fail: there is no such thing as a quick fix, but patience and commitment will bear fruit over time."

"Financial literacy is often taught as budgets and spreadsheets, but what's the part nobody talks about? What's the emotional, psychological, or cultural barrier women must overcome to fully step into their financial power?"

The Emotional & Psychological Layer

Celines Surillo names the real barrier:

"What we rarely talk about is how much of financial decision-making is emotional. Many women are raised to be caretakers first and decision-makers second, so money can feel tied to guilt, fear, or the pressure to put everyone else's needs ahead of our own.

The real barrier isn't the math; it's unlearning the belief that prioritizing your financial well-being is selfish. Stepping into financial power requires giving yourself permission to take up space, ask questions, make mistakes, and advocate for your goals. Once women release the emotional weight around money, the practical skills fall into place much more naturally."

Kim Jones goes deeper into identity:

"The part nobody talks about when it comes to financial literacy is identity. It's not the budget. It's not the spreadsheet. It's the internal story a woman has about money, worth, and control.

Many women aren't struggling because they can't understand money—they're struggling because, somewhere along the way, they were taught: 'Let someone else handle it.' 'Money is stressful.' 'I'm not good with numbers.' 'As long as the bills are paid, I'm fine.'

That's not a knowledge gap—that's a belief barrier. There's also a deeper emotional layer: fear of making the wrong decision, fear of losing money, or even fear of having more and not knowing how to manage it.

So what has to shift? A woman has to stop seeing money as something she reacts to and start seeing it as something she directs. She has to give herself permission to learn without shame, ask questions without feeling 'behind,' and step into spaces that weren't always designed with her in mind. Financial power isn't about knowing everything—it's about deciding you're no longer sitting on the sidelines of your own life."

The Money Story

Malette Johnson explains how beliefs shape behavior:

"Financial literacy is often taught through budgets and spreadsheets—but what's rarely talked about is the mindset behind the numbers. Many women aren't struggling because they don't understand money. They're struggling because of their relationship with money, the beliefs, experiences, and stories they've carried over time.

Your money story can sound like, 'I'm not good with money,' or 'There's never enough,' or even 'I have to sacrifice to survive.' And those thoughts don't just sit quietly—they shape decisions. They influence how you earn, spend, save, and invest.

There are also emotional and cultural layers—fear of making the wrong move, lack of exposure to financial education, or even being taught to stay small or defer financial control to others.

To fully step into financial power, women have to do more than learn strategy. They have to unlearn limiting beliefs. They have to become aware of their patterns, rewrite their money story, and give themselves permission to think differently. When you change your money story, you change your financial future."

Breaking the Approval Barrier

Pamela Ellis names a subtle but powerful barrier:

"As women, we know that gaining the approval of others is something we are taught to do from childhood, through praise and disapproval we experience throughout our lives. To fully step into our financial power, we must value our education on subjects that are key to our quality of life and, yes, our survival.

Once women realize that financial literacy is a subject that purposely is not taught to them and their families—with righteous indignation—they understand the injustice. More and more, we are taking the lead in pursuing financial independence and security through our own efforts, not waiting for someone else to lead us.

Not understanding the importance of balanced self-care in all its forms—expressed by our emotional regulation, and how we view the world psychologically and culturally—involves self-leadership and can often be a barrier to our stepping into our financial power.

Women who work towards self-mastery demonstrate transparency while building credibility that ultimately attracts investors, partners, clients, and customers. This is how we change not just our own financial futures, but the futures of those around us."

Building a Foundation, Not Just a Budget

Elisa Belderol emphasizes holistic financial health:

"Yes, financial literacy is not only about budgeting and spreadsheets. One has to know how to build a strong financial foundation to ensure that even when the strong storms happen, our house is still standing strong.

Like building a house, we should start with a solid financial foundation and build it from the ground up:

• First, we should have proper protection in the event of disability, health problems, or premature death.
• We should reduce our liability and get out of debt.
• We should set aside 3-6 months of our income to deal with sudden changes or unforeseen expenses.
• We should save and invest for the long run.

As a priority, we must consider protection first. If we try to save a few hundred dollars a month but have no insurance, when we get sick or disabled, those savings won't last very long. Likewise, if we have an emergency but our money is tied up in investments, how would we deal with sudden unexpected expenses? We may have to get into more debt.

A strong foundation will build a sturdier, more enduring financial house. Otherwise, it won't remain standing when the storms of life strike."

The Cultural Barrier: Visibility & Worth

Elizabeth Alfaro addresses the broader context:

"Financial confidence is shaped by both personal experience and broader historical context. For much of modern economic history, access to financial authority, higher-income roles, and decision-making power was disproportionately concentrated among men. While significant progress has been made, the cultural and psychological frameworks surrounding money have evolved more gradually.

As a result, some women may still encounter internal narratives or external dynamics that influence how they perceive their role in financial leadership. The key is not to dwell in those frameworks, but to recognize them and move beyond them with intention."

Joy Ramirez shares her experience:

"I think we still have societal stigmas that being fiscally savvy and financially independent is somehow a masculine quality. Many of us with male partners often get the question from both males and females about how our financial strength must somehow emasculate or diminish our partner.

I've stood in many high-powered functions next to my partner where I was invisible to the male-dominated audience—until my husband noted that he is the domestic partner in the relationship. Then I magically became the focal point.

Sometimes, fully stepping into our financial power requires the grace to sit back quietly and let the room speak for itself. In the end, you know who you are, and that is all that matters."

From Scarcity to Empowerment Mindset

Dee McCord-Ochoa identifies the emotional work beneath financial strategy:

"The often overlooked part of financial literacy is the deep-seated emotional and cultural conditioning around money. For many women, stepping into financial power requires overcoming:

• Fear of being seen as 'greedy' or 'selfish'
• Shame around money mistakes
• Cultural norms that dictate how women should handle finances
• Lack of confidence in financial decision-making

The emotional, psychological, and cultural barrier women must overcome is about shifting from a scarcity mindset to an empowerment mindset.

That shift changes everything. When you believe there is enough—enough opportunity, enough intelligence, enough right to make bold financial decisions, your decisions change. Your risk tolerance changes. Your willingness to invest in yourself changes.

It's not about thinking you'll never struggle. It's about knowing you're capable of handling whatever comes."

The Question of 'Enough'

Kimberly Helm reframes financial freedom:

"The part nobody talks about? Learning to be satisfied with enough. We live in a culture that equates more with better—a bigger salary, a larger home, the next upgrade. Financial literacy programs usually focus on how to track your spending, but they rarely show you how to want differently. And that, I'd argue, is the harder skill.

The psychological trap is subtle. You earn more, so you spend more. The goalpost moves. And if financial freedom is always just one raise away, it never actually arrives.

The question I had to learn to ask—and it's a question I think every woman needs to sit with—is: how much is enough? Not as a ceiling, but as an anchor.

True financial independence isn't about accumulation. It's about choice—the ability to say yes to what matters and no to what doesn't. When you are satisfied enough, you stop making decisions from scarcity or comparison. You start making them from clarity.

For women, especially, this is countercultural. We're often conditioned to minimize—to want less, ask for less, expect less. Flipping that script doesn't mean suddenly wanting more. It means getting deliberate about what you actually want, and building toward that—not toward a moving target set by someone else.

If I could offer one reframe: stop asking 'how do I get more?' and start asking 'what would be enough, and what would that make possible?' That question is where real financial power begins."

The Structural Reality: Survival as Strategy

Leila Ladjevardi adds an essential perspective often missing from financial literacy conversations:

"It's not just about numbers, budgets, or spreadsheets. It's about identity, confidence, and the stories we carry. Many women have been conditioned, consciously or unconsciously, to defer financial decisions, to avoid risk, or to underestimate their own capability with money.

But there is another reality we don't speak about enough: For many women—especially single mothers—financial growth is not just a mindset challenge, it's a structural one.

When there is only one income supporting a household, and that same woman is carrying the full responsibility of raising children, often without financial or emotional support, the path forward becomes significantly more difficult. The margin for risk is smaller. The pressure is heavier. And the emotional weight is constant.

This is where financial conversations need more honesty and more compassion.

The real barrier is not just a lack of knowledge. It's the combination of responsibility, isolation, and the silent expectation to 'handle it all' without hesitation.

Stepping into financial power, in these circumstances, requires extraordinary resilience. It means showing up for your future even when you are exhausted, even when resources are limited, and even when no one is standing behind you.

Financial literacy should not just teach women how to manage money. It should recognize their realities, support their journeys, and empower them to build stability and wealth on their own terms, with confidence and dignity.

Because sometimes, financial strength isn't built from surplus. It's built from survival, courage, and the decision to keep going anyway."

Financial literacy isn't a single skill or a spreadsheet mastered. It's a journey of unlearning old beliefs, building new boundaries, and permitting yourself to step into the financial decisions that shape your life.

These women have shown us that the real work happens internally—in how we think about money, what we believe we deserve, and what we're willing to claim as ours.

What money decision are you ready to make?