Can’t Afford to Be Social Right Now? You’re Not Alone. 💸

News: You’re not imagining it. The group chat plans a night out and your first thought is: can I afford it? You’re not alone. A recent survey found that nearly half of young adults are skipping social plans because the costs are adding up—dinners, gifts, travel, even birthday drinks that somehow turn into a $200 tab.

The emotional part? Many women say they’re anxious about appearing flaky or “cheap” when they opt out. But the truth is, financial wellness is part of overall wellness. Saying no to yet another overpriced group dinner doesn’t make you a bad friend—it makes you a responsible one.

Tip to try: Instead of bailing completely, suggest a free or low-cost hang (sunset picnic, hot girl walk, DIY dinner night). Real friends won’t judge a vibe shift, they’ll welcome it.

Finance: We grew up hearing that passion pays off. But for many women, the dream jobs didn’t come with dream salaries. Between student loans, rising rents, and the cost of...well, existing, the idea of following your bliss has started to feel like a luxury only a few can afford.

Financial anxiety is rising. Nearly half of Americans don’t have a three-month emergency fund and women in particular report more frequent stress and mental health strain tied to money. It’s not that we don’t hustle. It’s that the system wasn’t designed with us in mind.

What to do now:

• Start small, but start. Automate $25/month into a high-yield savings account.

• Track your money without shame. Awareness is powerful.

• If you're investing, consider SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF)—a well-diversified dividend fund with a strong track record and low fees. Solid for beginners who want their money to grow quietly.

You can chase your goals and build a financial cushion. That’s the kind of dream we’re here for.

Cocktail Recipe: Listen, we’re all out here trying to stretch our paychecks, build an emergency fund, and maybe still go on one vacation that doesn’t involve sleeping in a childhood twin bed. Financial stress is a lot.

So if your wallet feels tight, your shoulders are tense, and your friends just suggested a weekend trip that costs more than your rent... pause. Breathe. And maybe make this Pineapple Margarita instead. It’s sweet, tart, easy to make at home, and—bonus—way cheaper than therapy.

Here’s the recipe:

• Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and pineapple juice.

• Salt the rim if you’re feeling fancy.

• Add ice, shake it up, sip slow.

Podcast Rec: Two millennial moms in Colorado have launched Momarchy, a fresh-podcast blending politics, parenting, and millennial reality. It’s struck a chord, cracking into the Top 40 political podcasts, and giving a much-needed voice to moms navigating polarized times.

News: Shopping is feeling like a splurge these days, and it’s not just you it’s called Sneakflation. Tariffs are quietly creeping into your life, from backpacks and tech gadgets to back-to-school must-haves, and retailers are starting to pass those costs to us. While stores like Walmart or Target have been holding steady by absorbing the hit for now, analysts from Goldman Sachs say that up to 67% of these added costs could be landing on our plates by October, and some of us are feeling that. Translation? Yes, your wallet is lightening up, and maybe so is your desire to spend. It’s not personal, it’s policy. But that doesn’t make it any less real.