Your Guide to Financial Literacy

Financial advice was never designed with women in mind, and Karen Tom is here to fix that. Bella sits down with financial advisor Karen (SIE, Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, CFP candidate) to break down what personal finance actually looks like for ambitious women. They explore the realities of thriving in high cost-of-living cities, especially when your income is variable, your rent just doubled, and your parents might need you too. Karen defines the difference between income and wealth, and how to navigate lifestyle creep, industry volatility, and other overlooked financial costs. Karen translates traditional financial advice into something that actually fits your life. This is a no judgement episode designed to help you feel more confident about your financial future. Apply here to join Bridges. Follow OOO by Bridges on:InstagramTikTokYouTube Follow Bella Malvini on:InstagramTikTokLinkedInComment who you want Bella to interview next! Produced by:GOGO STUDIOZCHAPTERS: 00:00 Introducing Karen Tom, Financial Advisor & CFP Candidate2:30 Why Financial Literacy Was Never Built for Women5:00 Cultural Money Trauma: Hoarding, Distrust & Generational Patterns9:30 Where to Start When You Have No Financial Blueprint11:30 The Three-Step Financial Foundation 13:00 How to Save Differently Based on Your Industry's Volatility15:00 Your Emergency Fund Is Meant to Be Used, Let’s Normalize That 17:30 Income vs. Wealth: What's the Actual Difference? 19:30 Lifestyle Creep: How to Avoid The Silent Wealth Killer 24:30 The Sandwich Generation & the Hidden Cost of Being a Caregiver 27:00 The One Financial Habit to Start Right Now!