This afternoon I’m sharing a podcast episode talking about my messy debt payoff process. I purposely avoided talking about financial anger in that episode…but, I thought it was important enough to share my thoughts on it in a blog post. Financial anger is a force that creates movements, that compels people to make choices that are counter-productive, and can keep people trapped for years.
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Financial Anger in My Life
As a woman of color, I am very acquainted with the concept of being financially angry. Basically, you grow up with the reality that it’s highly likely you’re starting financially behind from your peers. In fact, last week yet another study showed the following:
- Sons raised in wealthy African-American homes will end up making the same as impoverished white men. Think about that for a minute.
Even though I’m still single, I do have a family and children in my future. And, every day that I’m cleaning up my financial mess I wonder if it’s enough to counter:
- Starting my financial changes journey late
- Having to relearn ALL of my financial habits.
- The fact that I had to support my mom.
- Having to learn everything about money and learning financial skills.
- The affect of systematic racism/sexism affecting my financial opportunities.
Happy vs… Not
Why did I even think about sharing these thoughts? First, let’s be clear, I’m a pretty happy person who does NOT exist in a perpetual state of anger. In fact, I’m known for having resting smiling face. But, anger shows itself in my life at unexpected moments. Such as, when I’m speaking to my mom and even though she is a fairly hopeful person, her voice will tighten up and she will reflect on her life and you know she’s angry.
She’s angry because:
- She has worked like a dog and really feels (rightfully so) “is this it?”
- She’s had more bosses than not roadblock her success
- Nothing has EVER been easy or given to her
I think about this too. Nothing has every been easy and if weren’t for the fact that I work very hard to exist in a positive headspace there have been moments where I have to fight
- Anger
- Frustration
- What’s the point?
However, there is one thing that I’ve been working hard on that I’m excited about and I hope that it’s not a foolish gamble.
Online Entrepreneurship
First, there is NO pitching before I go further into this post. Online entrepreneurship has captivated me for many reasons and I would like to share why:
- First, the ability to sell my knowledge and be in control of selling it.
- The ability to sell that information to A LOT of people.
- The ability to sell to as many people as I possibly can get my products in front of.
- Not dealing with other people affecting my future: promotions, raises, and ability to learn.
I’m not the only person that is excited about entrepreneurship. The fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States by 300% is African-American women. Because I’m apparently not the only person who’s fed up.
And, as hard as entrepreneurship is, my financial life has never been easy. So, sometimes, just sometimes when my smile slips a little bit I just might be a little angry. But, I’m focused on being positive and every day it’s a process.
Posts Around the Web
In the last couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to read some incredible posts.
- Why I Think (Almost) All PF Bloggers Have Lost Sight Of the Big Picture-By Kayla Sloan. I really enjoyed her candor. One of the issues that I struggled with was deciding to monetize my website(s). And, how to do that ethically. In fact, a couple of years ago I wrote a post in 2016 about this topic: The Business of Blogging and Losing Our Collective Voices. It’s not just me who misses your stories. Share them. There is a reason why I share a personal post every Monday. These posts are never monetized, SEO optimized, and no monetization.And, I made a point to tell readers (and friends) who prefer personal stories to just read my blog on Mondays.
- What FIRE Bloggers Owe Readers/A Blogging Manifesto-Tanja from Our Next Life lays it on the line. Let’s be clear, as exciting as I find the concept of F.I.R.E. I will direct you to my angry thoughts above. And, then I will begin the slow clap on this post.
- Cutting Off My Father: Part 4, and a New Chapter-A Gai Shane Life. This series of posts talks about a painful reality that happens in many families. Sometimes you have to acknowledge the fact that sometimes people just don’t change.
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
I hope it pays off for you Michelle! I know at times I have found myself angry for one reason or another, but in the end it’s all up to me and my attitude about any give situation that matters. No one cares if I’m mad, or even happy, sad, etc. I have to own whatever it is I’m feeling and make the best of it!
I hope so too LOL! This year, while still a little emotional intense, has been a lot more relaxing because I’m staying close to home and have cut out all of the travel. And, you’re right, no one cares if you’re angry. That’s why I focus on being positive while owning that sometimes I also have to acknowledge any hidden feelings of anger that I might be dealing with.