5 Secrets Financial Feminists Don’t Want You to Miss (And How They Can Change Your Life!)

Money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about power, freedom, and the stories we tell ourselves. That’s why Tori Dunlap’s 'Financial Feminist' has become a beacon for women everywhere who are tired of feeling stuck, shamed, or silenced by old money myths. But what are the secrets that make this movement so magnetic? Here’s what every aspiring financial feminist needs to know.

1. Your Money Story Starts Early (And You Can Rewrite It)

Most of us learned about money long before we ever earned a paycheck. Maybe you saw your parents argue over bills, or maybe you grew up believing that talking about money was rude. These early scripts shape our financial lives—but they don’t have to define them. Tori’s book opens with the radical idea that naming your money emotions is the first step to healing. Journaling about your earliest money memory, for example, can reveal the roots of your beliefs and help you choose new ones. Vulnerability, not perfection, is your superpower here.

2. Patriarchal Narratives Are Meant to Keep You Small

Ever been told that you should just know how to “do money”? That wanting wealth is selfish, or that hard work alone will make you rich? These aren’t truths—they’re stories designed to keep women disempowered. Tori exposes five core narratives that hold women back and shows how to break their hold: from challenging wage secrecy to embracing ambition without apology. She draws on real-world examples of women who negotiated raises, started businesses, and built communities by rejecting these myths. Wage transparency and collective action aren’t just buzzwords—they’re tools for change.

3. Mindful Spending Is the New Budgeting

Forget about restrictive budgets that make you feel guilty for every latte. Financial feminists focus on value-based spending: spend freely on what brings you joy, and cut ruthlessly on what doesn’t. Track your expenses for a month, note the emotion behind each purchase, and you’ll quickly see where your true priorities lie. Tori’s practical tips—like the 'money diary' and the 'three value categories'—help women reclaim control without deprivation. The result? More joy, less guilt, and a spending plan that actually sticks.

4. Automation Is Your Best Friend

Willpower is overrated. The real secret to saving more, paying off debt, and investing for your future is automation. Set up automatic transfers to your savings, retirement, and investment accounts, and you’ll make progress even on your busiest days. Tori’s step-by-step game plan starts with building an emergency fund, then tackling high-interest debt, and finally investing in your dreams. Each step is broken down into bite-sized actions, making it easy to start wherever you are.

5. Community Is the Ultimate Wealth Multiplier

Financial feminism isn’t just about your own bank account—it’s about lifting others up, too. Whether it’s sharing salary info, joining mutual aid networks, or teaching the next generation, your money moves can spark a ripple effect. Tori’s book is filled with stories of women who found strength in community, from negotiating better deals to advocating for policy change. The lesson is clear: when one woman rises, we all rise.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Financial feminism is more than a trend—it’s a movement. By embracing vulnerability, challenging old narratives, spending with intention, automating your progress, and building community, you can create a life that feels both rich and meaningful. So, what’s your first step? Start by telling your story, and watch the world change with you.
Inspired by Tori Dunlap’s 'Financial Feminist' and the voices of women everywhere who are rewriting the rules of money.