Dear Reader, If you're unsure whether to lease or buy a car right now, I want to first say:That confusion makes total sense. We're in an economic moment where prices feel unpredictable, loans are more expensive, and choosing between two imperfect options can feel exhausting. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re trying to be responsible, strategic, and care for your long-term financial security.That’s not easy—but you’re doing the work. Let’s walk through this together. 🚗 Buying a Car =...
4 days ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, As of 2022, only 24.6% of U.S. households had a Roth IRA. That’s a tiny percentage—especially considering how powerful this account is for building tax-free money at retirement. If you’re able to invest in a Roth IRA, you should. Because with a Roth IRA, the money you invest today grows and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. That means you get to keep more of your hard-earned wealth. But I know what some of you might be thinking… “Soledad, isn’t this a bad time to start...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, We all avoid things that make us feel ashamed, overwhelmed, or unsafe. For so many first-gen wealth builders, that avoidance shows up around money. Not because we’re irresponsible. Not because we’re “bad with money.” But because we’ve never been taught how to feel safe while facing our finances. This is called the money avoidance cycle, and it’s one of the biggest blocks to building lasting financial security. What is the Money Avoidance Cycle? It begins with a money issue —...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, There are going to be moments when building wealth feels like too much. Following your financial plan so you can retire early will require deep commitment—and some days, that commitment will feel exhausting. Pursuing a degree to access a higher-paying career while managing work, family, and bills can feel like too much. Reviewing your debt, seeing the interest accumulate, and knowing you don’t yet have the extra cash flow to make a dent can feel like too much. Automating...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, When I first considered combining finances with my partner, I was nervous. I didn’t grow up hearing my parents fight about money—but being raised by a single mother meant I felt the financial stress. I started working young, and from the very beginning, my money was meant to help my mom. That shaped how I approached dinero in relationships—sometimes by taking on too much, sometimes by keeping things separate to protect myself. So trust me when I say: combining finances with my...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, You don’t have to be yelled at or harassed for a workplace to be toxic. Sometimes it’s the subtle stuff—the kind that chips away at your confidence and peace little by little: Getting passed over for promotions with no explanation Being left out of important conversations or meetings Watching leadership reward poor behavior while ignoring yours Working late regularly because the workload is unrealistic Feeling anxious every Sunday night about what the week might bring If any of...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, Do you think you’re making good money? Many of us do—especially when we’re earning more than our parents ever did. But "good money" is relative. When my husband and I first hit six figures combined, we thought we were thriving. But when I checked the MIT Living Wage Calculator, I realized that in Los Angeles for a family of four, that was just barely enough to cover the basics. No self-care, no vacations, no real financial security—just scraping by. I want you to take a moment...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, Money fights aren’t really about money. They’re about communication, habits, and unresolved conflict. When couples struggle with debt, it usually boils down to one (or all) of these three issues: (1) Communication & Transparency Issues Sounds like: “You spent what?!” “I didn’t know we owed that much!” “I feel like I have to handle everything.” If one of you avoids talking about money while the other takes on the full emotional load, resentment builds. Maybe one of you feels like...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, I wouldn’t have the business I have today if I hadn’t learned how to leverage debt with peace. On social media, people love to talk about hitting six-figure years and growing their business—without mentioning the debt they carry. But here’s the truth: entrepreneurs making multiple six figures (even running million-dollar businesses) are leveraging debt. Debt is not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that at this moment, you don’t have the extra cash flow yet to invest in the growth...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read