Nicole Lapin, a well-known author and former anchor at CNN and CNBC, recently shared her harrowing experience of rebuilding her life after the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025, just weeks after giving birth to her daughter. Lapin, now 41, found herself in a situation she could never have anticipated, forced to evacuate her home with her newborn amidst the raging fires that swept through the city. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lapin revealed the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned from the traumatic event.
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The fires, which affected over 150,000 people in Los Angeles and destroyed thousands of structures, left Lapin and her family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The author lost her Pacific Palisades home, her office for the Money News Network, and even her pediatrician’s office to the flames. Recalling the ordeal, Lapin described the deep emotional impact of losing everything and the struggle of being homeless, having to rebuild their lives from scratch.
Despite the hardships, Lapin has shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Over the past few months, she has been focused on rebuilding and preparing for any future emergencies that may arise. Drawing from her own experience, Lapin emphasises the importance of being financially prepared for unexpected events, stressing that emergencies can happen to anyone.
One of the key insights Lapin gained from her experience is the importance of creating a “digital go bag”—a collection of digital files of essential documents such as passports, IDs, insurance cards, and other important papers. She also advises taking a video inventory of belongings in the home to facilitate insurance claims in case of loss. Lapin’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness highlights the significance of planning ahead for unforeseen circumstances.
In addition to rebuilding her life, Lapin is now focusing on securing her daughter’s financial future and instilling healthy financial habits. Having grown up with financial insecurities, Lapin is determined to break the cycle and educate her daughter about money management from an early age. By changing the way she talks about money and modelling positive behaviours, Lapin hopes to set a strong example for her daughter and teach her the value of financial literacy.
Throughout her journey, Lapin has demonstrated courage, resilience, and a commitment to overcoming challenges. By sharing her story and being open about her struggles, she hopes to inspire others to face their own adversities with strength and determination. Lapin’s experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of financial preparedness, resilience, and adaptability in the face of life’s unexpected turns.