Stop Acting Rich to Stay Broke: 5 Money Moves That Are Actually A Vibe

We need to have a serious talk about the "Instagram Effect" on our bank accounts.

You scroll through your feed and see girls on yachts in Dubai, unboxing the latest designer bags, and sipping $24 cocktails on a Tuesday. It’s effortless. It’s aspirational. It screams, "I made it."

But here is the unfiltered tea: A lot of those people are drowning in credit card debt. They are leasing the lifestyle, not owning it.

At Take My Advice Or Not, we don't do "fake rich." We do actual wealth. We want the bank account to match the outfit. Being a "Boss Babe" isn't about how much you spend; it's about how much you keep.

If you’re ready to stop sweating when you check your banking app, here are the 5 Money Moves to make right now.

1. The "High-Low" Mix is the Ultimate Flex

The most stylish women I know don't wear head-to-toe designer. That’s new money behavior. The real power move is mixing a high-quality investment piece with affordable basics.

• The Move: Stop buying cheap trends that fall apart after two washes (fast fashion is a wealth killer). Invest in staples: a great coat, a quality leather bag, good boots. Then, get your tees and tanks from Amazon or Zara.

• The Mindset: "I buy things that last, not things that trend."

2. Audit Your "Ghost" Subscriptions

You are probably bleeding $50-$100 a month on apps you haven't opened since 2023. That random editing app? The streaming service you only got for one show? The gym membership you’re "totally going to use next month"?

• The Move: Sit down with a glass of wine and your credit card statement. Be ruthless. If you haven't used it in 30 days, cancel it. Take that extra cash and throw it into a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA).

• The Math: $50/month invested over 10 years is thousands of dollars. Stop giving it away.

3. Negotiate Like a Man

Women leave millions of dollars on the table because we are afraid of looking "greedy" or "difficult." Meanwhile, mediocre men are asking for 20% raises with zero hesitation.

• The Move: Never accept the first offer. Whether it’s a new job, a freelance contract, or your internet bill—ask for more.

• The Script: "I’m really excited about this role, but based on the market value and my experience, I was expecting a salary in the range of [X]." The worst they can say is no. The best they can say is "Okay."

4. The 48-Hour Cart Rule

Late-night scrolling is dangerous. dopamine hits different at 11 PM. You see it, you want it, you click "Buy Now." Two days later, you regret it.

• The Move: Add it to the cart, but do not check out. Wait 48 hours. If you are still thinking about it and genuinely need it in two days, buy it. 90% of the time, the urge will pass.

• The Benefit: You stop cluttering your house with stuff you don't even like.

5. Stop Being the "Bank of Bae" (Or Friends)

This is a hard one. We love to help. But you cannot set yourself on fire to keep others warm. Lending money to friends, family, or partners who have bad financial habits is not "helping"—it’s enabling.

• The Move: Establish boundaries. "I have a strict budget right now to hit my savings goals, so I can't loan this out."

• The Truth: A partner who relies on you for money is a dependent, not a partner.

The Bottom Line

Looking expensive is easy. Being financially secure takes discipline. The sexiest thing you can wear is peace of mind knowing your bills are on autopay and your savings are growing.

Action Item: Open a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) this week if you don't have one. Your money should be making money while you sleep.

Take My Advice or Not, The Consulting Chick