3 things I wish I knew when I was broke | Vivian Tu

Financial literacy serves as a critical tool for personal empowerment, particularly for those historically excluded from traditional wealth-building systems. Financial educator Vivian Tu highlights the necessity of mastering financial language, building supportive communities to dismantle money taboos, and utilizing modern, accessible digital tools over outdated institutional practices. Drawing from her own experience of having a credit card declined at a bar while working a high-paying Wall Street job, Tu emphasizes that financial confidence stems from knowledge rather than just income. She advocates for a "STRIP" framework—Savings, Total debt management, Retirement planning, Investing, and Planning—to help individuals move from a mindset of scarcity to one of long-term prosperity. By leveraging technology and fostering open dialogue, individuals can navigate systemic biases and secure their financial futures, ultimately narrowing the wealth gap through informed, proactive decision-making.