How To Be A Financial Grownup: 6 Lessons From Bobbi Rebell
Key takeaways from our chat with Bobbi Rebell on achieving financial independence through proven advice from high achievers.
How to Be a Financial Grownup: Highlights from Our Chat with Bobbi Rebell
Bobbi Rebell, a certified financial planner and author of How to Be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom, joined Wise Bread for a live chat on October 20th to celebrate her book’s launch. Drawing from interviews with influential figures like Drew Barrymore, Tony Robbins, and Cynthia Rowley, Rebell shares actionable strategies for taking control of your finances and building lasting independence. This article recaps the key highlights, lessons, and tips discussed, helping readers apply high-achiever wisdom to their own lives.
Who is Bobbi Rebell?
Bobbi Rebell transitioned from a career as a global business news anchor at outlets like Reuters, CNBC, CNN, and PBS to becoming a leading voice in personal finance. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Certificate in Financial Planning from New York University, she authored her bestseller in 2016. Rebell now hosts the Money Tips for Financial Grownups podcast, with over 700,000 downloads, and launched GrownupGear.com in 2021 to promote adulting through fun products. Her mission: empower people to make deliberate financial decisions rather than letting life dictate them.
In the chat, Rebell emphasized that success in finance, like her own TV break, comes from tough decisions and relentless effort—often invisible to outsiders. “The effort that successful people make is not always very visible,” she noted.
The Core Idea: Becoming a Financial Grownup
Being a financial grownup means proactively managing money to pursue dreams without financial stress. Rebell’s book combines celebrity stories with relatable advice, urging readers to audit their finances and prioritize what matters. Key theme: Make deliberate decisions, or they will be made for you.
- Audit Your Finances: Regularly self-assess spending, savings, and goals for your life stage.
- Pay Yourself First: Set aside savings before bills to build habits.
- Negotiate Everything: Nearly all costs are flexible—always ask for discounts.
Rebell’s approach counters helicopter parenting in finance, teaching independence especially for young adults.
Highlights from Celebrity Stories
Rebell interviewed 30 high achievers, revealing universal money truths. Here are standout examples discussed:
Drew Barrymore’s Journey
Drew Barrymore, known for early fame and setbacks, shared how she rebuilt financially post-personal challenges. She focused on steady income streams, investing in her production company, and avoiding lifestyle inflation. Barrymore’s tip: Build multiple revenue sources and live below your means to weather storms.
Tony Robbins’ Wealth Principles
Motivational guru Tony Robbins stressed value creation over consumption. He advised constant skill-building and surrounding yourself with mentors. Robbins cut discretionary spending drastically early on, proving extreme cuts are sustainable if purposeful.
Other Notables: Ivanka Trump, Kevin O’Leary, Cynthia Rowley
Entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank) pushed aggressive investing and debt avoidance. Designer Cynthia Rowley highlighted balancing passion pursuits with prudent budgeting. Ivanka Trump discussed negotiation in business and life.
| High Achiever | Key Financial Lesson | Actionable Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Drew Barrymore | Diversify income | Invest in personal brands |
| Tony Robbins | Pay yourself first | Cut spending by 90% temporarily |
| Kevin O’Leary | Avoid debt | Invest profits immediately |
| Cynthia Rowley | Budget for dreams | Allocate ‘fun money’ wisely |
These stories illustrate that financial grownups turn obstacles into opportunities through discipline.
Practical Tips from the Chat
The Wise Bread chat unpacked six core lessons from Rebell’s book:
- Make Deliberate Decisions: Don’t let inertia control your money—choose actively.
- Find Immediate Savings: Hunt deals, negotiate bills, and use apps for discounts. Rebell: “Nearly everything is negotiable.”
- Overcome Mom Guilt: As a working mom, Rebell carved time by prioritizing high-impact tasks, applying the same to finances.
- Build Habits as an Entrepreneur: Always prepare for breakthroughs with emergency funds and networks.
- Cut Spending Drastically: Test 90% reductions—most won’t miss it, freeing funds for goals.
- Teach Kids Independence: Her later book, Launching Financial Grownups, guides parents to foster money-smart young adults.
Rebell shared her podcast evolution, featuring guests like her stepdaughter Ashley Kaufman, who bought an apartment at 24 by self-auditing and prioritizing.
Overcoming Common Financial Pitfalls
Rebell addressed real-world hurdles with stories like Julie Lythcott-Haims’, who slashed discretionary spending by 90% after salary creep eroded savings. They lived on 10% of fun money without regret.
Another: Racial stereotypes influenced overspending to prove status, leading to credit card debt. Solution: Awareness and accountability, like Denae who became debt-free and a CFP.
For parents, Rebell combats over-involvement. Her podcast epilogue by Ashley highlights self-audits: Review priorities seasonally.
Building Your Financial Grownup Toolkit
Start with these steps:
- Conduct a ‘set point’ check: Track spending for a month.
- Automate savings: 10-20% off the top.
- Negotiate three bills this week (cable, insurance, rent).
- Read one high-achiever story weekly for inspiration.
- Discuss money openly with family to model grownup behavior.
Rebell’s podcast offers transcripts and tips at bobbirebell.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a financial grownup?
A: Someone who makes proactive money decisions aligned with life goals, rather than reacting to circumstances.
Q: How can I start saving immediately?
A: Negotiate bills, cut one category by 90%, and pay yourself first before other expenses.
Q: What’s the best way to teach kids about money?
A: Encourage independence through real responsibilities, like budgeting allowances, without bailouts.
Q: Did celebrities like Drew Barrymore really share financial tips?
A: Yes, Rebell’s book features authentic stories from 30 high achievers on their money journeys.
Q: How does Bobbi Rebell balance career and family?
A: By overcoming mom guilt through prioritization and deliberate time management.
Why This Matters Now
In a competitive economy, financial adulthood ensures freedom. Rebell’s insights, proven by high achievers, make it accessible. Apply one tip today for momentum.
References
- Episode 45-Becoming a Financial Grownup w/ Bobbi Rebell — Journey to Launch. 2016. https://journeytolaunch.com/episode45/
- The Secrets of Being a Financial Grown Up with Bobbi Rebell, CFP — Runnymede. 2023. https://www.runnymede.com/blog/the-secrets-of-being-a-financial-grown-up-with-bobbi-rebell-cfp/
- Launching Financial Grownups with Bobbi Rebell — Apple Podcasts. 2024. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launching-financial-grownups-with-bobbi-rebell/id1542792192?i=1000610671359
- Advice — Money Tips for Financial Grownups podcast — Bobbi Rebell. 2024. https://www.bobbirebell.com/podcast/category/Advice
- 6 Lessons on How to Be a Financial Grownup From Bobbi Rebell — Wise Bread. N/A. https://www.wisebread.com/6-lessons-on-how-to-be-a-financial-grownup-from-bobbi-rebell
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