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Keeping Finance Personal: Ditch the “Shoulds” and the Shame and Rewrite Your Money Story
An intersectional approach to personal finance from queer, neurodivergent personal finance educator and TikToker, Ellyce Fulmore.
There’s no magic formula for being “good with money.” The perfect budgeting spreadsheet or debt repayment plan will never address the root of your money issues. Ellyce Fulmore’s aha moment for her own financial health came when she realized that the reason she and so many others have struggled to pay off debt, stick to a budget, or build savings has little to do with being “bad at money.” Instead, it has everything to do with not fully understanding how their identity and lived experience affect their financial decisions.
Now in Keep Finance Personal , Ellyce shares outside the box advice that will help readers find the financial security and confidence they crave. With chapters focusing on the importance of finding safe spaces when dealing with your finances, personal values, relationship dynamics, vices and coping mechanisms, this is not your typical financial advice book. Ellyce asks readers to engage with how their upbringing, gender identity, culture, and mental health impact their decisions, and guides them through self-exploration exercises that will lead them to change their relationship with money.
This book is for the lesbian couple searching for a place to rent, the neurodivergent person struggling with impulse spending, the woman facing sexism at her local bank—all the people that don’t fit into the mold that traditional finance advice is aimed at. Filled with interviews from a diverse range of voices, Keep Finance Personal provides a path to develop a healthy money mindset, learn key money management skills, and understand the intersectionality of money and identity so you can take control of your financial life in authentic, empowered way.
There’s no magic formula for being “good with money.” The perfect budgeting spreadsheet or debt repayment plan will never address the root of your money issues. Ellyce Fulmore’s aha moment for her own financial health came when she realized that the reason she and so many others have struggled to pay off debt, stick to a budget, or build savings has little to do with being “bad at money.” Instead, it has everything to do with not fully understanding how their identity and lived experience affect their financial decisions.
Now in Keep Finance Personal , Ellyce shares outside the box advice that will help readers find the financial security and confidence they crave. With chapters focusing on the importance of finding safe spaces when dealing with your finances, personal values, relationship dynamics, vices and coping mechanisms, this is not your typical financial advice book. Ellyce asks readers to engage with how their upbringing, gender identity, culture, and mental health impact their decisions, and guides them through self-exploration exercises that will lead them to change their relationship with money.
This book is for the lesbian couple searching for a place to rent, the neurodivergent person struggling with impulse spending, the woman facing sexism at her local bank—all the people that don’t fit into the mold that traditional finance advice is aimed at. Filled with interviews from a diverse range of voices, Keep Finance Personal provides a path to develop a healthy money mindset, learn key money management skills, and understand the intersectionality of money and identity so you can take control of your financial life in authentic, empowered way.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
208 people are currently reading
3628 people want to read
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January 17, 2024My biggest takeaway from this book is the impact our identity and lived experience have on our finances. It may
~seem~ obvious but from Jen Sincero to Dave Ramsey, no one had ever said hey, your disability costs you thousand of dollars each year, of course the same approach to paying off debt, saving, and investing of a person who doesn't have those expenses will not work for you.
I speak here about disability because that is my lived experience, but the book includes so many other real life examples — maybe you are facing racism or sexism at your local bank, maybe you are saving for gender affirming surgery, maybe you have ADHD and struggle with impulse spending, etc etc etc. The advice here is SO refreshing.
~seem~ obvious but from Jen Sincero to Dave Ramsey, no one had ever said hey, your disability costs you thousand of dollars each year, of course the same approach to paying off debt, saving, and investing of a person who doesn't have those expenses will not work for you.
I speak here about disability because that is my lived experience, but the book includes so many other real life examples — maybe you are facing racism or sexism at your local bank, maybe you are saving for gender affirming surgery, maybe you have ADHD and struggle with impulse spending, etc etc etc. The advice here is SO refreshing.
December 29, 2023
Personal finance is extremely stressful for me because I know I'm bad with money, yet I want to try to buy a home. Unlike all the other books by old white men, this is the first personal finance book that has actually seemed relevant and accessible to me. I don't want to be rich, I just want to be able to have a comfortable life! Fulmore gets that we all have different trauma and baggage, and she gets that most of her readers are likely to have student loans and/or credit card debt. I appreciated that she understood that money is emotional, and we use it to create safety. This book felt like I was safe to start letting go of my money shame. After starting this book, I looked up the author's Instagram, and it looks like she has a bunch of other tools that will help supplement this book.
I have already recommended this book to queer Millennial friends who are stressed about money. 10/10, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for this advanced reader copy.
I have already recommended this book to queer Millennial friends who are stressed about money. 10/10, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for this advanced reader copy.
July 5, 2024
I can’t accurately express my love for this book enough. As someone who struggles to understand finances, has adhd, and carries a lot of shame around money, this book is a lifesaver. Chef’s kiss. 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
January 27, 2024
If you do not have ADHD, this likely won’t be helpful. I thought this was for people not helped by traditional financial advice and would cover much more than it did. Easily 95% is pretty strictly related to ADHD. There are tiny blurbs from other people with other experiences, but they don’t add much to the book.
This book would also perhaps be helpful for folks for whom one of their primary financial struggles is shame.
If you’re trying to learn more about personal finances and have ADHD and struggle with shame, you’ll probably find this book a lot more helpful.
If not, you’re unlikely to glean much of anything worthwhile beyond ‘shame does you no good’ & ‘there’s no one size fits all financial method.’
Also, I found it odd that the author did not mention that if you seek out a professional in personal finance, you should check if they’re a fiduciary. A fiduciary is legally required to keep your best financial interests in mind when advising you. I know this is more of a personal finance intro book, but this is a very important question should you choose this route, and the lack of this was jarring, especially when the author mentions the option of a professional financial advisor several times.
This book would also perhaps be helpful for folks for whom one of their primary financial struggles is shame.
If you’re trying to learn more about personal finances and have ADHD and struggle with shame, you’ll probably find this book a lot more helpful.
If not, you’re unlikely to glean much of anything worthwhile beyond ‘shame does you no good’ & ‘there’s no one size fits all financial method.’
Also, I found it odd that the author did not mention that if you seek out a professional in personal finance, you should check if they’re a fiduciary. A fiduciary is legally required to keep your best financial interests in mind when advising you. I know this is more of a personal finance intro book, but this is a very important question should you choose this route, and the lack of this was jarring, especially when the author mentions the option of a professional financial advisor several times.
December 15, 2023
Does anyone else also have a “purse book” or “bag book” on them at all times? I literally have three 🤣 I always have a book on the kindle app on my phone, I carry headphones for whatever my current audiobook is, and then I always have a “purse book” too. Keeping Finance Personal by @ellyce.fulmore has been my most recent purse book and I finished it tonight.
Y’ALL THIS BOOK THOUGH. I read a LOT of personal finance books and I rate them brutally, primarily because they all tend to regurgitate the same shit. But this book?! Intersectional, actually considers the limitations of factors like disability, and there’s a WHOLE chapter on trauma?! WHEW. We LOVE. This is my new go-to PF book recommendation, 10/10. And the fact that it’s written by a fellow Gen Z cusp baby is just the cherry on top.
This book comes out in January and y’all NEED to read it. That’s all. That’s the review.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy!
Y’ALL THIS BOOK THOUGH. I read a LOT of personal finance books and I rate them brutally, primarily because they all tend to regurgitate the same shit. But this book?! Intersectional, actually considers the limitations of factors like disability, and there’s a WHOLE chapter on trauma?! WHEW. We LOVE. This is my new go-to PF book recommendation, 10/10. And the fact that it’s written by a fellow Gen Z cusp baby is just the cherry on top.
This book comes out in January and y’all NEED to read it. That’s all. That’s the review.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy!
October 24, 2023
Great start with the chapter you shouldn’t skip. There are terms, legend for what pictures mean, directions, and insightful tips you won’t want to miss before diving in. I absolutely loved the visuals as it only promoted the understanding of the material Ellyce presented. The thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter were worth reflecting on however you chose to do so.
There was an emphasis on that there is no right way to manage your money which I wholeheartedly agree. Everyone has different priorities, freedom, backgrounds etc. Something silly and frivolous to you might be someone else’s saving grace. I felt very similarly about paying for something like cleaning services or grocery delivery that cost too much or wasn’t worth the money but that’s not the case for everyone. It could save your time and sanity so you budget for those items. Money just isn’t about numbers, there are so many driving forces affecting the way we budget, manage and speak about money.
Ellyce mentions that there is a reason you may not have had success with finance advice and tools as someone with ADHD is because they are designed for a neurotypical brain, it’s just the wrong fit. Ellyce was clear that not one size fits all when it comes to financial security. Trauma can come in many forms but are not always personal, and can be from larger financial and economic systems. I enjoyed the chapter about different age groups and their collective experience in times of crises (9/11, financial crisis of 2008, and the pandemic). The details were eye opening about how times have changed. Also, the fact that Ellyce and their sister Rachel both grew up in the same household but have a different relationship with money was spot on. There are so many siblings even my own that treat things so differently from one another despite living in the same home.
I felt people close to me always judged the fact that my husband and I don’t split finances evenly (I make less money so our contributions are a percentage), or have our own personal bank accounts in addition to joint accounts. Ellyce encouraged it and honestly I felt so validated. As much as I knew this system works for us, she echoed our thoughts and made it feel more normal. To be honest we rarely fight about money so I think it’s a true testament to the success it can bring to any relationship.
Unrelated note: I felt like Ellyce was in the same statistics class as me because I had an IDENTICAL experience along with graduating in 5 years.
Ellyce is so encouraging and supportive throughout this book it’s like having a conversation with a close friend. I feel like I just related to this book as a whole, the things Ellyce was taught as a kid were similar to my upbringing. I was able to nod my head in agreement A LOT throughout this book. Not everyone will have this same experience, but she shows different backgrounds of people who may resonate with your personal experience. I thought was so thoughtful to show a wide range of perspectives. You get to look through a window into someone else’s experience with money or at a mirror of your own.
This book is jam packed with helpful tips, questions, and resources. I feel she covered a wide range of scenarios for people and how you can tailor what she suggests to your situation. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed a book about finance, I thought this was going to be so dry but it was like chatting with a close friend about the tough topics. Her writing style is so comforting and you can feel her rooting for you on the other side. With all the heavy topics she did such a great job of encouraging breaks and even small breathing exercises. I just loved this one, such a great resource to have and can’t wait to share with my friends! #goodreadsgiveaway #ellycefulmore #keepingfinancepersonal #hachette
There was an emphasis on that there is no right way to manage your money which I wholeheartedly agree. Everyone has different priorities, freedom, backgrounds etc. Something silly and frivolous to you might be someone else’s saving grace. I felt very similarly about paying for something like cleaning services or grocery delivery that cost too much or wasn’t worth the money but that’s not the case for everyone. It could save your time and sanity so you budget for those items. Money just isn’t about numbers, there are so many driving forces affecting the way we budget, manage and speak about money.
Ellyce mentions that there is a reason you may not have had success with finance advice and tools as someone with ADHD is because they are designed for a neurotypical brain, it’s just the wrong fit. Ellyce was clear that not one size fits all when it comes to financial security. Trauma can come in many forms but are not always personal, and can be from larger financial and economic systems. I enjoyed the chapter about different age groups and their collective experience in times of crises (9/11, financial crisis of 2008, and the pandemic). The details were eye opening about how times have changed. Also, the fact that Ellyce and their sister Rachel both grew up in the same household but have a different relationship with money was spot on. There are so many siblings even my own that treat things so differently from one another despite living in the same home.
I felt people close to me always judged the fact that my husband and I don’t split finances evenly (I make less money so our contributions are a percentage), or have our own personal bank accounts in addition to joint accounts. Ellyce encouraged it and honestly I felt so validated. As much as I knew this system works for us, she echoed our thoughts and made it feel more normal. To be honest we rarely fight about money so I think it’s a true testament to the success it can bring to any relationship.
Unrelated note: I felt like Ellyce was in the same statistics class as me because I had an IDENTICAL experience along with graduating in 5 years.
Ellyce is so encouraging and supportive throughout this book it’s like having a conversation with a close friend. I feel like I just related to this book as a whole, the things Ellyce was taught as a kid were similar to my upbringing. I was able to nod my head in agreement A LOT throughout this book. Not everyone will have this same experience, but she shows different backgrounds of people who may resonate with your personal experience. I thought was so thoughtful to show a wide range of perspectives. You get to look through a window into someone else’s experience with money or at a mirror of your own.
This book is jam packed with helpful tips, questions, and resources. I feel she covered a wide range of scenarios for people and how you can tailor what she suggests to your situation. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed a book about finance, I thought this was going to be so dry but it was like chatting with a close friend about the tough topics. Her writing style is so comforting and you can feel her rooting for you on the other side. With all the heavy topics she did such a great job of encouraging breaks and even small breathing exercises. I just loved this one, such a great resource to have and can’t wait to share with my friends! #goodreadsgiveaway #ellycefulmore #keepingfinancepersonal #hachette
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October 18, 2023Keeping Finance Personal is your ultimate financial companion, encouraging you to embrace authenticity and liberate yourself from shame. Fulmore's book provides an environment where open discussions about money can occur, offering practical advice that caters to individuals from all walks of life. By shedding light on outliers and respecting individual identities, this remarkable guide presents a transparent and engaging approach to a topic often perceived as dry and intimidating.
Thank you to Hachette and the author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.
Thank you to Hachette and the author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.
January 15, 2024
If you are only going to buy one book for the rest of your life, this should be that book. I am beyond grateful for Ellyce’s Keeping Finance Personal. This is the only financial book I have read that is neurodivergent-friendly and takes an intersectional approach. Worrying about money has been a big part of my life and has contributed to a lot of problems. Ellyce’s trauma-informed book acknowledges that the one-size-fits-all approach to finances does not work. Instead, she shows how your identity and money story impact the way you think and feel about money. My favourite part of this book was that you could feel Ellyce’s compassion, understanding, and cheerleading as you read.
Throughout each chapter, there are reflective questions that help you consider the material more deeply in the context of your life. The end of each chapter includes a “putting it into practice” section to help you engage in active learning and actually use what you’ve learned. One of the reflection pieces that I found particularly helpful was thinking about how my community and family spoke about money when I was a child. This helped me discover my beliefs surrounding money so that I could understand my relationship with it more clearly. And this was only the start of the book, with many more helpful reflection pieces throughout! Also, if you struggle with staying focused and engaged while you read, there are very fun and beautiful illustrations in the book to help with that!
I cannot stress enough how much Ellyce has changed the way I think about finances. I think that everyone should read this book because understanding your money story, as Ellyce shows you how to do in the book, will improve your life.
Throughout each chapter, there are reflective questions that help you consider the material more deeply in the context of your life. The end of each chapter includes a “putting it into practice” section to help you engage in active learning and actually use what you’ve learned. One of the reflection pieces that I found particularly helpful was thinking about how my community and family spoke about money when I was a child. This helped me discover my beliefs surrounding money so that I could understand my relationship with it more clearly. And this was only the start of the book, with many more helpful reflection pieces throughout! Also, if you struggle with staying focused and engaged while you read, there are very fun and beautiful illustrations in the book to help with that!
I cannot stress enough how much Ellyce has changed the way I think about finances. I think that everyone should read this book because understanding your money story, as Ellyce shows you how to do in the book, will improve your life.
May 11, 2025
This book just shot up to one of my top finance book recs. Ellyce really gets into finance from a social lens speaking about gender gaps, racism, and privilege in the finance world. Plus, she’s a YYC neurodivergent queer Swiftie, what more could you want?! 💕
April 4, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm so happy my friend recommended this to me. I have ADHD, & I've dealt with money shame nearly my whole life. I'm 35, & while I'm making a decent earning, I spend a lot of extra on things that aren't necessary - all to fill my dopamine brain bank. It's shameful, I feel guilty all the time, & I genuinely want help.
This book is PERFECT for someone like me! Never have I felt like someone "got it" - Ellyce understands that money is emotional, & we use it to create a sense of safety. This book is essential, relevant, & a must read if you're a millennial with money stress (let's be real, it's all of us)
I'm so happy my friend recommended this to me. I have ADHD, & I've dealt with money shame nearly my whole life. I'm 35, & while I'm making a decent earning, I spend a lot of extra on things that aren't necessary - all to fill my dopamine brain bank. It's shameful, I feel guilty all the time, & I genuinely want help.
This book is PERFECT for someone like me! Never have I felt like someone "got it" - Ellyce understands that money is emotional, & we use it to create a sense of safety. This book is essential, relevant, & a must read if you're a millennial with money stress (let's be real, it's all of us)
December 30, 2023
This book is not my normal read but the neurodivergent approach to finance had me immediately requesting an early release copy!
Thank you @hachettego and @ellyce.fulmore for providing me with a copy.
The material was easy to read, approachable and made my adhd brain feel empowered to try new methods to budget and take on finance in ways that will make me feel successful in the future!
I resonated with the college and scarcity section!
I grew up VERY poor.
When I finally had money and a career I felt like I needed to provide for my inner child to begin healing those wounds.
In reality I was creating new wounds for my inner young adult with new financial scarcity.
With college I felt like I went from rigid structure while working full time and in college full time to nothing and my spending was my coping mechanism for the lack of structure.
This book opened some new chapters of healing for me to explore in therapy and journaling.
Things I was avoiding, things I did not recognize in myself and my habits.
For all of my neuro friends, please take a chance on this book if you are anything like me and struggle with an all or nothing mindset, have struggled with scarcity or have at times struggled with outright avoidant behaviors when it comes to finance.
Thank you @hachettego and @ellyce.fulmore for providing me with a copy.
The material was easy to read, approachable and made my adhd brain feel empowered to try new methods to budget and take on finance in ways that will make me feel successful in the future!
I resonated with the college and scarcity section!
I grew up VERY poor.
When I finally had money and a career I felt like I needed to provide for my inner child to begin healing those wounds.
In reality I was creating new wounds for my inner young adult with new financial scarcity.
With college I felt like I went from rigid structure while working full time and in college full time to nothing and my spending was my coping mechanism for the lack of structure.
This book opened some new chapters of healing for me to explore in therapy and journaling.
Things I was avoiding, things I did not recognize in myself and my habits.
For all of my neuro friends, please take a chance on this book if you are anything like me and struggle with an all or nothing mindset, have struggled with scarcity or have at times struggled with outright avoidant behaviors when it comes to finance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
I have ADHD and struggle to manage aspects of my finances. What people who don’t have neurodivergence often don’t realize is that their well intended financial advice might make things worse. “You should do this thing” is not as helpful as “here are the ways you can overcome your barriers to doing thing thing.”
It’s refreshing to find a personal finance book that not only empathizes with the struggle but which moves beyond that to give practical strategies and advice.
The other thing I love about this book is that it is visually formatted to make it easier to read. There are engaging illustrations, side boxes, key points are in boldface. So that makes the task of getting throuhh the book a lot easier too.
It’s refreshing to find a personal finance book that not only empathizes with the struggle but which moves beyond that to give practical strategies and advice.
The other thing I love about this book is that it is visually formatted to make it easier to read. There are engaging illustrations, side boxes, key points are in boldface. So that makes the task of getting throuhh the book a lot easier too.
December 21, 2023
Such a unique perspective on personal finance. Mental health meets broken systems in society and personal finance. Ellyce really didn’t mince topics here and touched on an array of things and how society is set up where not many succeed, but what we CAN control is what we should focus on. I really appreciated the tips that Ellyce has in this book about trauma, mental health, neurodivergence and just basic personal finance tips and how they’re broken down. This isn’t your normal personal finance book and I’ll be singing its praises for a while.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
February 26, 2024
My childhood made understanding finances an absolute priority in my life, and for people who don’t have that scope, I’d recommend they read this.
I have lots of friends and people on my life that have leaned on me over the years (with my excitement) to guide them with their personal finances. You would be surprised how many people don’t understand how to budget, don’t have multiple bank accounts, aren’t saving for emergencies, vacations, retirement, etc etc.
Growing up I was forced to consider finances my entire life. My mom often spoke about her financial struggles, sharing with my siblings and I the likelihood of filing bankruptcy, and having to go through Christmas without a visit from Santa. There were times we had no food, ate stale food or donated food (from food banks, soup kitchens, or donations from my moms coworkers) and there were times where the fridge and pantry were fully and all of our bellies full. It was clear that my mom was dealing with external factors affecting her finances, but that experience made me eager to learn finances and to be able to create stability for myself.
With that being said, I found myself homeless at seventeen. I maintained a job, tried to hide my situation from those around me, and due to a combination of extreme luck and privilege, I was able to get out of that situation. I’m not a millionaire now by any means, but I am fully self sufficient.
What I enjoyed about this book is it takes into context everyone’s personal story and relationship with finance. It’s a sensitive subject, but it should become more normalized to talk about this stuff. It acknowledges that a one size fits all financial method isn’t realistic, and encourages each person to really assess where they’re at, and where they want to go, as well as what means they have to get there.
My ONE piece of advice in this book I disagree with is when the writer encourages the listener to put as much things on autopay as possible. I’d never give that advice and I don’t recommend it.
Besides that, I think I stand almost completely behind this book.
I have lots of friends and people on my life that have leaned on me over the years (with my excitement) to guide them with their personal finances. You would be surprised how many people don’t understand how to budget, don’t have multiple bank accounts, aren’t saving for emergencies, vacations, retirement, etc etc.
Growing up I was forced to consider finances my entire life. My mom often spoke about her financial struggles, sharing with my siblings and I the likelihood of filing bankruptcy, and having to go through Christmas without a visit from Santa. There were times we had no food, ate stale food or donated food (from food banks, soup kitchens, or donations from my moms coworkers) and there were times where the fridge and pantry were fully and all of our bellies full. It was clear that my mom was dealing with external factors affecting her finances, but that experience made me eager to learn finances and to be able to create stability for myself.
With that being said, I found myself homeless at seventeen. I maintained a job, tried to hide my situation from those around me, and due to a combination of extreme luck and privilege, I was able to get out of that situation. I’m not a millionaire now by any means, but I am fully self sufficient.
What I enjoyed about this book is it takes into context everyone’s personal story and relationship with finance. It’s a sensitive subject, but it should become more normalized to talk about this stuff. It acknowledges that a one size fits all financial method isn’t realistic, and encourages each person to really assess where they’re at, and where they want to go, as well as what means they have to get there.
My ONE piece of advice in this book I disagree with is when the writer encourages the listener to put as much things on autopay as possible. I’d never give that advice and I don’t recommend it.
Besides that, I think I stand almost completely behind this book.
January 18, 2024
This book was like a warm hug, a supportive pep talk, a therapy session, and a how-to guide all in one!
Managing my money has always brought me anxiety and led to avoidant behaviours. Working through this book not only helped me pinpoint why I feel this way, but also the suggested tips have gotten me to a place that I feel more in control and confident with my money, and willing to learn more.
I absolutely loved the way way Ellyce approached potentially stressful topics gently, sharing her personal journey with money and her identity in a way that leaves room for us readers to reflect on our own money story in a judgement-free space. The focus on prioritizing your mental health was consistent throughout all the chapters. It was such a refreshing reminder while discussing these financial concepts, societal pressures, financial trauma, managing money within relationships, and family dynamics - very rare for finance books to have that mental health lens, and it’s so valuable here!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves and their relationship to money, wants to improve that relationship, and wants to feel more comfortable moving out into the world with a toolkit for managing their personal money story.
Managing my money has always brought me anxiety and led to avoidant behaviours. Working through this book not only helped me pinpoint why I feel this way, but also the suggested tips have gotten me to a place that I feel more in control and confident with my money, and willing to learn more.
I absolutely loved the way way Ellyce approached potentially stressful topics gently, sharing her personal journey with money and her identity in a way that leaves room for us readers to reflect on our own money story in a judgement-free space. The focus on prioritizing your mental health was consistent throughout all the chapters. It was such a refreshing reminder while discussing these financial concepts, societal pressures, financial trauma, managing money within relationships, and family dynamics - very rare for finance books to have that mental health lens, and it’s so valuable here!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves and their relationship to money, wants to improve that relationship, and wants to feel more comfortable moving out into the world with a toolkit for managing their personal money story.
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March 28, 2024It feels weird to like review this in the context of books because it’s not ~art~ or anything like it’s a personal finance book and im never gonna be like OMGG YOU NEED TO READ THIS ITS SO GOOD because money is boring sorry. That said, if I had to read a finance book, this would be it! After reading the psychology of money recently and wanting to blow my brains out, I can appreciate that there is a huge gap this books aims to fill by making finance info accessible to a new audience. Namely a queer neurodivergent anti capitalist feminist audience. Does this book engage meaningfully with any of those themes? No - but that’s not what it sets out to do. It’s not here to give critical theory on why financial systems suck, it’s here to give practical advice and motivation for surviving in the sucky systems. I appreciate that!
March 27, 2025
J’ai trouvé de super bons trucs pour la gestion des finances personnelles dans ce livre. L’autrice part de la base base base et explique comment nos finances sont fortement influencées par des éléments sur lesquels on a peu de contrôle. Elle nous aide à nous sentir en paix avec nos difficultés et donne plusieurs bons conseils pour améliorer notre situation. Parfois, cela donne lieu à de grands détours qui pourraient déplaire à une lectrice qui veut simplement aller droit au but. Sur le spectre des livres de finances personnelles, Ellyce est à une extrême et PYMcS est à l’autre. Lire Ellyce m’a aidé à neutraliser les ravages causés par Liberté 45 et m’a permis de retrouver une vision plus équilibrée de mes finances. Merci!
October 4, 2024
I never thought I'd read a financial advice book that so consistently centers the difficulties and experiences of various and intersecting marginalized identities, and opposes capitalism and the assumption that getting rich or buying a house should be one's goals. Yet, here it is! So even though I didn't necessarily enjoy listening to this book, I'm giving it 5 stars.
Now to see if I'll actually go back to the various bookmarks I made in order to do the writing assignments at the end of each chapter!
Now to see if I'll actually go back to the various bookmarks I made in order to do the writing assignments at the end of each chapter!
February 25, 2024
i don’t have adhd and am good at saving my money so i don’t think this book was for me #sorrryyyy
March 17, 2025
Some super helpful stuff for sure!! And I love a trauma informed approach!! I just slowly lost interest and it took me a while to finish. I think I need my finance books to be SUPER Simple and short
May 1, 2024
Trauma informed guide to personal finance
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August 20, 2025i like how this book reminds me of how relationships with money are built through identity and childhood. it’s not ‘bad with money’ or ‘good with money’, but learning why we have the habits we do.
February 16, 2024
Originally posted Jan 25, 2024.
If you are interested in delving into how different aspects of identity, trauma, etc affect your personal finance behavior/situation, then this is a great book for you.
I am already aware of how my ADHD affects my finances - the advice felt more surface-level or for the newly diagnosed who might not understand impulse spending, shame, ADHD tax, etc. I was looking forward to more practical advice based on the description and marketing.
I think this is a good book for those people, as well as anyone looking to dive into the 'why's about their financial situation from an intersectional perspective. I can see how the workbook sections (mostly journaling) through the book would be helpful for people to pinpoint exactly where their feelings around money come from so they can dismantle those.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you are interested in delving into how different aspects of identity, trauma, etc affect your personal finance behavior/situation, then this is a great book for you.
I am already aware of how my ADHD affects my finances - the advice felt more surface-level or for the newly diagnosed who might not understand impulse spending, shame, ADHD tax, etc. I was looking forward to more practical advice based on the description and marketing.
I think this is a good book for those people, as well as anyone looking to dive into the 'why's about their financial situation from an intersectional perspective. I can see how the workbook sections (mostly journaling) through the book would be helpful for people to pinpoint exactly where their feelings around money come from so they can dismantle those.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2024
I don’t know what to think of this book. On the one hand, I appreciate the message that financial success is not the same as getting rich and there are lots of ways to be successful - however defined for you. Bravo! Even though this is meant to be tailored for more diverse folks, the advice works generally for most people. I feel like I've seen a lot this advice in financial books from 10-20 years ago - similar practical advice, different branding. But while I appreciate the message about shame being counterproductive, a common message earlier in the book was "your money situation is not your fault because no one taught you x, y, z." There's often a fine balance between acknowledging that the system is not fair for everyone (don't be ashamed, sticky things can happen, and we need to do something about the system so it works better for more of us) and accidentally condoning a lack of personal agency - and it sometimes felt like that balance wasn't always struck.
October 16, 2024
I often found myself asking "who is this book for," but looking at the range of reviews, I think it's fair to simply say "..maybe not me." There were a lot of important acknowledgements and distinctions made in the book (the many ways intersecting identities can affect not only our inherited financial status but our own personal habits and relationship with money) but they were largely things I thought would be acknowledged off the top and then we would promptly move into a personal finance crash course, however I found we were constantly stopping to acknowledging that not everything applies to everyone (yeah, obviously not?) and that not all financial trauma is our fault (no of course not, but learning is our responsibility so just tell me what an Index Fund is! Credit union vs bank! How to negotiate salary! etc etc). I was particularly frustrated where the author seemingly addressed any potential financially (and otherwise-) conservative boomers who may be reading this book, and offering "advice" for them. Do! We! Honestly! Think! Someone like that is reading a book like this?
Yes there were many good nuggets and yes obviously there is an audience for this who maybe doesn't mind that this is trying to be all things to all people while also constantly asserting that the personal is just that. I think I was just looking for a different type of book than this.
Yes there were many good nuggets and yes obviously there is an audience for this who maybe doesn't mind that this is trying to be all things to all people while also constantly asserting that the personal is just that. I think I was just looking for a different type of book than this.
February 1, 2024
Within the first 20 pages I felt so seen. I have a lot of financial anxiety along with being a woman with ADHD; having a resource that acknowledges how those affect finances and daily living is a breath of fresh air.
This isn’t a guide on how to “get rich quick”, I was looking to further understand my personal relationship with finances and money. This book does exactly that without making the reader feel small or uncomfortable with their knowledge level.
Highly recommend for any neurodivergent folks who want to understand the “why” behind their feelings.
Grateful for the author and her voice in this space, thank you!
This isn’t a guide on how to “get rich quick”, I was looking to further understand my personal relationship with finances and money. This book does exactly that without making the reader feel small or uncomfortable with their knowledge level.
Highly recommend for any neurodivergent folks who want to understand the “why” behind their feelings.
Grateful for the author and her voice in this space, thank you!
January 17, 2024
Not for me.
Basic financial recommendations coupled with massive political overtones. I felt preached at and victimized all at the same time. Yikes.
Basic financial recommendations coupled with massive political overtones. I felt preached at and victimized all at the same time. Yikes.
June 27, 2024
I struggled a lot with how to rate this book. It's simultaneously too broad and too narrow. There were chapters that I definitely found useful, particularly the list of questions to talk about in a relationship. I also haven't read a lot of finance books.
I found myself a bit unsure of what the target audience of this book was supposed to be. It's not an intro to finance book. The details on things like how to set up a savings account or keep track of the 4+! separate savings accounts the author recommends you set up are sparse. On the one hand, that's fine, there are plenty of intro to finance books, but it feels jarring that the book starts with a chapter on how other finance books are intimidating but then doesn't offer an alternative.
This is emblematic of the problems throughout the book. If you suffer from debt from impulse spending due to ADHD, the chapters on mental health are probably valuable, but the mental health chapter isn't necessarily as broadly applicable as it claims. The chapter on relationships uses inclusive language, but even though there are interviews with poly folks and folks in cross-cultutal marriages, there isn't enough depth to really discuss strategies for dealing with struggles specific to poly relationships, saving for having a kid, etc. The chapter on voting with your dollars talks about environmentally and socially conscious investment funds, but doesn't answer any questions about how to choose a fund or if those funds have reasonable return rates beyond a list of certifications.
It's true that the main purpose of the book is to reflect and figure out your own core values, and not everything is supposed to apply to everybody. I think what finally stuck this at three stars for me is how many of the exercises felt actively counterproductive to me, and the author didn't seem to consider when that might be the case. For example, the chapter on learning from the pandemic seemed to assume I learned more about myself and became more self-actualized, when I'm still trying to recover from the prepper vibe it instilled in me.
It's still a good idea for a book, and it would be great if the author wrote more. While intersectionality is definitely needed, a series with deep dives into the different kinds of mental health challenges folks face, different ways of navigating money in relationships, how to invest based on your values, etc. would be even better in my eyes.
I found myself a bit unsure of what the target audience of this book was supposed to be. It's not an intro to finance book. The details on things like how to set up a savings account or keep track of the 4+! separate savings accounts the author recommends you set up are sparse. On the one hand, that's fine, there are plenty of intro to finance books, but it feels jarring that the book starts with a chapter on how other finance books are intimidating but then doesn't offer an alternative.
This is emblematic of the problems throughout the book. If you suffer from debt from impulse spending due to ADHD, the chapters on mental health are probably valuable, but the mental health chapter isn't necessarily as broadly applicable as it claims. The chapter on relationships uses inclusive language, but even though there are interviews with poly folks and folks in cross-cultutal marriages, there isn't enough depth to really discuss strategies for dealing with struggles specific to poly relationships, saving for having a kid, etc. The chapter on voting with your dollars talks about environmentally and socially conscious investment funds, but doesn't answer any questions about how to choose a fund or if those funds have reasonable return rates beyond a list of certifications.
It's true that the main purpose of the book is to reflect and figure out your own core values, and not everything is supposed to apply to everybody. I think what finally stuck this at three stars for me is how many of the exercises felt actively counterproductive to me, and the author didn't seem to consider when that might be the case. For example, the chapter on learning from the pandemic seemed to assume I learned more about myself and became more self-actualized, when I'm still trying to recover from the prepper vibe it instilled in me.
It's still a good idea for a book, and it would be great if the author wrote more. While intersectionality is definitely needed, a series with deep dives into the different kinds of mental health challenges folks face, different ways of navigating money in relationships, how to invest based on your values, etc. would be even better in my eyes.
September 27, 2025
** I think this book is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn about money but needs a more flexible way to look at it. It is also a great book for people who think in different ways—whether that means neurodivergent individuals, BIPOC readers, LGBTQIA+ readers, or anyone else who has felt left out of the usual money conversations.**
Ellyce Fulmore’s Keeping Finance Personal is not a typical money book. She keeps her promise to help people ditch the “shoulds” and the shame. Another unique aspect of her book is that she intertwines other people’s stories in their own voices throughout various sections. This approach makes the book feel more like a community effort, and readers may connect with some of these stories while exploring different topics.
I also liked how she explained that childhood money trauma can shape the way one thinks and acts with money as an adult, and how one can work on rewriting one’s money story.
I appreciated how she gave historical context, discussing how some communities have been marginalized while others have had more privilege. She showed ways to move forward and build oneself up despite one’s community history.
A particularly strong section is her discussion of individual versus collective approaches to money. Western culture often focuses on independence and personal goals, while other cultures see finances as more family- or community-based. Both approaches are meaningful, and success can look different depending on one’s background.
I also enjoyed her explanation that a “need” can look different from person to person. What one person might think is unnecessary could be something that truly adds value to someone else’s life. As long as one understands the trade-offs and what one is choosing, it still counts as a smart decision. That felt freeing to me because so much financial advice makes it sound like there is only one right way to do things.
I connected with this book because of who I am. I have a heteroflexible, neurodiverse brain, I am Latina, and I like a more balanced approach to money. I do not always see myself in traditional financial advice, but this book spoke to me. It made me feel like there is space for the way I think about money, both individually and with family or culture in mind.
Ellyce Fulmore’s Keeping Finance Personal is not a typical money book. She keeps her promise to help people ditch the “shoulds” and the shame. Another unique aspect of her book is that she intertwines other people’s stories in their own voices throughout various sections. This approach makes the book feel more like a community effort, and readers may connect with some of these stories while exploring different topics.
I also liked how she explained that childhood money trauma can shape the way one thinks and acts with money as an adult, and how one can work on rewriting one’s money story.
I appreciated how she gave historical context, discussing how some communities have been marginalized while others have had more privilege. She showed ways to move forward and build oneself up despite one’s community history.
A particularly strong section is her discussion of individual versus collective approaches to money. Western culture often focuses on independence and personal goals, while other cultures see finances as more family- or community-based. Both approaches are meaningful, and success can look different depending on one’s background.
I also enjoyed her explanation that a “need” can look different from person to person. What one person might think is unnecessary could be something that truly adds value to someone else’s life. As long as one understands the trade-offs and what one is choosing, it still counts as a smart decision. That felt freeing to me because so much financial advice makes it sound like there is only one right way to do things.
I connected with this book because of who I am. I have a heteroflexible, neurodiverse brain, I am Latina, and I like a more balanced approach to money. I do not always see myself in traditional financial advice, but this book spoke to me. It made me feel like there is space for the way I think about money, both individually and with family or culture in mind.
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