This week’s money mood: Baby steps are OK

It’s a truth so many of us have learned in 2020: Burnout is real and deserves respect. I really love this post by Chanel Miller that talks about the pandemic and what we’re able to give. Key quote: “So as we close another week, minds still clouded by all the things we did not get to, unfinished tasks, untied ends, I implore you not to punish yourself.”

Getting stuff done amid all of this is hard. And weird. I’m usually a champion reader, and I’m having the world’s hardest time finishing a book this year. I haven’t been able to settle into that space of deep focus beyond what I do at work. I’m trying not to punish myself for that.

Whatever you’ve been doing more slowly lately, I hope you know it’s OK. I also hope you know that we at Ellevest are here to help you whenever you’re ready to act on your goals. Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) the act of writing things down, of getting started — that tiny win of getting over the mental block and taking control — can be the balm for burnout.

And you don’t have to do it alone. That’s literally the reason we launched a money membership during this pandemic. Because we’ve been there, and we’ll be here for you, listening, giving our best advice, and cheering you on.

Ready when you are,

Julie Ross Godar, she/her
Editor in Chief

A collage illustration of the back of a woman’s head and shoulders, with a $20 bill, graph paper, and a dime superimposed on her head because she has money on her mind.

When dealing with money feels overwhelming

If sitting down and doing the money stuff feels like a mountain you have to climb, that’s relatable. But it’s also overcomeable (yeah, yeah, not a word). Here are our favorite tips to turn that mountain into a step-by-step path.

GET THE TIPS >

An illustration of a trophy that has an engraving of the name of the Ellevest investing goal “A Place to Call Home.”

Tip: Give your goals a name

Naming your financial accounts according to their purpose can give you a solid boost. When your money goals have names, it reminds you why you’re saving for them in the first place. It can also help you manage them better. Here’s how.

READ IT NOW >

What’s the gender wealth gap?

We hear so much about the gender pay gap … but the gender wealth gap is very real. Sallie on why we should pay more attention to it, especially during the pandemic.

WATCH IT NOW >

A graphic of text bubbles that says “Dear Ellevest, I want to invest in myself.” Followed by the answer “We can help with that!”

Your executive is showing

Get Ellevest Executive free
for one month* with
promo code EXECUTIVE.

BECOME A MEMBER

Small $$ win of the week

“I achieved my goal to have three months of expenses in my rainy day fund! Now I’m working toward paying off my student loans.”

— Abby, an Elle Raiser from Cincinnati, OH

Have a small $$ win you want to tell us about? Do it here.

Join Ellevest to access free workshops and discounts on coaching.

BECOME A MEMBER

This newsletter was written while putting Chanel Miller’s book “Know My Name” on the top of the reading pile. Forward it to a friend who knows that words have power.

MAGAZINE

STORE

DISCLOSURES

*The “First month free” promotional offer is offered to those who sign up for an Ellevest Membership service (Ellevest Essential, Ellevest Plus, or Ellevest Executive) on or before 12 AM EDT on November 19, 2020 (the “Promotional Period”). Clients who enroll before the end of the Promotional Period will pay no Ellevest Membership fee for the first one month of their membership period, starting on the date the membership agreement is acknowledged. After one month from this date, the applicable fees for the Membership service selected will be reinstated. Other fees as described in the Ellevest’s Wrap Fee Program Brochure and the Ellevest Membership Terms and Conditions Agreement will continue to apply.

Ellevest reserves the right to refuse to award you the Promotional offer if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the promotion was claimed under wrongful or fraudulent circumstances, that your participation is against the spirit of the program, that making payment would constitute a violation of your Ellevest Membership Terms and Conditions Agreement or applicable federal or state law, or that incomplete or inaccurate information was provided. Ellevest reserves the right to end or modify any promotion at any time.

All opinions and views expressed by Ellevest are current as of the date of this writing, for informational purposes only, and do not constitute or imply an endorsement of any third party’s products or services.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any specific person.

Investing entails risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no assurance that the investment will provide positive performance over any period of time.

Banking products and services are provided by Coastal Community Bank (“Coastal”), Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Your Ellevest Spend and Save account deposits will be insured to the regulatory limits by the FDIC through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.

Funds held in your Ellevest investment accounts are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by Coastal, and may lose value. Ellevest does not guarantee investment performance.

Ellevest Membership fees are as follows: Ellevest Essential is $1 per month, Ellevest Plus is $5 per month, and Ellevest Executive is $9. Other fees as described in Ellevest’s Wrap Fee Program Brochure and the Ellevest Membership Terms and Conditions Agreement will continue to apply.

support@ellevest.com | 844-ELL-7100 |

Not a subscriber?

What The Elle - What You Can Do When Burnout Happens

This week’s money mood: Baby steps are OK

When dealing with money feels overwhelming

Tip: Give your goals a name

What’s the gender wealth gap?

Your executive is showing

Small $$ win of the week

Join Ellevest to access free workshops and discounts on coaching.

This newsletter was written while putting Chanel Miller’s book “Know My Name” on the top of the reading pile. Forward it to a friend who knows that words have power.

Older messages

What I Told Newsweek About the Economy

Raising Elle Edition: Disability Awareness and Advocacy

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Where Does All That Time Go?

Are You a Checklist Person?

You Might Also Like

After inauguration, it's time to talk taxes

Harry's Take 1-15-25 Stocks Look to Break Lower: Another Sign of a Top on December 16

🇺🇸 America's tariff future

It’s a new year, get a new savings account

Private Equity Is Coming for Your 401(k)

This Skateboarding Economist Suggests We Need More Skateparks And Less Capitalism

Elon Musk Dreams, Mode Mobile Delivers

Shaping inflation expectations: the effects of monetary policy

🌎 Another hottest year

Have you seen the Best Cars & Trucks of 2025?