Manisha’s Money History, in Her Own Words

When I think of the word M-O-N-E-Y “freedom, independence, and life’s small joys” come to mind. I’m definitely more focused on money than most people are. A big part of this is because I was one of those rare individuals who grew up in a household where money was talked about openly and honestly, and the basics of personal finance were taught. As a result, I love talking about money. Sometimes a bit too much! Saving and budgeting are my particular fortes. I can tell you accurately within $10 where every dollar I’ve spent since 1992 has gone. Geeky, even obsessive, I know. But it’s what I need to do to feel financially confident. My money history is defined by three key life experiences:

Growing Up a Dork. There really is no other way to put it. When I was in grade school, I was a smart, dorky looking girl.

My Parents. Growing up, my mother read gender-neutral books to me like Free to Be You and Me. My parents always encouraged me to be anything I wanted.

Virginia Woolf. When I was in college, I stumbled across a copy of Virginia Woolf’s book A Room of One’s Own. It literally changed my life. Her argument that money gives women freedom to become their best selves has become my guiding mantra.

I am a woman who views money as an enabler, as a powerful tool that allows me to be myself and help the people and causes I care about.