Reflecting on my recent conversation with the incredible Rita Soleda Fernandez Paulino. I’m moved by the intertwined paths of self-discovery and financial literacy. Rita’s story isn’t just about money; it’s about healing, being true to oneself, and embracing both can lead to a financially secure and emotionally rich life.
Discovering Self-Care through DIVERSE Habits
Life threw curveballs at Rita when she fell ill at 32, pivotally shifting her understanding of financial security and well-being. Her innovative self-care acronym, DIVERSE, encapsulates habits crucial for nurturing one’s bank account and interpersonal relationships. The focus on diversifying sources of income while investing in personal growth reflects a comprehensive approach to financial wellness that resonates deeply with many in marginalized communities.
The True Cost of Not Investing in Wellness
A significant turning point in Rita’s journey was her decision to prioritize couples counseling over more traditional financial goals like saving for a house. It underscores a pivotal theme we explored in our conversation: using money as a tool for self-care. For Rita, this meant that investing in emotional well-being was as critical, if not more, than material acquisitions. This decision, as Rita shared, profoundly impacted her relationship stability and overall well-being, highlighting the tangible benefits of such investments.
Economic Healing as a Path to Wealth Building
During our podcast, Rita and I delved into how systemic issues often saddle people from marginalized backgrounds with additional barriers to financial resources. However, Rita’s story is a beacon of hope—showing that through healing, fostering new skills, and perhaps most importantly, embracing one’s authentic self, one can traverse these hurdles. She emphasizes that for communities of color, building wealth isn’t just about accumulating assets but about breaking cycles of financial ignorance and emotional suppression.
The Personal Impact of Self-Expression and Cultural Resistance
Rita’s struggles, from navigating family pressures surrounding her child’s gender expression to dealing with her queerness within a non-accepting environment, further illustrate the challenges that intersect with financial insecurities. By choosing to let her child wear dresses and expressing her true self despite societal backlash, Rita not only championed individuality but also highlighted how such acts of bravery are integral to personal and financial healing.
Pathways to Empowerment
Rita’s journey from a math teacher grappling with illness to a money and self-care coach is inspiring. Her methods—prioritizing emotional health, embracing authenticity, and teaching financial literacy—offer a blueprint for others facing similar challenges. As Rita generously shares resources like Todo Contempto Tuesday emails and free workshops, she builds not just wealth but a community of empowered, financially literate individuals who dare to live authentically.
On this episode of the podcast, Rita reminded us all that self-care and financial care are not just parallel tracks but are deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. Every choice that includes an investment in our well-being, be it through therapy, coaching, or learning, amplifies our potential to live a fully enriched life. As I continue to explore these vital topics with guests like Rita, I am reminded of how critical our platform is in sharing these transformational stories.
