By Jessica Searcy Kmetty, President & CEO
There’s a script many of us were handed early on: Be polite. Be careful. Be grateful. And above all, don’t talk too loudly about money.
Especially if you’re a woman.
This “good girl” programming often shows up in our financial lives: we apologize for wanting more, shrink ourselves in negotiations, overthink every investment, and feel guilty for spending on ourselves. Sound familiar?
It’s time to break that cycle.
Here’s your permission slip to ditch the outdated money rules and step into bold, unapologetic financial power.
Rule #1: “Don’t Talk About Money”
New Rule: Talk About It Loudly, Clearly, and Often.
Silence around money keeps people stuck – especially women. Whether it’s your salary, your debt, your investing wins (or mistakes), money needs sunlight. Talk to your friends, your partner, your colleagues. Transparency is power.
Want to break generational patterns? Start by making money part of the conversation.
“Don’t play small. Don’t sit down. Don’t shut up.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
Rule #2: “Save Everything, Spend Nothing”
New Rule: Save smart. Spend with intention.
Saving is great. But hoarding out of fear? That’s not wealth – that’s scarcity in disguise.
A bold financial move might look like investing in a business coach, taking that trip that lights your soul on fire, or buying back your time by hiring help. It’s not reckless. It’s strategic. And it honors your values.
Rule #3: “Be Grateful for What You’re Given”
New Rule: Ask for More. Expect More.
Gratitude is beautiful. But it shouldn’t be used to keep you small.
Negotiating a raise? Raising your rates? Charging your worth? That’s not greedy – it’s responsible. You’re allowed to want more. You’re allowed to earn more. And you don’t have to apologize for it.
“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Rule #4: “Security Means Playing It Safe”
New Rule: Real Security Comes from Risk + Resilience.
We’re taught to play it safe – stick with the stable job, keep the emergency fund padded, never rock the boat. But some of the boldest financial decisions – starting a business, switching careers, investing in assets – involve risk.
And that’s okay. Risk isn’t the enemy. It’s how you grow, if you do it with eyes open and strategy in hand. Work with a professional, build a strategy and put it in action.
Rule #5: “Debt is Bad”
New Rule: Debt Is a Tool – Learn to Use It.
Not all debt is created equal. Credit cards racked up on stuff you don’t need? Sure, that’s one thing. But leveraging low-interest debt to build something bigger – your business, your education, your real estate portfolio? That’s a power move.
Don’t let shame keep you from learning how to use debt wisely.
You’re Allowed to Be Bold
You don’t have to follow the “good girl” money script. You can write your own. One that includes earning unapologetically, investing with courage, and spending in alignment with what truly matters to you.
The truth? Bold financial decisions aren’t reckless – they’re revolutionary.
And the more of us who start making them, the more we change the game.
Want to keep this momentum going? Subscribe to our newsletter or let’s schedule a chat. 🔥