I’m a CPA, and a CFP. Per my resume, I am a money expert. Per my balance sheet, I’m a money novice.

I’m sharing my story, Girl Meets Money, precisely because I’m a 44 year old NON-multimillionaire. Even though my career has been in accounting and finance.  Even though I’m a high earner by most definitions. Even though I am the breadwinner in my home. Even though lots of people my age are far past their first million dollar milestone.  My investable assets aren’t enough that I would take myself as a client. So as I see it, there’s probably something to talk about.  There’s so much more to learn in my own financial life and decisions. I’m ready to take that journey, and I’m willing to bet my time and energy that I’m not alone. 

I have recently lost a substantial amount of weight.  I’m only 5’2”, so it’s a very noticeable difference, and people make comments about it.  I respond with platitudes, thanks, it’s hard work but worth it, oh, it’s all about getting healthier, or “it’s a lifestyle!”  Meanwhile, there is a voice in my head screaming “Too bad you let yourself be so overweight for so long!  Don’t forget, you let yourself get fat – so this won’t last unless you…” It goes on, but no need to belabor that point.  As women, we know this about ourselves – we have an internal talk track, and we speak to ourselves in a manner that is FAR more harsh, deprecating, and simply cruel than we would ever, ever, ever even consider speaking to another human being.  

The other thing this voice tells me often, as yours has likely told you – “I’m a financial mess.  I’ve failed to secure a worry-free future for my family.  I knew all the traps and I fell into them anyway.  Who would trust me as a professional when my personal finances are a profound disaster?” 

I’m sick of that talk track.  I’m sick of it for me, and I’m sick of it for you.  The way to become a financial success isn’t about beating ourselves up.  I can promise you this – because I’ve been listening to my inner critic for over a decade, until I decided to change. Now, I approach my financial stability like I approach any other project – plan, break it down, do one thing at a time, forgive yourself for slip ups and move on. Keep going.