💸 Money Cheat Sheet: Your Financial Foundation

Plus: how to stop feeling guilty about spending money. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 
Ellevest
What the Elle logo

This week’s money mood: Building a strong foundation 💪

In her op-ed on the Ellevest Magazine earlier this week, Sallie talked about financial wellness: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. It’s something we believe in deeply; something we want to help you practice in your everyday life.

So, over the next three weeks — starting now — we’ll be deep-diving into each of the three main components of financial wellness: your foundation, your plan, and your mindset. In that order.

A strong financial foundation is what lets you stop living paycheck to paycheck, free yourself from debt, and start building wealth. It’s what gives you the power to leave a bad job, a bad roommate, a bad relationship. It gives you strength in the knowledge that when you stumble, you'll have the resources to get back up. It turns money into a source of strength, not stress.

And here are some resources to help you build it.

Cheering for you!

Deedi Brown, she/her
Senior Editor

 
A checklist and pencil, surrounded by icons representing money. Illustration.

8 steps to a strong financial foundation 👟

Think of the financial basics as your building blocks. Start working your way through these eight steps — every one of them makes your foundation stronger.

HERE’S HOW >

A woman in a suit climbing a mountain of fun shapes, like half-moons, circles, and dollar signs. Illustration.

Financial wellness is part of your self-care

Your foundation, your plan, and your mindset: These are the three main components of your financial wellness. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

GET THE GUIDE >

 

fin∙an∙cial well∙ness

The state of (money-related) well-being that’s achieved when you know what you have, you know where you’re headed, and you feel good about it.

 
Shopping bag made from a hundred dollar bill. Illustrated collage.

Say goodbye to guilt 👋

Here’s the thing: Budgets aren’t restrictive — they’re freeing. They are, in themselves, a path to financial wellness. Find more tips to help you drop the guilt about spending money.

SELF-CARE THIS WAY >

People video conferencing on a computer screen with speech bubbles above it and a stack of money behind it. Illustration.

Are you ready?

Save your spot for our next live Q&A on the return of student loans, this Tuesday at 8 PM ET. Our money coaches will go over what you need to know (and do to prep).

SEE YOU THERE >

 
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See? You’re already saving!

Want one-on-one help building a budget? Our popular Budgeting and Spending session is 20% off.*

COUNT ME IN, COACH >

 

$$ win of the week

“I just submitted my last payment and have officially paid off my private student loans! $35,000 paid off in five years!” 🔥🔥🔥

Melissa, an Elle Raiser from Atlanta, GA

Have a win of your own? Tell us about it here!

 

Get one month *free* and $20 to invest with code DOWELL.**

 JOIN PLUS OR EXECUTIVER 
 

This week’s newsletter was brought to you while contemplating the benefits of a really, *really* long walk. Forward it to your friends who like to meditate on the move.

FOLLOW US

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DISCLOSURES
 
*The Financial Wellness Collection” promo is available for current Ellevest members who purchase select coaching experiences on or before 11:59 PM ET on October 20, 2021 (the “Promotional Period”). Ellevest members who purchase any of these select coaching experiences before the end of the Promotional Period will receive a 20% discount, in addition to any applicable discounts applied to sessions for the Ellevest Membership service selected. Limit one use per customer. After the end of the Promotional Period, the regular fees and treatment of Ellevest Membership discounts will be reinstated. Other fees as described in the Ellevest Wrap Fee Program Brochure and the Ellevest Membership Terms and Conditions Agreement will continue to apply.
**The “Financial Wellness” Promotional offer is for those who 1) sign up for an Ellevest Plus or Ellevest Executive Ellevest Membership service and 2) make an initial deposit of $1 or more into an Ellevest non-retirement investment account on or before 11:59 PM EST on 10/20/2021 (the “Promotional Period”). This Promotional Offer is only available to the first 500 eligible new Ellevest membership clients who redeem it before the Promotional Period ends. This Promotional Offer is not valid in conjunction and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership clients who enroll with promo code “DOWELL” and make an initial deposit of $1 or more to a non-retirement investment account within the Promotional Period will receive $20 added to their Ellevest investment account. Ellevest’s processing time for depositing $20 into a client’s Ellevest account may be up to 90 days after the Promotional Period ends. 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.
Ellevest Membership fees are as follows: Ellevest Essential is $1 per month, Ellevest Plus is $5 per month, and Ellevest Executive is $9 per month. Other fees as described in Ellevest's Wrap Fee Program Brochure and the Ellevest Membership Terms and Conditions Agreement will continue to apply. Ellevest doesn’t require Members to maintain a minimum investment account balance. However, there are portfolio-specific minimums (ranging from $1 to approximately $240). You may not receive the entire recommended portfolio until your account balance meets the respective portfolio minimum. Ellevest will not rebalance a portfolio until it meets the respective account balance minimum necessary to generate the required shares. This minimum is a function of portfolio allocation and the share price of individual holdings, which will vary.
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 Ellevest 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.
 
 
 

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Older messages

💸 Opinionated: What’s Financial Wellness to You?

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Plus, a guide to getting started and how you feel about prenups. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

📅 We Planned Your Week For You!

Monday, September 20, 2021

Including: A *special* IG Live with CEO Sallie Krawcheck. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

💸 Money Cheat Sheet: How Do You Spend “Intentionally”?

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Plus: Intentional investing and how to name your values. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

🍂 Opinionated: Real Quick … Temperature Check!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Plus, the homebuying frenzy and advice for Britney. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

📅 Save the Date(s): This Week’s Events!

Monday, September 13, 2021

Including: how to thrive and grow as a people manager ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

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