I don’t want it to be her first time when she steps out into the world. I want to teach her the foundation and upper level things before she goes to college. Why not start now?
U.G. Digital Mag: I think it makes perfect sense. At her age, she’s in the sculpting years, and it’ll stick with her.
Ashira Nelson: Exactly. I’m trying to mold her.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s great. When I was in high school, I hate to say that I never learned a lot of that stuff. It’s bad because then when you go to college, it’s much easier to get caught in the circle of credit cards and whatnot. It definitely makes a big difference. Where do you envision Savvy Girl Money going as a brand?
Ashira Nelson: My vision is to start doing speaking engagements; talking to millennials, talking to families about different financial topics, removing the stigma of talking about finances at home, and make finance topics the norm. Growing up, my parents never discussed money with us. I didn’t even know how much they made. It was never in any conversation. There was no talking about bank accounts, or balancing a check book. I want to remove the taboo and change the perspective so our kids are not so far behind.
U.G. Digital Mag: A lot of parents don’t realize that they hinder their children by not talking about it.
Ashira Nelson: Right. I sympathize though because I am a parent. I don’t blame my parents for not educating me because I felt like they weren’t educated. I want to break the generational curse, and give a script on how to introduce these topics. A lot of parents don’t know because they didn’t get it either.
U.G. Digital Mag: You also have to understand that our parents were also trying to keep us from growing up too fast. That’s what a lot of it was. I just did get an allowance, and I knew the value of a dollar, and that I had to work to make money. But the real particulars came later in life. It’s great though what you’re doing with your daughter.
Ashira Nelson: Thank you. Just introduce it a little early so they get the basics now, and build on it when they get to high school. You don’t want to wait that late and you’re just getting a bank account. Start a little early, and get your child a little bank card. Simple things like that will help.
U.G. Digital Mag: Where can everyone find you online?
Ashira Nelson: We’re on Facebook, and also have a YouTube channel. I’m on Instagram as well. I try to give consistent information on each platform. YouTube and Facebook is where you find the most engagement.
U.G. Digital Mag: Now you’re also mentoring. Talk about that?
Ashira Nelson: Yes. I have a new video coming out speaking to incoming freshmen. It’s titled being savvy on the yard. I’m giving tips on them entering their first year of college. I talk about picking meal plans, going out on the weekend, and how to navigate.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s awesome. Congratulations and kudos for that. It takes a lot of time and effort. I wish I had that when I first went to college. It’s amazing that you’re taking the time.
Ashira Nelson: Thank you. I’m trying to be the woman I needed when I was little. I’m trying to be that woman.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think it’s great. Thank you so much and we will be following you religiously.
Ashira Nelson: Thank you so much for watching and extending the offer.