Why Money Isn’t Taboo: Lessons from Financial Feminist
How Tori Dunlap’s insights shifted my mindset — and why they should shift yours too
Growing up, money was always this hush-hush topic — polite to avoid but vital to navigate. So, when I stumbled upon Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap, I wasn’t just looking for advice. I was looking for clarity. Could I truly take charge of my finances, dismantle the guilt tied to spending, and embrace wealth-building with purpose? Tori’s book didn’t just answer those questions; it completely reframed how I see money and power.
This book is not a prose spreadsheet. It’s a manifesto and catchphrase that breaks down the obstacles standing in women’s way of becoming financially independent. It’s sharp, unapologetic, and surprisingly useful. I couldn’t stop thinking about how identity, opportunity, and yes, privilege intersected as I read through each chapter, how that has affected my relationship with money, and how I can influence my future.
Breaking Down the Money Myths
One of the most freeing concepts Tori introduces is the idea that money is a tool, not a moral issue. How often do we frame debt as a failure? Or view budgeting as deprivation? These narratives are so baked into our culture that they feel like universal truths, but Tori flips them on their head.
Her message? Stop judging yourself for how you’ve handled money in the past. Instead, look at what’s possible when you have control over your finances. For me, that shift felt personal. I’ve thought a lot about the future I want to create for myself and my family as a mother and designer. The book reaffirmed that financial literacy is not just about money, but also about empowerment and opportunity.
Actionable Takeaways You’ll Want to Implement
1. Financial Boundaries Are Empowering
Tori challenges us to be clear about our priorities and unapologetic about saying no. For me, that meant reassessing how I approach “yes culture” in both work and personal life. Boundaries aren’t just about time — they’re about where your money goes, too.
2. Invest Early, Even If It’s Small
Like many, I’ve been intimidated by the word investing. But Tori’s practical breakdowns made it feel approachable, even fun. The idea of “investing for future me” suddenly clicked.
3. Spend with Intention, Not Guilt
One of the most gripping chapters was about redefining how we spend. Tori encourages readers to align their purchases with their values. That coffee you love? That travel fund? It’s all fair game if it reflects what matters to you.
Why This Book Hit Home for Me
For me, Financial Feminist was more than just a book — it was a mirror, having experienced career pivots, a layoff, and the all-encompassing experience of motherhood. It forced me to critically examine the financial narratives I had internalised and, more significantly, to envision a time when I could be calling the shots financially.
Tori’s tales are empowering and relatable. Her straightforward writing style is akin to a friend reassuring you of your self-doubt. We all need that sometimes, don’t we?
Why You Should Read This Book
This book has something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced budgeter, an enthusiast for side projects, or someone who is just beginning to understand how their credit scores even operate. What you need to realise is it’s not just about the money; it’s also about agency, power, and altering the narrative that society has assigned you.
Regardless of your budgeting experience, interest in side projects, or ignorance of credit scores, this book has something to offer everyone. Money is only one factor; other factors include agency, power, and altering the narrative that society has assigned you.
This book will remind you that money is not something to be feared or avoided. It’s a tool to help you create the life you desire, one conscious choice at a time. You’ll finish this book feeling more equipped than ever to make it happen if you’re anything like me.
So, grab this book. Annotate it, dog-ear the pages, and make it yours. Because taking control of your money? That’s the most feminist thing you can do.
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