Pride in Financial Freedom
As an advocate for financial well-being and empowerment, I truly believe that financial literacy is not just about money, but it’s also about the freedom to live a comfortable life. To me, a comfortable life means living authentically and prioritizing the things/people that bring us joy. This month, in honor of Pride, I would like to focus this newsletter on the importance of inclusive financial planning and how we can address the unique financial challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Recognizing Unique Challenges: Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique financial challenges due to societal biases, legal hurdles, discrimination, and family support. Recognizing these issues is the first step towards working to overcome them. For example, family planning for LGBTQ+ community can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Dedicated Resources: There are numerous content creators that are either part of the LGBTQ+ community or have directly mentioned their support for the community. From my podcast library to yours, Tracy Levesque and the Debt Free Guys are a great start. Also, there are some organizations committed to providing resources specifically catered to the financial needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes the Human Rights Campaign and Out For Undergrad which offer a wealth of information on financial rights, planning, and advocacy.
Inclusive Financial Planning: Choosing a financial team that understands and embraces the real you might be a challenge. I strive to run an inclusive business. I will always make a deliberate effort to be as inclusive as possible when discussing financial literacy, financial planning, and financial upbringing.
Education and Advocacy: Financial literacy and empowerment also involve advocating for fair financial systems and legislation. With financial coaching, I advocate to bring financial literacy at no cost for students. We can always work together to get your graduate program, Diversity Equity and Inclusions Committee, or professional development office to sponsor an event. Events can range from online seminars, workshops, or one-on-one coaching sessions for you.
As always, and more importantly beyond Pride month, I’m here to support you on your financial journey, whatever that might look like for you. As we continue to fight for equality and acceptance, let’s also ensure that financial freedom and security are accessible to all. If you have any questions or want to chat more about inclusive financial planning, feel free to reach out!