In my journey towards financial independence, I was fortunate to receive guidance from Fiona, a millionaire youth worker who I greatly admire. Despite her wealth and success, she generously offered to help me understand my finances better. Although I wasn't comfortable sharing my financial details, her advice led me to explore valuable resources. Financial literacy, as she demonstrated, is a key to empowerment, allowing us to make independent decisions and build a secure future.

Reading "The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason was a turning point for me. The principles of wealth management, though couched in Babylonian language, resonated deeply. They helped me see how financial control could be a part of my healing process, giving me a renewed sense of agency and confidence. Taking control of my finances became a therapeutic endeavor, counteracting feelings of powerlessness.

Survivors of sexual assault often face unique financial challenges. Understanding how to manage money can be crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Inspired by the youth worker's advice, I sought more modern, relatable guidance and found "Good With Money" by Emma Edwards. This book has been instrumental in teaching me how to budget, save, and plan for future expenses, helping me navigate the financial challenges specific to my journey.

Learning to build a financial safety net has been one of the most empowering aspects of my financial literacy journey. Whether it's setting up an emergency fund or understanding insurance, having a financial cushion provides a sense of security and stability. It's a vital step for anyone looking to reclaim their power, offering peace of mind and a buffer against unforeseen expenses.

Through my reading and learning, I've come to appreciate the importance of setting and achieving long-term financial goals. Inspired by Emma's advice, I started to take a closer look at where I was spending my money, asking myself how much joy each purchase brought me on a scale of ten. Checking my bank statements, I realized I was often guilty of impulse buys. I scored my purchases, from a three for a bottle of wine that made me feel like an eight but left me tired the next morning, to an eight for my new fitness passport, which gives me unlimited access to yoga classes that make me feel peaceful, centered, and strong.

Emma emphasises practicing mindfulness with spending, encouraging us to think about our purchases and their alignment with our long-term goals and desired lifestyle. Every year, I make a vision board to stay clear on my priorities and goals, which include travel, yoga, creativity, creating happy memories with my daughter, serving the victim survivor community, and working on youth development initiatives. Now, I reinvest the income I make from Shake The Walls and my coaching into developing my work further. I have set up direct debits to deposit money into savings accounts for both my daughter's travels and my own. After paying my bills, I treat myself weekly with something that brings me joy, like op-shopping for designer clothes, candles, woolly socks, massages, wine, clothes for my daughter, or breakfast or lunch out with her.

I'm also rethinking impulsive purchases, asking myself if I really need them, if they can wait, or if they're driven by insecurity. Reflecting on a 1930s dressing gown I bought for $30, I realized I was trying to buy the memory of my great-grandmother, who always made me feel safe, taken care of, strong, and loved. These reflections have helped me pay off my credit card and grow my savings, making me feel more in control of my finances than ever before, and this has just been within two months.

Emma provides plenty of suggestions for homework and self-reflection. For all my self-help enthusiasts out there, you'll love this. Ultimately, it's up to you what you choose to take on and practice. There's plenty of food for thought, and I feel empowered with my newfound financial literacy, looking forward to continuing to revisit these principles to stay focused and motivated.

I hope these words support you in some way. 

Your friend, 

Renee.