I’ve been diving into a lot of self-improvement content lately, and one book that caught my attention is We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. I listened to it via the Pearls app, which offers 15-minute audiobook sessions, making it easy to digest in small, manageable chunks. While I appreciate the empowering messages in the book, I have mixed feelings about how accessible some of the advice is—especially for those of us who are starting with little to no income.
What the Book is About
In We Should All Be Millionaires, Rachel Rodgers sets out to help women, particularly women of color, build wealth and financial independence. She draws on her own journey, from financial struggle to achieving millionaire status, and shares lessons learned along the way. The book is filled with bold statements, including the idea that financial success is available to all women if we shift our mindset, take massive action, and learn to truly value our worth.
Rodgers teaches us to break free from the limiting beliefs that many of us have around money. She talks about how society has conditioned women to undervalue their skills, which often leads to being underpaid and overworked. The book provides actionable steps for taking control of our financial futures—steps like asking for raises, starting a business, and investing wisely.
Why I’m Both Inspired and Realistic About Her Message
I’m a firm believer in financial empowerment and the importance of having a healthy mindset when it comes to money. Rodgers definitely hits the nail on the head with her message of self-worth. It’s empowering to hear her say that we all deserve to be millionaires, and she encourages women to stop shrinking back from wealth. It’s a refreshing perspective that challenges the idea that success is reserved for a few.
That said, some of the advice feels difficult to implement—especially if you’re not already financially stable. For example, a lot of the strategies in the book focus on raising your rates, creating multiple income streams, and building a business. These are excellent goals, but for someone who is struggling to make ends meet, they might seem out of reach. The reality is, not everyone has the financial resources to take these big leaps right away, and for those of us with limited income, it can feel overwhelming to think about how to get from where we are now to a place of financial freedom.
I’m sure many of you can relate—when you’re just trying to cover bills or dealing with financial stress, it can be hard to imagine how you’d find time, energy, or resources to create additional streams of income or raise your rates in your current job. That’s something I’m grappling with myself. But that doesn’t mean Rodgers’ message should be discarded. The trick is finding ways to apply her ideas in a practical, sustainable way for where we are in our journey.
How to Apply Her Advice on a Small Budget
While it might not be realistic to go from zero to millionaire overnight (or even in a few years), there are ways to start making progress, no matter how small your income is. Here are a few ways you can implement some of Rodgers’ strategies without breaking the bank:
1. Focus on Your Existing Skills
You don’t have to start a multi-million-dollar business to begin improving your financial situation. Start by looking at what skills you already have. Maybe you’re good at writing, graphic design, social media management, or even organizing. You can find freelance opportunities that don’t require a huge investment upfront—websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or even local community groups can help you find clients who need your expertise.
2. Side Hustles That Don’t Require Capital
If you’re looking for ways to earn extra income without any initial investment, there are plenty of side hustles that fit the bill. Online tutoring, dog walking, freelance writing, or even becoming a virtual assistant can all be done with minimal startup costs. The key is finding something you can do in your spare time that brings in some extra cash—this way, you’re not adding more stress to an already full plate.
3. Master the Art of Negotiation
Rodgers talks a lot about negotiating for higher pay, and while it’s true that this can be difficult for those of us in entry-level or low-wage jobs, it’s still worth trying. Even if you don’t feel confident asking for a huge raise, you can start by asking for small increments or additional benefits like more vacation time or flexible hours. In some cases, asking for a raise might lead to a more significant bump in income, so it’s worth starting the conversation.
4. Small, Consistent Savings
Saving money doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Even if you’re only able to save $5 or $10 a week, that small action adds up over time. Set aside a tiny portion of each paycheck into a separate savings account or even a physical envelope, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly it grows. Eventually, you might be able to use those savings to invest in things that will help you build wealth in the long run.
5. Invest in Yourself (for Free)
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on courses or books to start improving your financial future. There are so many free resources available online, from educational videos to free courses on platforms like Coursera or YouTube. Learn skills that can increase your earning potential—things like learning to code, mastering graphic design, or improving your marketing skills can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
6. Build Your Network
Sometimes, the most valuable asset you have is the people around you. Networking doesn’t just mean going to fancy events or asking for big favors. It can be as simple as joining online communities, attending local meetups, or even reaching out to someone who’s in a field you’re interested in. The more you surround yourself with supportive people, the more likely you are to uncover opportunities and gain insights that can help you move forward financially.
7. Start Small with Investments
Investing is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, but it’s not always accessible for people with little income. That said, there are ways to get started with small amounts. Look into micro-investing apps, like Acorns or Robinhood, which allow you to invest with as little as $5. While you won’t become a millionaire overnight, every little bit of growth can compound over time.
Final Thoughts
Rachel Rodgers’ We Should All Be Millionaires is an inspiring read that urges us to break free from financial limitations and pursue greater success. While her advice is valuable, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone has the luxury of starting with wealth or financial stability. But that doesn’t mean we can’t begin taking small steps toward a more secure future.
Whether it’s negotiating for a raise, picking up a side hustle, or simply shifting your mindset about money, there are ways to implement her teachings—even on a tight budget. It’s not about making huge changes all at once, but about taking consistent, intentional actions that will eventually lead you to financial freedom.
Start where you are, with what you have—and remember, every small step counts.
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