Multimillionaire Says Wealth Doesn’t Just Come from ‘Living as Frugally as Possible’ (Exclusive)

**Financial Feminism: Tori Dunlap on Empowering Women Through Money Management**

Tori Dunlap, a Seattle-based financial expert and the founder of Her First $100K, is on a mission to reshape women’s relationship with money. At just 32 years old, Dunlap has already amassed a multimillion-pound fortune and is determined to change the narrative surrounding wealth and financial independence for women.

Having launched her company in 2016, Dunlap combines her knowledge of finance with a feminist perspective, advocating for women to earn more, spend mindfully, and feel comfortable with their desire for wealth. Yet she underscores a critical point: genuine wealth doesn’t need to be showcased through luxury cars or designer handbags.

Reflecting on how societal perceptions of wealth are often distorted, Dunlap states, “None of us actually learned what wealth looks like from wealthy people. We learned it from ads and movies, or from whatever influencer is posing in a rented Lamborghini.” She attributes this misunderstanding to the rise of social media, where the performance of prosperity has reached new heights.

Dunlap’s journey towards financial independence began when she saved an impressive $100,000 by the age of 25, shortly before taking the bold step of leaving her corporate job. Today, her primary focus is to empower women to manage their finances with confidence, championing a philosophy that prioritises purposeful spending over frugality.

She explains, “The honest answer is that most people who look wealthy aren’t actually wealthy; they’re in debt trying to maintain the façade.” Although she drives a modest Toyota and has yet to purchase any designer items, Dunlap is unashamed of her choices. She asserts, “I could pay my house off tomorrow if I wanted to,” and her lifestyle reflects intentional choices rather than ostentatious displays of wealth.

Despite her approachability, Dunlap is not opposed to enjoying her money. She travels and indulges in good food while also supporting her community. Her emphasis lies in making purchases that add genuine value to her life instead of engaging in superficial spending meant to impress others.

Dunlap expresses frustration with the common debate around small daily expenses, such as the infamous £5 latte, which some financial advisers claim derail budgets. “Nobody’s broke because of coffee,” she reasons, pointing to larger economic factors, including housing and childcare costs, that contribute to financial strain. This perspective highlights her belief in addressing substantial issues rather than fixating solely on minor indulgences.

As part of her approach, she encourages individuals to reflect on their spending habits: “Would I still take the trip if I never posted a single photo from it?” She believes that recognising the integrity of your desires can lead to more fulfilling financial choices.

Moreover, Dunlap posits that women can build wealth not merely through stringent saving but primarily via increasing their earning potential. “My wealth came more from earning than saving,” she notes, emphasising the benefits of investing in oneself, starting a business, or negotiating pay, which can often be more effective than living frugally.

Dunlap stresses that the desire for financial stability does not equate to greed. “Wanting money does not make you greedy, or shallow, or unfeminine,” she asserts, advocating that it is entirely appropriate for women to seek financial independence for their own reasons. The desire for wealth, she insists, is a natural response to living in a world that often attempts to constrain it.

Getting started on the path to financial independence, according to Dunlap, does not demand extensive expertise or a perfect plan. Rather, she encourages taking small, manageable steps. “So start today. Open the account. Look at the number you’ve been avoiding. Invest the £25,” she advises. She reminds her followers that each small action contributes to their larger financial freedom, reassuring them that their future selves are already cheering them on.

With her refreshingly candid approach, Tori Dunlap continues to inspire a new generation of women to take charge of their financial destinies and to redefine what wealth truly means.