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  • Learn how to build generational wealth as a first-gen Latina with smart budgeting, investing, debt payoff, and multiple income streams. Get expert tips, free resources, and tools like the LatinaPhD Abroad Budget Template and curated financial literacy books. Start your journey to financial freedom today and create a lasting legacy for future generations!

  • Balance paying off debt and building wealth with these 7 expert-backed strategies! Learn how to prioritize high-interest debt, invest consistently, and automate savings—all while staying on track with your financial goals. Get tools, resources, and pro tips to make managing your money stress-free. Start your journey to financial freedom today!

  • Ready to start investing but don’t know where to begin? Learn how to open a brokerage account, invest in low-cost index funds, and build long-term wealth—even as a beginner! Get expert tips, free resources, and tools to make investing simple and stress-free.

  • Struggling to get out of debt? Learn the 8 common reasons keeping you stuck and actionable steps to fix them. From budgeting smarter to eliminating high-interest debt, this guide will help you take control of your finances, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. Plus, grab my budget template to track every dollar!

Gladys Leyva of LatinaPhD Abroad smiling in a café with her laptop

Today, my core message is simple: financial literacy is the foundation of freedom. My greatest success isn’t just my financial transformation—it’s inspiring others to start their journey too.

As a first-generation Latina, I transformed my life by mastering financial literacy and breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and “just getting by.”

personal finance on the blog text
Flat lay of a financial planner, with a cup of coffee with a panoramic view of a city skyline and a bay, with boats on the water.

How I'm Building Generational Wealth as a First-Gen Latina: Even While Paying Off Debt

Laptop screen showing beginner-friendly investing dashboard

You Don't Have to Choose Between Paying Off debt and Investing — Here's 7 Ways to do Both

Flat lay of wallet, cash, and financial planner

6 Steps to Start Investing in the Stock Market - From Someone Who Started Late and Still Won

Laptop screen showing beginner-friendly investing dashboard

8 Real Reasons First-Gen Latinas Stay in Debt—and The Fixes Nobody Talks About

Unlocking Financial Freedom: Exploring Your Financial Resources

Budgeting Tools

  • Empower: Empower - A tool for budgeting, tracking expenses, and managing finances.

    • Free

  • Monarch: Monarch - A comprehensive app for proactive budgeting and financial planning.

    • Monthly fee but worth it in my opinion

  • CashCourse: a guide to real-life money questions and online financial education courses through instructor assignments or self-study

  • 360Financial Literacy: basic resources in Spanish

Building Generational Wealth

  • Fidelity: Fidelity - A brokerage offering a wide range of investment options and financial services.

  • Charles Schwab: Charles Schwab - A brokerage providing comprehensive investment services and tools.

  • You can open the following accounts at both of these brokerage firms & begin your long-term investing in the stock market:

    • Roth IRA

    • Solo 401(k)

    • SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)

    • SIMPLE IRA

    • 529 Plan

    • UGMA/UTMA

High Yield Savings Accounts

  • Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Marcus - A high-yield savings account with competitive interest rates.

    • I recommend this for individuals who are unable to receive direct deposit

  • SoFi: SoFi - Offers high-yield savings accounts along with other financial products.

    • In order to qualify for the APY you will need to add direct deposit via your employer or company payroll if you are a self-employed

  • Compound Interest Calculator: Investor.gov

Ready to begin your personal finance journey?

Take charge of your finances with the LatinaPhD Abroad Finance Templates! Choose from two options:

  • Beginners Template: track your sinking funds, manage debt, annual budget summary, FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) calculator, and overview of your net worth

  • Net Worth Dashboard Template: featuring an annual overview, detailed net worth report, FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and compound interest calculator, and an interactive dashboard

These all in one easy-to-use templates are designed for first-gen Latinas and beyond. Achieve your financial goals with clarity and confidence! Perfect for anyone pursuing financial freedom. Start your journey now!

Annual financial planner spreadsheet for debt payoff and net worth tracking

Unlocking Financial Literacy

Debt Management Books

  • Focuses on credit repair and financial empowerment.

Investing Books

Financial Independence Books