Book Review: Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t
When I first picked up "Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t" by Tori Dunlap, I was intrigued by the promise of a fresh perspective on women’s financial empowerment. In an era where financial literacy is becoming increasingly essential, I hoped that Dunlap’s book would provide some genuinely transformative insights. However, I found myself navigating a complex mix of admiration and criticism that ultimately left me conflicted—hence my 2.5 stars (rounded up to three!), with the negotiation section really standing out.
From the outset, Dunlap dives into the psychological ramifications of money on women, suggesting that societal pressures dictate how we view spending differently than men do. While I appreciated her acknowledgment that much of traditional financial advice shames women and pushes them toward frugality, I found her arguments a bit lacking in nuance. It felt as if she were firing blanket statements rather than delving deeply into what influences women’s financial behaviors. Perhaps I was looking for a more granular exploration, but the points she raised seemed familiar and, dare I say, somewhat recycled.
In terms of writing style, Dunlap’s approach is conversational, and her anecdotes about negotiating salaries are pragmatic and useful. This section alone is a gem. She emphasizes that the job interview should feel like a two-way street, a refreshing perspective that I believe too many women overlook. It’s a critical reminder that we don’t have to settle for less than what we deserve. However, I couldn’t help but cringe at the excessive profanity that seemed to detract rather than add to her message. While I appreciate colorful language, here it began to feel excessive and lost its impact.
Further flushed out in the narrative are stories from other contributors, which often provided richer and more relatable content than Dunlap’s own writing. These real-life accounts—ranging from experiences at Victoria’s Secret to discussions on debt—offered glimpses into varied financial struggles, although they were sometimes overshadowed by Dunlap’s own much-hyped perspective as a “personal finance expert.” It felt as if we were getting insights from a privileged standpoint, with little acknowledgment of the struggles faced by lower-income women or those from less fortunate backgrounds.
Dunlap’s three-bucket budgeting strategy—essential expenses, savings, and non-essentials—was a commendable goal but lacked clarity on practical implementation. I for one was left scratching my head by the end, particularly with the variability of essential expenses like groceries and utility bills.
An aspect of her approach that particularly stirred my thoughts was her tendency to lean into the victim narrative, especially when discussing societal pressures on women regarding appearance. The lament about spending big bucks on hair and makeup for her book cover felt a bit tone-deaf, mirroring Rachel Hollis’ often criticized “look your best” mantra.
Ultimately, if you’re searching for a single sparkling nugget of wisdom, delve into the negotiation chapter. For all its flaws, the book holds potential value in providing a framework for those eager to challenge wage inequalities and financial self-doubt.
In conclusion, "Financial Feminist" may resonate best with women who are already on the journey of financial empowerment and possess a solid educational background. Nevertheless, it struggles to speak to the broader audience of women grappling with financial hardships. While I appreciate Dunlap’s ambition to empower women financially, I felt a stronger grounding in reality—and perhaps even some deeper exploration of systemic issues—would have enriched the reading experience for us all.
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