Money, Mindset, and Mastering Your Financial Journey

I often say that none of us have it all figured out—and that goes for money too. That’s why I loved sitting down with Vicki Hall on this week’s Work in Progress. Vicki is a former WNBA athlete, coach, and now a financial advisor on a mission: helping women take control of their money and their future. She’s smart, direct, and unafraid to share the real stuff—exactly the kind of guidance we all need.

Vicki’s journey into finance wasn’t planned. It began with a personal loss and a firsthand look at how confusing—and sometimes devastating—financial decisions can be when you’re not prepared. Her story is a powerful reminder: it doesn’t matter how old you are, or where you’re starting from. You can take control.

Here are some of the insights from our conversation that really stuck with me:

1. Start with the basics. 

Know how much you’re making, where it’s going, and how much you can realistically save. Sounds simple, right? But so many of us overlook this step. Understanding your paycheck, your expenses, and your savings potential is the foundation for everything else.

2. Think about the long game. 

Even a rough idea of when you might retire can guide where your money should go and how it should grow. Vicki reminded me that time is your superpower—compounding works best the earlier you start.

3. Understand your relationship with risk. 

Are you the type to ride the rollercoaster when markets fluctuate, or do you prefer the steady path? Knowing your comfort level can prevent panic decisions that might derail your progress.

4. Have honest conversations with your partner. 

Money is one of the biggest stressors in relationships. Vicki shared her guidance for couples: talk about debt, spending habits, and financial goals early. And maintain financial individuality—your own accounts and independence are essential for peace of mind, no matter how strong your partnership is.

5. Plan for life’s pivots. 

Whether it’s a career change, freelance work, or taking time off for family, emergency savings and intentional planning are critical. Vicki reminded me that even when you’re pivoting, small steps and thoughtful choices keep you moving forward without derailing your future.

One of the things I loved most about this conversation is that it reinforced something I already believe: financial empowerment isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about starting, learning, asking questions, and being honest with yourself and the people you love.

So if you’ve been putting off understanding your finances, this is your permission to start now. Open that account, check that budget, ask those questions. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need to take the first step.

We’re all works in progress, figuring this out together. I walked away from my conversation with Vicki feeling empowered and inspired—and I hope you do too.

Much love,

Gayle