💰Closing the Chapter on 2024

Welcome to the third edition of The Latina Wealth Activist Newsletter! 💌

It’s been a wild Q4, to say the least. I think the last newsletter I sent out was prepared before the U.S. election results, so honestly I feel like a whole lifetime has passed since Nov. 5th. Ni modo besties- así es la vida - It’s time I catch you up on the money tea before 2024 comes to a close.

#MIRIQUEZA

What’s the money tea on my end? Well, last I shared I was in an AngelPath Academy, a program centered on Latinx entering the Angel Investor/VC ecosystem. I was able to lead a venture syndicate: Riqueza Ventures [maybe this comes to life in 2025?] a syndicate focused on funding Latinx startups in Fintech/EdTech. We spent weeks studying the market of startups we would invest in and came to interview and learn about two latina-owned startups focusing on using AI to help women navigate their finances - one for personal finances and one for solopreneurs.

I’ll share more about these startups in a different newsletter, because I know I could go on and on about them. Puesi - by the end, my team and I used the tools we learned from class + our own experience in the field to make a “hypothetical” investment deal with a fintech startup. This was probably my favorite part, actually applying the knowledge and having these big girl money discussions like if we had millions to drop. En realidad- this academy changed my perspective of my career goals and I’m telling you for 2025, you will see me talking more about VC, pitching, capital and the founder journey because we don’t talk about this enough.

Time to Celebrate🥂

Even during Angelpath academy, I was still running Riqueza, posting content for LWA and trying to prepare for launches and the holiday break. As Thanksgiving neared, I was set to fly to NYC to receive my Next Gen Collective: 30 Under 30 Award.

Guess where this ceremony was being held? GOLDMAN SACHS HQ. 🤯 If you know my story, you know I started my big girl career at GS in 2017 and had a pretty nasty breakup with them during the pandemic because I found out I was underpaid 50k and started a side hustle to make money that they were not happy about.

Missed the tea on this? Listen to this podcast episode:

This was a full circle moment for me. Little Lea, receiving an award at the place that kicked off her career - que bendicion. Even my wife Z was proud of herself, because never in a million years she would see her name next to a Goldman Sachs logo LMAO. It felt surreal to be honored for my work at Riqueza and as Latina Wealth Activist. All I can express is immense gratitude for the community that believed in me, showed up for themselves to learn and supported me and Riqueza in this journey.

I never imagined being an entrepreneur, but I knew that no matter what I did in life - I would pour my heart and soul into it, and Riqueza has really been a labor of sweat, tears but con mucho mucho amor.

One special surprise at this ceremony was that my FIRST EVER mentee from GS, who still works there, came to the ceremony and gave me the biggest hug. Seeing her brought me to tears, because she made me feel like I was truly somebody. When I met her she was still in college, dreaming of a career at GS in Salt Lake City and now she’s an associate working at the NYC office. My mentorship kicked off her career and I was able to be the person I looked for in my career for her. Seeing her was the best surprise and gift I could have received that night. Que vida verdad? 🥹

I took TIME OFF for once🏝️

After the ceremony, Z & I took off to Puerto Rico to one—celebrate our 2-year wedding anniversary and two—the celebration of being a 30u30 honoree. 10 days. Playa. Sol. Arena. Mar. Pure felicidad. This was the first time I actually distanced myself from work—no meetings, no calls, or texts... just time to be present. The first few days there were hard. As a Jefa of a TEAM, you feel scared leaving your baby behind, but let me just say, I had nothing to worry about. My team really had it under control. I just felt scared not being in control or there to help. This time away was a reflection of my leadership and the strong team I’ve built, but it also reminded me of the money wounds I still need to work through.

From workaholism to limiting beliefs that poured into my head because I was not working—I am human too. These thoughts flooded my mind the first few days, even when there was good food, beach y salsa playing. I had to use my own remedy and journal out my thoughts and ask myself why I felt so triggered.

Zanie, on the other hand, was in love con la isla del encanto the second we landed. She had not been back since she was 7-8, and her dad, who is from PR, wanted us to experience PR from his lens. So, we visited Ponce, where papi is from, went to Santa Beach in the south of la isla, and I got to witness my wifey connect with her roots. So, yes, the first days were tough, pero watching my wife connect with her cultura and also just being surrounded by the sweetest people—who, by the way, all told us to move to PR—made it worth it.

This vacation opened my eyes to how lost we are in the U.S. We are no longer present, enjoying mother nature, connecting with our neighbors, our roots, being kind and selfless, and working to enjoy life more. Overall—vacation was a 10/10.

#DINEROTALKS

Now that we have caught up on my tea - it’s time we talk about 2024. She was wild. 2024 challenged us all mentally, financially and physically. I know I wasn’t the only one. I had a lot of great things come into my life this year but it also brought its own challenges too.

Here are the top financial challenges & wins for 2024:

Challenges in 2024

1. Post-Election Uncertainty – The 2024 presidential election caused emotional volatility and market uncertainty as Americans awaited clarity on economic policies, taxes, and regulations. Many Latinos faced challenges due to low voter education and limited access to election resources.

   Source: Pew Research

2. Housing Affordability Crisis – Despite lower mortgage rates, home prices and rents stayed out of reach for many Americans, particularly in Latino communities where homeownership rates lag behind.

   Source: U.S. Census Bureau

3. Student Loan Repayments Resumed – The end of the student loan repayment pause added financial pressure on borrowers, reducing their disposable income and spending power.

   Source: Federal Student Aid

4. Labor Shortages and Wage Pressures – Employers faced worker shortages, pushing wages higher but increasing operational costs, which impacted small businesses.

   Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Wins in 2024

1. Stock Market Growth – The S&P 500 rose 24%, driven by strong tech and AI innovation, benefiting retirement accounts and investors.

   Source: Reuters

2. Latina GDP Growth – The Latina GDP hit $1.3 trillion, reflecting their growing economic influence as entrepreneurs, consumers, and business leaders.

   Source: Latino Donor Collaborative

3. Lower Interest Rates – The Federal Reserve cut rates multiple times, lowering borrowing costs to 4.25%–4.5%, making debt refinancing and homeownership more affordable.

   Source: Federal Reserve

4. Tech Innovation – AI-driven businesses boomed, creating new job opportunities and investment avenues, especially in Latino-led startups.

   Source: TechCrunch

This list can go on. Overall, I think we can see a theme of growth but at the same time personal financial struggles appeared due to what’s happening on a macro level post pandemic. Even on a business perspective, my community has shared it to be a tough year. Many of us don’t have as much spending money as we use to because of the challenges we faced this year. BUT the flip side was our investments performed well.

Investing is the key to beating inflation and any economic impact to our finances, EVEN on low return years in the market. What people fail to understand in 2024 is that our goal is to beat inflation. The only way we beat inflation is by having our money work for us and gain a higher % than what inflation is. So, if you kept your money in a high-yield savings account this year, that money beat inflation. If you have money investing in a 401(k), Roth IRA or even a brokerage chances are you beat inflation!

In my opinion, this year taught us the world can feel like it’s falling apart- but if we don’t worry about our personal economy and protect our bag, we will stay in the struggle.

Ready to Protect your Bag in 2025? Buy the guide for $25:

#NEWYEAR

Como viene el nuevo año, hay que comenzar la lista de metas que queremos conquistar en 2025! I love a new year because it kicks off new energy—well, at least that’s the goal. A lot of us are going to be preparing our vision boards, and I want you to put DINERO somewhere on that board. 2025 is going to be a year of uncertainty. I don’t think economically it’s going to be one we will be excited about.

2025 brings challenges from a political and economic front. From tariffs to Trump’s staff selections and policy changes—I don’t know what will happen. All I know is that in 2025, our personal economy is the focus, and protecting our bag is the mission.

Hot girls love money, so please use 2025 to be the year to start creating a healthy relationship with it. If you feel lost about your finances—join the Riqueza club! We will have monthly workshops, coaching, and templates released to help you on your money journey! Don’t miss out.

I’m even going to give you a head start and drop a financial checklist for you.

Your Financial Checklists to Kick Off 2025

For your Personal Finances:

1. Audit Your Money Moves – Where did your dinero go in 2024? Spot trends and use apps like Monarch Money or Origin to track your spending and adjust for 2025 financial moves.

2. Tackle Debt with a Plan – Pay off high-interest loans and set goals to stay debt-free. I challenge you to check your CC % rate. You’ll want to pay off that debt faster.

3. Maximize Investments – Contribute to retirement accounts even if it’s $25 and start or grow your portfolio. As always don’t put your eggs in one basket.

4. Continue to Build Your Emergency Fund – Protect yourself with 3–6 months of savings.

5. Track and Manifest Goals – Write them down and make them happen. I like to think about making money goals for every quarter. 3 months. 3 goals. You can do it.

For your Business:

1. Close the Books on 2024 – Wrap up bookkeeping, reconciliations, and start prep for tax season - don’t forget to get all the W9 forms from your contractors.

2. Review Pricing and Services – Are you charging what you’re worth? Or is your offering/product not selling cause it’s too high? Use January to study your business model.

3. Protect Your Business Legally – Refresh contracts, insurance, and systems.

4. Set Growth Targets – Focus on revenue growth, partnerships and collabs, and visibility on socials. Let’s challenge ourselves to do something different for 2025.

5. Invest in Education and Networking – as always, what do you want to learn this new year? How to manage your business financials? How to protect your business? Who is making an impact in your local community? Where are all the Jefas hanging out at? Let’s use 2025 for growth bestie.

You literally have no excuses for 2025. So use this year as the year of your financial glow up 💄!

Founder Favorites of the Month 🤩

Dinero Tool 🛠️: Moved jobs recently? Don’t forget about your 401(k) and use Hi Capitalize to transfer your 401(k) to your OWN account.

Food 🌯: I’m still dreaming of mofongo 🇵🇷✨

Book📚: Burnt out to Lit Up - Daisy Auger-Dominguez

App📲: I had been booking last minute trips for work and Hotel Tonight literally SAVED me on hotel rates - Sign up and get $50 OFF your first booking.

Music 🎶: Cosa Nuestra Album from Rauw Alejandro

So besties, what do you think? Reply with your thoughts, tips or story - I’d love to be your soundboard and share your insights with our community of millonari@s. 💞

Feliz Navidad and have a Happy New Year! Expect my next newsletter on 01/06/2025.

Con cariño,
Lea Landaverde
Leading Latinas to Financial Freedom
The Latina Wealth Activist