Financial Awareness: Your First Steps to Financial Empowerment 

Every August, National Financial Awareness Day reminds us that financial empowerment isn’t just about money, it’s about confidence, security, and control. And it’s achievable for everyone. 

At AnitaB.org, our COO Pamela Lee—affectionately known as P$ (P-money)—brings a unique lens to this work. As both a CPA and an endurance athlete, she’s learned that discipline, resilience, and small, consistent steps, whether in training for an Ironman or managing a budget, can turn big goals into reality. Like she says, “People who say money doesn’t buy happiness just want to keep you poor!”  

Inspired by P$, we wanted to share five essential steps you can take today to boost your financial awareness and start building the future you want. 

Why Financial Awareness Matters 

Some think financial awareness is just knowing your account balance, but it’s more than that; it’s about having the clarity and confidence to make decisions that support your goals today and in the future. With it, you gain control over your options, reduce stress, and build long-term security.  

For mid- to senior-level women in tech, this awareness is especially powerful. You’re already leading teams and driving innovation, yet systemic barriers like pay gaps and limited sponsorship can make the path forward less certain. Financial literacy helps bridge that gap, giving you tools to advocate for yourself and design the future you deserve. 

When treated as part of your professional toolkit like technical skills, strategy, or leadership, financial awareness amplifies both career mobility and personal growth. 

Lessons from the Finish Line: How P$’s Journey Inspires Financial Awareness 

For Pamela Lee, financial empowerment has been about mindset. Growing up, she saw how financial knowledge (or the lack of it) could shape opportunity. That curiosity led her to become a CPA, where she learned how discipline and strategy can transform financial goals into real change. 

Pamela brings an interesting perspective. As an endurance athlete competing in Ironman races, she’s faced challenges that mirror the financial journey: building patience, celebrating small wins, pushing through self-doubt, and learning from every setback. She reminds us that just as you train for an Ironman, financial empowerment takes strategy, endurance, and persistence. Don’t expect overnight success, give consistent effort and watch it add up to meaningful progress. 

5 Essential First Steps to Financial Awareness 

Ready to take control of your financial future? Here are five simple but powerful steps you can start today: 

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

   Gather your bank statements, credit card bills, and other records to get a clear picture of where your money is going. Look at income, expenses, and debt to spot patterns and areas for improvement.

2. Create a Budget

   A budget is your spending plan. One popular method is the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. Choose a structure that works for you and stick with it.

3. Track Your Spending

   Use an app like Rocket Money or YNAB, an Excel spreadsheet, or a notebook to record your daily expenses. Regular tracking reveals habits, helps you stay accountable, and shows where adjustments are needed.

4. Set Financial Goals

   Define what you’re working toward, from short-term wins (like paying off a credit card) to long-term milestones (like retirement or a home). Use SMART goals for clarity.

5. Build an Emergency Fund

   Life happens! An emergency fund is your financial safety net, and it should be in place before tackling aggressive debt repayment or investing in a brokerage account. Aim for 3–6 months of essential living expenses, and make sure the money is kept in a HYSA. Standard savings accounts often pay less than 1% interest, while HYSAs typically offer 4–5%, helping your safety net grow faster while staying accessible.

Financial Literacy Is Empowerment for Everyone 

It doesn’t take being a CPA or financial expert to take charge of your money. Financial literacy is for everyone, no matter your background or starting point. What matters most is the willingness to begin. Even the smallest steps like reviewing your spending, setting one savings goal, or creating your first budget build momentum over time. Just like in leadership or endurance training, progress comes from consistency and resilience, not perfection. 

Owning your finances mirrors the same qualities you bring to your career: discipline, adaptability, and vision. When you apply those strengths to your money, you’re managing dollars and shaping the life and opportunities you want at the same time. 

Take the Next Step with AnitaB.org 

Financial awareness is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. At AnitaB.org, our Membership community is designed to support you with resources, events, and connections that strengthen both your career and your financial literacy. Pamela Lee will also be speaking live at Grace Hopper Celebration 2025 in a Founders Session with Jerome Edwards from AnitaB.org surrounding VCs and funding! Registration is open for GHC 25 and you won’t want to miss this conversation.  

Remember: the tools and strength you need already lie within you. Embrace the process, trust your training, and take the next step toward your personal financial summit. And if you’re inspired, consider donating to AnitaB.org! Your support helps us empower individuals in tech everywhere to move forward and reach their goals.