Holistic Self-Defense: Guarding Your Finances

When most people think of self-defense, they picture physical strength or situational awareness. But there’s another type of defense just as critical to your well-being: financial self-defense.

Recently, I gave a fellow dance class student a ride home. We’ve had some great heart-to-heart talks, and she shared that she’s moving out of California. As someone who has lived, studied, and worked here—and who truly loves California life—I completely understand her decision. The cost of living here can be crushing, and sometimes, protecting yourself means making bold financial moves.

If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: invest early and wisely. Don’t let money sit idle in accounts that don’t grow. Don’t let “death by a thousand cuts”—the endless little purchases—steal your future stability. And don’t wait until it feels “safe” to start. The truth is, it’s never too early to invest—but it’s also never too late.

Whether it’s stocks, real estate, or other growth avenues, your money can work for you if you give it the chance. One of my biggest lessons has been to seek out mentors who are already living the kind of financial life you want. For me, that mentor is Sandi Krakowski (https://www.facebook.com/SandiKrakowskiBiz) Her wisdom has shaped not only how I approach business, but also how I approach building a financial future.

This is part of holistic self-defense because protecting your body, mind, and heart also requires protecting your financial stability. Without it, you’ll always feel vulnerable. With it, you can build freedom, options, and peace of mind.

So, whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, start today. Take a step. Learn. Invest. Build. Guard your financial health the same way you would guard your physical health.

If you’d like help building strategies for holistic self-defense—physical, emotional, or financial—reach out to me at empoweredbydana.com.