Girl, Stop Worrying About the Cost of Avocados: Let’s Talk BIG Picture
We need to have a real talk. I get it. The world is full of chaos, and sometimes the smallest things, like the rising cost of avocados, can send us into a tailspin. But let me stop you right there—let's zoom out. Stop stressing over that little green fruit (yes, technically, it’s a fruit) and start focusing:
on the big picture of your finances.
I’m talking about the things that actually move the needle in your financial life. Investments, savings, real estate. The stuff that’ll make you feel empowered and proud, not the stuff that’ll leave you crying into your expensive guacamole. Because here’s the thing: you can budget around avocados. But can you budget around your future? Let’s go.
1. Investment Strategy > Avocado Toast
Instead of obsessing over how many avocado toasts or lattes you can afford this month, let’s talk about what really matters. If you're not already contributing to a retirement account, do it now. Your 20s (and 30s, and 40s, and beyond) are for setting yourself up to not worry about grocery prices in your retirement years. The stock market, real estate, and other investments are all part of the long game. Sure, it might seem like a big mountain to climb, but the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be to chill later.
Compound interest is your friend.
Takeaway: Stop obsessing over the price of food and start investing in your future. Your 70-year-old self will thank you.
2. Savings: Stop Treating It Like an Optional Side Project
Savings isn’t a hobby. It’s not something you should be like, "Eh, I’ll just do it when I feel like it."
It’s a must.
Whether it’s an emergency fund, a travel fund, getting married fund, or your house down payment fund, you should be intentionally building those savings accounts, just like you intentionally buy that overpriced oat milk for your lattes.
But don’t get stuck in the, “I’ll save when I have extra money,” trap. Spoiler alert: on a scale it is rare-never that there’s extra money. You’ve got to pay yourself first.
Set up automatic transfers. Make saving so easy that you don’t even think about it.
Financial stability is built in the quiet and BORING moments when you’re automatically putting aside 10% of your income into a high-yield savings account. It’s simple, but it works.
Takeaway: Stop thinking of savings as optional. Make it automatic, and make it a priority.
3. Real Estate: Crunch the Numbers
While we're chatting about building wealth, let’s not forget one of the biggest ways to do that: real estate. I know, I know—you’ve heard the horror stories. “The housing market is a mess!” “I’ll never afford a house!” But listen, real estate is still one of the best long-term investments you can make. When you own property, you’re building equity. That means your home is not just a place to live, it’s your own little ATM in the future (minus the part where you need to pay off a mortgage first).
If you’re not there yet, don’t sweat it. Start with learning about the market, saving for a down payment, and understanding your credit score.
Home ownership is not a quick, weekend decision when you’re bored. Do not be woo’d out of your budget. Crunch the numbers, get serious, and make an informed decision.
Even if you’re renting, there are strategies you can use to prepare yourself for homeownership down the line. And if you're already a homeowner? Congratulations, real estate appreciates. It’s not always quick, but over time, it’s one of the best ways to build wealth.
Takeaway: Real estate is not just an expensive burden—it’s an investment. Educate yourself, save for a down payment, and make moves toward owning property.
4. Should You Get a Financial Advisor?
A financial advisor can help you understand everything from your investment strategy to retirement plans to how to make the best use of your savings. They can help you make informed, strategic decisions with your money.
BUT, this is a big BUT.
Make sure you understand how they work.
Some charge a flat fee - this is what you want
Some charge a percentage of your assets - even 1-2% may not sound like a lot but over time this adds up to 10s of thousands if not 100s of thousands of dollars - this is what you DON’T want
Do your research. Consider DIY investing! It’s not scary. We’ll touch on that more in the future.
Takeaway: A financial advisor can great, but it’s important to understand what you're paying for and make sure it aligns with your goals.
5. Get Out of the “Small Things” Mentality
At the end of the day, it’s not about the avocado toast. It’s not about the occasional $7 latte or the cost of kale. Yes, you should be mindful of your spending and stick to a budget, but the focus needs to be on the big picture.
Instead of stressing about small expenses, look at your financial life through a bigger lens. Prioritize investments, savings, and real estate over the day-to-day purchases.
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of the “small stuff.” It’s tempting to think that if you just cut back on your brunch habit, you’ll be able to retire early. But that’s not how wealth is built. It’s about the long-term game, staying disciplined, and making smart decisions that align with your financial goals.
Takeaway: Focus on the long-term goals. The big stuff is what really matters, and that’s where your energy should go.
So, girl, next time you’re at the grocery store and you see that avocado on sale for $3.99, don’t sweat it. Maybe buy it, maybe skip it.
But let’s agree to stop worrying about it.
Your future wealth is way bigger than a slice of toast. Build your foundation, make smart financial moves, and before you know it, you’ll be living that big-picture life. And hey, if that involves some avocado toast along the way? So be it.
Just don’t let it be the thing that defines your financial journey. Keep your eye on the prize—and make it a big one.