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To some leveling up may be a conversation that feels a bit vapid and unnecessary given the events happening globally especially in the US. I would disagree because leveling up will be necessary to survive the upcoming economic climate. Here's some tips I believe everyone should be implementing in order to survive and also thrive.

Save money - I know that all the finance bros constantly downplay savings and mostly focus on investing, but savings is STILL RELEVANT! Having savins can prevent you having to take payday loans, replace a car vs a car part, and help you feel more at ease during emergency. Whether you are saving $25, $50, or more every paycheck, please, set some money aside

Build your network - LinkedIn is great! Meeting people in person is BETTER. It's time to join groups, go to local meetups for people in your current or desired field because this is going to be how people get job opportunities. Also focus on sustaining those relationships, so NOT just a LinkedIn hit it and quit it, but instead please focus on building long term mutually beneficial relationships with people that you like and who know more than you!

education, Education, EDUCATION! - If you are afraid that your job could be at risk, you want to explore a new career, or feel like you need more education, DO IT! But when you do it please be smart. Focus on grants, scholarships, transferring credit from lower cost institutions, interships, bootcamps. Do your research! Check websites like will a robot take my job, career trajectory, and need for that particular job/career in your area. Be smart while getting smart. Do NOT believe these people online telling you that degrees don't matter! In these next 4 years they will not only matter, they will be the reason many people get left out of the new economy.

B-U-D-G-E-T - I know this is hard to do in this economy for some right now, but now more than ever you need to know where your money is going. If you're in debt and want to get out first assess that you are able to meet your basic needs (housing, food, etc.) then work out a sustainable debt pay back plan. If you can help don't allow things to go into default, but if the do, or have, focus on paying the most important bills first, save, and then of course focus on debt.

Do NOT DOOMSPEND - I know it may seem tempting to spend like there's no tomorrow and that everyday the news and government can make it easier to become more and more nihilistic, but maxing out affirm, Klarna and Afterpay will NOT help. Set a little cash aside for guiltless, mindless "joy spending" and then STOP. Think about creating community instead of spending all the time. Set up a home paint and sip, go the local coffee shop and read a good book, check out some new pieces at the Museum. Research low-cost hobbies and lean on those when you're anxious instead of spending.

Have your own $$$ - Yes even if your partner has money, set some aside that you don't touch of your own. You never know when you, or both you and your partner might need it.

Birth control (while you still can get it, condoms, plan b)

Protective weapons (check your state laws, tasers, pepper spray)

No spend weeks (only essentials, save $$$, empties)

Education (budget friendly, good grades, stay focused)

Good credit (pay your debts and make as few nonessential as possible)

Valuable Relationships ONLY (toxic exes, dump them, perpetual one sided relationships dump them, frenemies dump them)

Self Dates (set standards, cute dresses, good books)

Simplify (meal prep, daily uniform, simple signature fragrance)

Goals (set them, work on them, focus)

Money (invest, max accounts, ask for raise )

Self improvement (therapy, journaling, constant learning)

Health and Fitness (Strength train 3 times a week, daily walks , no diets)

Learning (podcasts, microlearning, documentaries)

SO more than likely whether, you're fan or a hater if you've been on TikTok lately, you more than likely have been inundated with the egg apron Ballerina Farm debacle on the platform. I believe it was over a week ago when the internet was on sent into a collective rage when Julliard graduate, pageant winner Hannah Neeleman received only an egg gathering apron from her billionaire heir husband as a birthday gift. The gift in and of itself was not the issue, but instead that Hannah had requested that her (Jet Blue heir) husband take her to Greece for her birthday so that she could have time away from their 8 children. Her husband made the executive decision to give her what he decided she should have a tool to perform for labor for him and his children. Hannah a talented ballerina and former homeschool kid, gently smiled with sad eyes as she politely accepted her "gift". Everyone is in an uproar for Hannah which I get, but instead I think this is a learning opportunity. Here are 5 short takeaways I got from what I am calling the egg apron debacle.\

1. A man having money does NOT mean he is generous. Hannah's husband is a billionaire heir, meaning he's not even having to work hard for the money he receives. Even with his money he still didn't use his resources to give her rest, relaxation, and happiness. Now, this isn't a dog whistle to date broke men, NOT AT ALL. Instead every woman should aim to date a stable, generous man (if she wants to deal with men at all). Misogyny comes in all forms, classes, and races. Be sure that your man sees you as more than just an extension of him.

2. Never give up your education, career, or job for a man simply because of his net worth or promises. At one point I saw a woman say how Hannah at one point built a dance studio on their massive farm, and how it was taken for her in order for it to be a place to homeschool their 8 children. This not only disturbed me, but it also told me what kind of man Hannah married. A man who loves you wants you to have passions for things outside of him and the family you create. A man that loves you will support you pursuing your dreams and not only watch your do it, but help emotionally, financially, and physically to help you achieve your dream. Still have something for you. I believe she actually has the TikTok and blog for herself to earn her own money, hopefully she has a separate account in case she ever needs to leave.

3. Don't compare your entire life to anyone's 30 second reel. So many women of all ages still look up to Hannah Neeleman. She is so accomplished and yet, when she speaks of her life now and her farm. She looks sad, overwhelmed, and overworked. Even with all that said, we don't know her despite how tragic some aspects of her life may look to outsiders, she may look her life. She may be used to her husband ignoring her wishes, she may see meaning in sacrifices she makes. She may have even known that the internet would lose it over her birthday present and may be rage baiting. All we know is what we are allowed to see and even though many women may be able to empathize and even commiserate with her about men, the reality is we don't really know her, her husband, or her real situation.

In the comments tell what you thought about the situation. Did you hear anything about this story? I am excited to discuss this topic.

So a lot has changed in my life! I received a life-changing opportunity and I am so excited. In this economy there are a lot of scary things going on and I am taking a leap of faith and going to start my own business. I may fail, but even if I do I'm bound to learn something! So my focus is now divided into about 4 categories:

School: finish this dang degree, I have 17 more classes and even though it's hard I know I can finish it this year after all I'm not working very much!

Business: start a thriving wellness beauty business with a focus on making a fully time living and eventually six -figures. I want to create a viable business that can eventually work kind of on it's own, hire employees, and still be able to work in my field of study.

Wellness: going back to the gym and buying myself a mini treadmill so I can lose weight and work out more holistically and conveniently. Making sure to make time for myself, my loved ones, and my hobbies.

What have I been up to?

So I just started back to school and got my first tech cert! I thought I could graduate by September, but now I am slowing down and choosing to graduate next year with my bachelors and masters. I also am thinking about picking up an extra associates. I have chosen to not look at school as just something to get through, but rather romanticize the process and enjoy it. I also have decided to create, participate in a challenge that has to do with appearance. Here it is

I like to listen to a variety of commentary and I have been listening to this. The interviewer isn't my favorite person, but I appreciate this interview. If you don't have an hour plus to watch this here's the TLDW version.

The woman on the right is a SAHM she and her husband have 2 kids. As you can see in the title the husband brings in $50k. Here's what stood out to me:

Her husband is an artist and does not have any certifications nor does he have a degree or a blue collar job and they are not a military family

She is an occupational therapist by trade

Her and her husband decided she'd stay home and he'd provide

She does not spend on hair appointments, nails, spa days, and receives those products from an MLM she represents

Her and her husband rarely eat out or go on dates

They own a home after a nice family decided to give it to them under asking price

They don't raise their own food

They utilize a lot of free entertainment for their children such as parks, libraries and free events

Do to income restraints they receive Medicaid

Husband was injured from a job, but is able bodied

Do you live this lifestyle?

Could you be a stay home mom on this income? Why/Why Not?

This is the book I completed this month! I love this book! It was so insightful, enlightening, and had such a relatable common-sense approach!

This is the other book I'm finishing!

Hi Girly!

Sorry for the late reply. Now to preface I will say I am not a financial advisor I've just made mistakes and to be honest I'm still learning. Here are a few things I've done that have helped me.

Open an Experian account: This way you can monitor your credit.

Look into starting a Fizz card. I haven't personally used this card, but it apparently it's a good card to build credit.

Pay your bills on time. If something is in collections, this doesn't automatically mean to pay it off.

Start working with a professional as soon as possible.

When you open a credit card. Always try to pay it off IN FULL way before it's due.

Have an emergency fund!!

~ I am now making my salary through my new job

~ I have been working out 5 days a week

~ I have limited my eating out/ eating junk food

~ I am saving a hefty emergency fund this year

~ I am doing some reflection on my spending habits

~ I am de-cluttering my home