The 8 Wealth Building Essentials Every Woman Should Know
I was invited to give a talk to a group of powerhouse women in sales about how to build wealth without sacrificing the life you love. I’d spent hours creating a gorgeous presentation, slides, visuals, the whole thing. It was thoughtful, polished, and I was excited to share it.
But when I arrived… there was no projector. No screen. No computer. Just me, a room full of expectant faces, and absolutely no way to show the presentation I’d prepared.
For a minute, panic started to creep in. I could feel that familiar “Oh no, this is not how it’s supposed to go” energy rising up.
But then I took a breath and reminded myself: “I’ve got this.”
I had practiced that talk more times than I could count, in front of the mirror, while driving, and even silently in my head while waiting at the doctor’s office. I knew the content. I believed in it. And I knew it mattered.
So I ditched the slides and just started talking.
And honestly? It ended up being one of the most powerful, connected, and engaging sessions I’ve ever led. No tech. No visuals. Just real talk about money, goals, and how to build wealth while living your best life.
So today, I want to bring those same insights straight to you.
These are the 8 wealth-building essentials I share in my Financial Literacy Workshop, the ones that spark lightbulb moments and shift the way women think about their money. If you’ve been feeling like you make good money but don’t have much to show for it… start here.
Let’s get into it:
1. Know What You Value
Before you ever open a budgeting app or set a new goal, you’ve got to know what actually matters to you. When your spending aligns with your values, everything feels more intentional, and you stop wasting money on stuff you don’t even care about.
2. Set Goals That Excite You
Whether it’s saving $10K, paying off debt, taking a dream trip, or finally leaving a toxic job, your goals give your money a job to do. And when you’re excited about where your money is going, it becomes so much easier to follow through.
3. Ditch the Budget—Build a System
Strict budgets feel like punishment. I teach my clients to use a simple, flexible money system instead, one that lets you spend on what you love and make steady progress toward your financial goals. It’s about structure, not sacrifice.
4. Learn How to Stay on Track
Life will try to distract you, sales, social media, last-minute invites. But when you learn how to pause before you spend, allow the urge to impulse shop, and realign with your goals, you take back control without the guilt.
5. Open Yourself Up to Earning More
Sometimes, the next financial breakthrough isn’t about cutting back, it’s about earning more. Whether that means a raise, a new job, or finally launching that business idea, you have options. More income gives you more freedom.
6. Start Investing—Even If It’s Just $1
You don’t need to wait until you “have more money” to start investing. You just need to start. Compound interest is real, and it’s working 24/7. Learn the basics. Use index funds. Stay consistent. The earlier you start, the better. But remember, it’s never too late to begin.
7. Believe That You Can Do This
Your thoughts shape your results. If deep down you believe you’re “bad with money,” you’ll sabotage yourself—even if you know what to do. Start believing you’re capable. Confidence is a wealth-building strategy, too.
8. Take the First Step
You don’t need to do it all today. Just pick one area and take action. Read a book. Listen to Becoming the Wealthy You Podcast. Open a High Yield Savings account. Set a calendar reminder to check your spending. Small steps taken consistently lead to massive transformation.
Now, Back to that moment in the room with no tech…
I could’ve let that stop me. But I chose to trust myself and take the next step anyway. And that’s exactly what building wealth requires.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to wait for perfect conditions. You just need to start, with what you know, with what you have, right now.
You’ve got this.
About Germaine Foley
Germaine Foley is a Certified Life Coach and Financial Coach for women who make good money—but feel like they have little to show for it. She combines life coaching tools with practical personal finance strategies to help her clients stop overspending, build savings, and finally feel in control of their money. Learn more at www.germainefoley.com.