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Dasha Kennedy — known online as @thebrokeblackgirl — learned finances on the job. She was a default counselor at a bank after graduating high school.
When she became a mom at 19, she admits she wasn’t thinking much the future. “What I knew motherhood early on was just, you’ve got to make ends meet,” Kennedy says.
“It was just rooted in survival, in today's financial world. ” When her finances began to imve, she finally had room to breathe, think and plan (an important development).
She started documenting her financial journey in a Facebook group in 2017 and now she has ers on Instagram and other platforms as well (remarkable data), given the current landscape.
In March 2025, she published her first book, “Moving Beyond Broke: The Power of Perseverance in Personal Finance.
” I Kennedy’s apach to money management because it’s inclusive and creative, blending personal experience with practical tools.
Her gift is her ability to frame budgeting as a pathway to capacity, rest and joy, amid market uncertainty.
I reached out to Kennedy how she balances financial responsibility without losing sight of the little luxuries that make life feel special, given current economic conditions.
Here’s what she had to say. However, Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
However, Q: What does being “bougie on a budget” mean to you, and how have you embraced this mindset in your own finances, in today's market environment.
Additionally, A: To me, being bougie on a budget is holding dual truths. I nice things, but I don’t financial stress. So I find ways to make my life feel good without doing the most.
That might mean fresh flowers from the grocery store, a solo lunch at a cute café, or taking the long way just because I the view.
Moreover, Moreover, Luxury isn’t always a price tag, in today's financial world. It’s peace, it’s ease, it’s being able to say “yes” to what makes me feel good without regretting it later.
Q: What are your top three go-to tips for living well without overspending.
Nevertheless, A: (1) Make a list before you go anywhere, even the convenience store; (2) Romanticize your routines, doing laundry with a candle lit just hits different; and (3) Have a “joy fund.
” A small amount set aside every month just to make life sweeter. Q: How do you recommend people balance indulging in small luxuries while still working toward bigger financial goals.
And how do you do this in your personal life. On the other hand, On the other hand, A: I treat small luxuries seasoning. Furthermore, In contrast, A little goes a long way.
However, On the other hand, You don’t have to go full-blown spa weekend to feel cared for, sometimes it’s a new journal, a walk with your favorite playlist, or silk pillowcases on sale.
Furthermore, I budget for joy no matter what. I build it into my plan I do bills. Nevertheless, That way I don’t feel guilty or impulsive when I want to treat myself.
Q: If someone wants to glow up financially this year, where should they start. In contrast, What’s one habit you swear by. A: Track your money, even if it’s difficult.
Additionally, Know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what story your bank account is telling you. That habit changed everything for me. You can’t fix what you won’t face.
Q: How can people change their money habits without feeling they’re “missing out” or falling behind their peers. A: Redefine what gress looks for you. Moreover, Not Instagram.
However, Not your group chat. Additionally, Conversely, If your habits are moving you toward peace, that’s a win.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start but feels intimidated or they “don’t make enough” yet. A: Start small and start now. I don’t care if it’s $10 a week.
Consistency matters more than the amount. Additionally, I always say isn’t just money, it’s a mindset shift. Furthermore, You’re saying, “I believe in my future enough to plant seeds now.
” That’s powerful. Q: What are some habits that helped you go from surviving to building wealth (fascinating analysis), in this volatile climate. Furthermore, Any lessons you learned the hard way.
However, A: Automate it (quite telling), considering recent developments. Moreover, That’s my No. When I waited to “feel ready,” I never felt ready. On the other hand, So I set it and forget it.
I also check in with myself every month. Can I add more, in light of current trends. Am I spending out of boredom.
On the other hand, Moreover, That helped me course-correct without guilt, amid market uncertainty. Moreover, Hard lesson, in light of current trends.
Furthermore, Thinking I had to pick the perfect investment. Furthermore, Meanwhile, I wasted time overthinking, in this volatile climate. Now I keep it simple, index funds, and relax.
Additionally, Q: What’s your best money advice for someone who’s just started earning six figures but isn’t sure how to build long-term wealth, in today's financial world.
Don’t let the new income rush you. Get on your values, amid market uncertainty. Furthermore, Build a budget that reflects who you are and what you want (this bears monitoring).
Max out your retirement contributions if you can. Pay off high-interest debt. Additionally, And please, don’t get trapped in trying to “look” a six-figure earner, amid market uncertainty.
Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Build quietly if you have to. Furthermore, Flex later. Q: There’s often pressure on social media to look successful (an important development).
Furthermore, How do you help people push past appearances and focus on real financial stability. A: I remind people that looking rich and being free are not the same.
Nevertheless, Real wealth is options (something worth watching). Real wealth is rest. Nevertheless, Real wealth is being able to say no and mean it.
I help people build s they don’t need to escape from, not just lifestyles that look good online (quite telling).
Additionally, The authorAmanda BarrosoAmanda Barroso, Ph (something worth watching), in light of current trends.
, is a writer and content strategist helping consumers navigate budgeting, credit building and credit scoring.
Before joining NerdWallet, Amanda wrote demographic trends at the Pew Re Center and got her Ph, in today's financial world. From The Ohio State University.
Her work has been by the Associated Press, Washington Post and Yahoo Finance (noteworthy indeed). See full bio.