Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love

Tori Dunlap

Quick Take

From the globally-recognized personal finance educator and social media star behind Her First $100K, an inclusive guide to all things money--from managing debt to investing and voting with your dollarsTori Dunlap was always good with money. As a kid, she watched her prudent parents balance their checkbook every month and learned to save for musical tickets by gathering pennies in an Altoids tin. But she quickly discovered that her experience with money was pretty unusual, especially among her female friends.It wasn't our fault. Investigating this financial literacy and wealth gap, Tori found that girls are significantly less likely to receive a holistic financial education; we're taught to restrain our spending, while boys are taught about investing and rewarded for pursuing wealth. In adulthood, women are hounded by the unfounded stereotype of the frivolous spenders whose lattes are to blame for the wealth gap. And when something like, say, a global pandemic happens, we're the first to have jobs cut and the last to re-enter the workforce. It's no wonder money is a source of anxiety and a barrier to equality for so many of us.But what if money didn't mean restriction, and instead, choice? The ability to luxuriously travel, quit toxic jobs, donate to important organizations, retire early? The freedom to live the life you want, and change the world while you do it?Tori founded Her First $100K to teach women to overcome the unique obstacles standing in the way of their financial freedom. In Financial Feminist, she distills the principles of her shame- and judgment-free approach to paying off debt, figuring out your value categories to spend mindfully, saving money without monk-like deprivation, and investing in order to spend your retirement tanning in Tulum.Featuring journaling prompts, deep-dives into the invisible aspects of the financial landscape, and interviews with experts on everything money--from predatory credit card companies to the racial wealth gap and voting with your dollars--Financial Feminist is the ultimate guide to making your money work harder for you (rather than the other way around.)

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Financial Feminist

Introduction

"Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love" by Tori Dunlap is a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional financial advice and empowers women to take control of their finances. Dunlap, a personal finance educator and social media star, shares her expertise on managing debt, saving money, investing, and making conscious spending choices. With a focus on intersectionality and inclusivity, this book aims to provide valuable insights and practical guidance for women from all walks of life.

About Tori Dunlap

Tori Dunlap is a financial feminist who has made a significant impact in the personal finance industry. As the founder of Her First $100K, Dunlap has gained a devoted following for her approachable and empowering financial education. With her book, "Financial Feminist," she continues to inspire and educate women on how to overcome financial barriers and build a life they love.

Analysis of Views

Holistic Financial Education: Many readers appreciate the author's focus on providing a holistic financial education to women. They find that the book addresses the unique challenges faced by women in terms of financial literacy and wealth gap. The author's approach is inclusive, acknowledging that girls are often taught to restrain their spending, while boys are encouraged to pursue investing.
Practical Advice: Readers praise the book for its practical advice on managing debt, understanding value categories, saving without deprivation, and investing for retirement. The book offers actionable steps that are easy to implement, making it accessible to beginners. The author's approach is not just about making money but also about using it to create a life that aligns with one's values.
Intersectional Lens: Several readers appreciate the author's commitment to examining the financial landscape from an intersectional perspective. The book acknowledges the ways in which capitalism can be oppressive and highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. The author's approach is inclusive, recognizing that financial freedom is not just about individual success but also about collective empowerment.
Real-World Insights: Readers appreciate the book's real-world insights into the financial system and its impact on women's lives. The author delves into topics such as predatory credit card companies, the racial wealth gap, and the power of voting with your dollars. By providing a comprehensive understanding of these issues, the book empowers women to make informed decisions about their finances and contribute to social change.
Engaging Writing Style: Many readers find Tori Dunlap's writing style engaging and relatable. The author's use of humor and personal anecdotes makes the book enjoyable to read, while her expertise shines through in her practical advice. The book's conversational tone makes it accessible to readers with different backgrounds and levels of financial knowledge.

Reasons for Recommendation

Empowering Women: "Financial Feminist" is highly recommended for women who want to take control of their finances and overcome the patriarchy's bullshit. The book provides practical advice and empowers women to make informed decisions about their money. It addresses the unique challenges faced by women in terms of financial literacy and wealth gap, offering a comprehensive guide for financial freedom.
Inclusive Approach: The book's inclusive approach is another reason why it is recommended. Tori Dunlap acknowledges the challenges faced by marginalized communities and provides insights into how these communities can overcome financial barriers. By promoting intersectionality, the book encourages women to come together and work towards collective empowerment.
Real-World Insights: The real-world insights provided in the book are valuable for anyone interested in understanding the financial system and its impact on society. By examining topics such as predatory credit card companies, racial wealth gap, and voting with your dollars, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of these issues. This knowledge can help readers make informed decisions about their finances and contribute to social change.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Focus on Intersectionality: Some readers feel that the book's focus on intersectionality is limited to certain aspects of identity, such as race and sexual orientation. They argue that there is no acknowledgment of other important factors such as class, disability, or immigration status. They feel that this narrow focus limits the book's ability to address the full range of experiences faced by marginalized communities.
Overemphasis on Individualism: A few readers criticize the book for overemphasizing individualism at the expense of collective action. They argue that the emphasis on personal responsibility and individual choices ignores the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. They feel that this approach perpetuates individualism rather than promoting collective empowerment and systemic change.

Conclusion

"Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love" by Tori Dunlap is a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional financial advice and empowers women to take control of their finances. With its holistic approach, practical advice, real-world insights, and engaging writing style, this book has garnered widespread praise from readers who appreciate its inclusivity, intersectionality, and empowering message. While some readers feel that the focus on individualism may be limiting, overall, "Financial Feminist" is recommended for women seeking financial freedom and empowerment in a world shaped by patriarchal systems.