What I’d Tell My 25-Year-Old Self About Money (and Why I Wrote a Book That Doesn’t Sound Like a Money Book) | by Alka Mehta | Aug, 2025
If I could go back and sit across from my 25-year-old self at a tiny kitchen table — coffee mugs between us, maybe a notebook nearby — here’s what I’d tell her about money:
“You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. And it’s okay if you’re scared.”
I’ve spent years in finance, trading, and writing about money. But the things I’d want her to know aren’t about the stock market. They’re about self-trust, shame, and knowing what matters.
When I started writing Your Money Story Starts Here, I didn’t want to write another “expert” book. I wanted to write what I wish I’d had back then: something that sounded more like a calm, clear friend than a lecture.
Here are five lessons I’d share with her — and maybe with you, too.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” — C.S. Lewis
1. You Don’t Have to Be “Good at Math” to Be Good with Money
Money isn’t just math. It’s about emotions, beliefs, habits, and confidence.
Understanding a few simple ideas — like how compounding works, or how to automate your savings — makes more difference than memorizing formulas. What matters most is that you feel safe enough to engage with your money, even a little at a time.
2. Don’t Wait for a “Big” Amount to Start Saving or Investing
I used to think I had to wait until I was earning more or had it all figured out. That was a mistake.
Starting with $25 a paycheck — even $10 — isn’t a delay tactic. It’s how you begin momentum. It builds confidence. And over time, it builds real money.
The habit matters more than the number.
3. Guilt Is Not a Financial Strategy
Regret doesn’t pay off debt. Shame doesn’t build wealth.
What moves you forward is clarity and kindness. Noticing what’s working. Making one new choice. Giving yourself credit for every small step.
You are not a failure for what you didn’t know. You are wise for choosing to learn now.
4. People-Pleasing Is Expensive
I’ve seen it again and again: women overextend to keep the peace, meet unspoken expectations, or avoid uncomfortable conversations.
I’d tell her: Saying no is not selfish. You don’t have to go broke to prove you’re generous or loyal or loving. Boundaries protect your energy — and your money.
5. Your Money Story Is Yours to Rewrite
You may have grown up around stress, scarcity, or silence about money. But that’s not the end of the story.
Every decision you make today — whether it’s checking your balance, setting up a savings account, or reading a few pages of a money book — is part of a new story. One you get to write.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” — Brené Brown
Why I Wrote a Book That Doesn’t Sound Like a Money Book
When I looked at most finance books, I found rules, shame, and a lot of jargon. They weren’t written for real women juggling real lives.
So I wrote Your Money Story Starts Here to be something different.
It’s short, clear, and filled with real-life examples. No heavy formulas. No finger-wagging. Just calm, helpful ideas to get you moving — even if you’re starting late or starting over.
It covers debt, saving, investing, and spending — but always in a way that centers you, not the numbers.
Here’s a line from the book that captures the tone:
“You don’t need to be perfect with money. You just need to be present with it.”
And That’s Why I Made a Journal, Too
Alongside the book, I created a simple companion journal — just lined pages and a quote on every page. No pressure. No structure. Just a space to reflect, remember, and reconnect to what matters to you.
Because sometimes the most powerful money move is sitting quietly with your own thoughts.
One Last Thing I’d Tell Her (and You)
You are not too late. You are not behind. You are not broken.
You’re here. You’re learning. That’s enough.
The financial world may try to rush you or overwhelm you. But your money story can be peaceful, steady, and yours.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Find the book and companion journal here:
