Ep. 86 How To Change Your Relationship With Your Finances Forever With Vivian Tu

In episode 86 of the 'Working Hard, Hardly Working' podcast, the host welcomes Vivian Tu, a first-generation Asian American whose journey took her from the suburbs of Maryland to the trading floors of Wall Street. Vivian recounts her experiences of misogyny and racism in the finance industry, where she was one of only two women on her team. Despite the challenges, she succeeded in making a substantial income, but eventually, a toxic work environment led her to leave Wall Street for a role in digital strategy at BuzzFeed. There, she became the top seller within three and a half years. Vivian's pivot to creating financial education content under the handle 'your rich BFF' was prompted by the frequent finance-related questions from her colleagues. Her aim was to combat the spread of misleading financial information online and teach the lessons traditionally passed down from wealthy fathers to their sons.

Vivian's content quickly gained traction, with her first TikTok video going viral and amassing a significant following. She navigated the complexities of brand partnerships and content creation while juggling a full-time job. Eventually, she reached a breaking point where she realized she hated both her job and her side hustle due to the overwhelming workload. With careful planning, including setting aside a substantial cash reserve, Vivian took the leap to focus on 'your rich BFF' full-time. She discusses the importance of continuous learning and growth in one's career and emphasizes the significance of investing over merely saving money. Vivian advocates for open conversations about finances in relationships, sharing her approach to managing money with her fiance and the importance of having a prenuptial agreement.