Let's talk about money! I love money—making it, spending it, and most importantly, saving it.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, retailers are gearing up to seduce us with deals designed to put their books in the black. But here's the thing: we need to be vigilant so those same "deals" don't put us in the red.
The Great Subscription Audit
A few days ago, I did something that saved me hundreds of dollars before year-end. I went through every single credit card and bank statement, line by line, categorizing my 2025 spending. The result? A subscription massacre.
That $2.99 ad-free streaming service I forgot about? Gone. The $48.50 fitness app I used twice last month? Canceled. Even that fancy candle subscription arriving every six weeks (seriously, who needs that many candles?) got the axe. The savings added up fast—DAMN.
The Magic of Compound Growth
One of the most valuable lessons from my education was understanding the future time value of money. Simply put: money today is worth more than the same amount tomorrow because of its potential to earn returns. This principle has shaped how I think about every dollar.
My friends and I talk openly about money—where we bank, which credit cards we carry, our stock holdings, and diversification strategies. As a 34-year-old woman in tech who receives a significant portion of my Amazon compensation in stock units, I've learned firsthand how powerful equity can be.
My Stock Market Journey
My first job after UGA was at VMware, where I discovered stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP). Thanks to a mentor who insisted I took advantage of that benefit, I learned how incredible getting paid in stock can be.
Over the past 12 years, the market has been good to me. In 2017, I heard about this Canadian company called Shopify building impressive retail tech. I invested $2,400 for 350 shares. Today? That position is worth $51,000—a 2,000% return. I've yet to find a savings account offering those kinds of yields.
Having started at Amazon 11 years ago, I've experienced several major stock value increases. The key? Time in the market, not timing the market. Warren Buffett nails it when he says most people want to get rich quick, but getting rich slowly is the real strategy.
Building Wealth Habits
Ten years ago, I started a simple habit: every sales commission check went straight into the stock market. Then I left it alone. I only touch that money for major purchases like a home or our wedding. The discipline has paid off tremendously.
(Disclaimer: This isn't financial advice—just sharing what's worked for me. Do your own research!)
Understanding Taxes: The Game Within the Game
Taxes are the price we pay to live in a functioning society—roads, schools, infrastructure, and social safety nets all come from our contributions. But here's what many people miss: the tax code is also a roadmap of behaviors the government wants to encourage.
Starting a business? There are deductions and credits waiting for you. Getting married? The tax benefits can be substantial (hello, higher standard deduction and better tax brackets!). Buying a home, contributing to retirement accounts, investing in education—the tax code rewards all of these activities.
The key is understanding which activities align with both your life goals AND tax advantages. This is where a good tax accountant becomes worth their weight in gold. They can help you navigate your specific situation and ensure you're not leaving money on the table. Remember: tax avoidance (legally minimizing taxes) is smart; tax evasion is illegal. Know the difference and play by the rules.
Conscious Consumption
I'm not perfect. I definitely buy too many clothes and shoes I don't need. But I'm retraining myself to shop in person instead of clicking "buy now" online. If I truly need something, I can take time to go get it. While I still use Amazon and select online retailers, I'm shedding those pandemic-era habits of mindless online shopping.
The Generosity Factor
If you're fortunate enough to earn more than others in your community, be as generous as you can. But be mindful about stuff for stuff's sake. Will that discounted item end up in a landfill? Would sharing a meal or crafting a handwritten card be more meaningful?
Essential Reading List
If you're ready to level up your money mindset, here are two books I recommend:
📚 The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security by Scott Galloway Galloway breaks down building wealth into practical, no-nonsense advice. His approach to financial security is both accessible and actionable.
📚 Tax-Free Wealth: How to Build Massive Wealth by Permanently Lowering Your Taxes by Tom Wheelwright This book transformed how I think about taxes—from a burden to a series of incentives. Wheelwright shows how the tax law can be your friend if you understand it.
Be savvy. Be generous. Be mindful about your money.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the best this holiday season.
Madelyn Olavarria