To pass the time, she brought along a book.
Richards was about to get her finances right before money was a thing she even needed to worry about.
I felt like I had this big secret, she says.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Richards
That book opened up a whole new world for me.
Adulting is hard, she writes in her book.
But she hopes to make finances a little more fun.
And shes only 27.
Can you say #goals?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
Richards saw a huge disconnect between her generation and financial literacy.
Her book is meant to fill the void.
The formula for financial independence that worked 30 years ago just doesnt work today, she says.
It was a lot easier to save money, live within your means and ultimately retire comfortably.
But today, that formula just doesnt add up.
Oh, and credit cards?
Those are a big no-no.
Everyones situation is different, and a blanket approach might not necessarily be the best option.
You must save a significant portion of your income.
Ten percent wont get you anywhere.
Up your savings game by increasing your income or decreasing your expenses.
Shes also not going to tell you to cut up that credit card.
Theres a lot of benefit in having a credit card if a person can use it the right way.
Credit cards can make it easy for people to give in to instant gratification, though.
And if someone really struggles with that, then they probably want to stay away from credit cards altogether.
Thats just her way of serving up a little #toughlove in the name of financial peace.
It comes down to the time value of money.
Everyone is in a different place financially, Richards explains, which means one cookie-cutter approach just wont work.
Her seven-strategy approach is a modifiable blueprint meant to be tailored to each persons needs.
If you are spending more than you are making, you will never be financially independent.
This is a mantra we should all live by.
Nicole Slaughter Graham is a freelance journalist who likes to turn lifes mishaps and parenting woes into articles.
Lately, shes contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Cosmo and more.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
