This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Prudential and DiMe Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Who doesn’t want to find happiness and financial independence? I know I do, which is why I had to share what’s worked for me and seems to be working for many of the women highlighted by Prudential at this year’s Hispanicize – the largest annual event for Latino trendsetters and news makers in digital content creation, journalism, marketing, entertainment and tech entrepreneurship.
It’s knowledge. Sir Francis Bacon knew what he was talking about when he coined the phrase Knowledge is Power. Let me explain. 
While fear is the number one thing that holds up back from trying new things, knowledge is the only thing that pushes us through because the more we learn about people, things, situations, etc., the less we fear them.
As a first generation American, from hard working, blue collar Mexican parents who only spoke Spanish, I knew knowledge was going to be key to help us get through many firsts. So through their help and that of my teachers and friends, I was able to see how learning something new and different from my current situation and perspective, could help me not only hope and dream for better, but actually reach better.
So I ran with it and graduated top 10 in my class, became the first in my family to go to college and graduated with two degrees – a BA in History and International Relations and a MS in Human Resources (HR). And so began my thirst for being a life long learner – gaining knowledge from every job, experience, and encounter – because I know as long as I’m learning I’m growing .
As I climbed the corporate ladder toward reaching my dream however, I realized that for me, happiness was more important than the money and power associated with the right job title. So after I had built up a nice nest egg and gained my financial independence, I left the VP life and moved toward a life geared toward education and sharing my If I only knew then what I know now stories via Your Sassy Self.
And after a few years of on the job training, fabulous continuing education opportunities, and conferences like Hispanicize, I am now making what I was making in my VP life, without having to work long hours in a passionless job, away from family and friends. It hasn’t all been champagne and roses, but there’s no price on happiness, so it’s all been worth it.
Am I millionaire? No, but in redefining what a successful, financially independent, happy life looks like, I realized that with happiness as my guide, I was able to find a way to have it all. And I am doing everything in my power to continue living the life I love, with an income stream that supports it. That’s exactly what Prudential’s new educational initiative aims to do.
To empower women with financial solutions so they can be confident they are making the right decisions for themselves and their families.
It is this desire to inspire women to take control of their financial future, that left me honored to partner with Prudential, the title sponsor at Hispanicize, and leader in investment, retirement, and insurance solutions.
Regardless of whether you manage budgets in the corporate world, as an entrepreneur, or you’re your family’s personal CFO (Chief Financial Officer), relying on advice and services from a trusted financial powerhouse like Prudential can make all the difference in helping you find your happiness and financial independence.
And boy did they showcase that through out Hispanicize with various information sessions and panels featuring amazing women, sharing their insights into happiness and financial independence, while doing their life’s passion. From the great wrap up session at the DiMe Summit,
@iamcameka – “when you show up you go up – when you show up you grow” #WomenInspired #Hispz16
— Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) April 4, 2016
Great tip from @Prudential #WomenInspired “stand for something, not for everything” #Hispz16
— Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) April 4, 2016
to taking time to highlight the amazing, inspirational things the winners of the Positive Impact Awards are doing for their community,
to highlighting Lizzie Velasquez’ path from being called the World’s Ugliest Woman to a happiness activist and motivational speaker,
to Amanda Casarez pursuing her passion for fashion,
to inspiring us all with their various other information sessions and interactive activities at their booth.
They totally made it easy to see how choosing a life filled with fulfilling work can not only lead to happiness, but to true financial independence, with some guidance from professionals like those at Prudential. So please check them out, follow #WomenInspired #Hispz16 on social media, and get your learn on.
And as you continue to define and pursue your happy, play it smart, stay true to your authentic self, secure in the knowledge that there is enough for everyone;
@iamcameka stop playing the comparison game, be your authentic self – yes! #WomenInspired #Hispz16
— Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) April 4, 2016
surround yourself with positive, empowering people, businesses, and learning opportunities;
and give back. Share your trials, tribulations, and triumphs to help empower others to do the same.
I promise, the more positivity and light you allow into your life and give back to everyone you meet, the more good things will come your way. And soon, you too will find yourself living the life you want, empowered, confident, and happy, which is what it’s all about.
How have you found your happy? And which of Prudential’s financial solutions do you think will help you most in gaining your independence?
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I’m just glad my husband is pretty responsible with his money. Thats one of the reasons I married him. Since hes the breadwinner right now he makes sure that he is investing into both our IRAs every year. And we are actually looking into finding a product with cash value so we have something as an emergency fund. I’ll definitely research what prudential has.
Great post!
Oh that helps so much Liz. Putting away is so important and good for him for doing it for the both of you. I’m sure one of their financial advisors can help you figure out you emergency fund situation. Good luck!
I bet your parents are so proud of you. Top ten in your class and graduating college are awesome.
Thanks Tara, they are definitely proud!
I was watching all of the posts from this conference and it looked amazing! I am loving the financial independence tips. Keep them coming 🙂
Thanks Rachel it was a great conference and so is this Prudential campaign. So excited to be a part of it. Thanks for stopping by!
i think if you love what you do you will be find the happiness in it. And if you work harder and smarter maybe you will be financially independent
So true Ana, thanks for stopping by
Love those quotes! Thank you for the amazing tips!
Thanks Christine, loved them too which is why I had to share. ?
Sounds like Prudential is helping women achieve their goals, great job!
Thanks Heather! They are doing a great job at inspiring & empowering for sure
They say money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does help you a lot in feeling like a queen =)
lol Amy
This looks like an amazing event. Kudos to Prudential for helping people gain financial independence.
Right! I couldn’t agree more Marianne, thanks
These are amazing, it’s great to be financially independent. Thanks for all the lovely tips. I believe your outlook does most of the job, a positive mind equals a positive life!
Amen to that Elizabeth. I’m a firm believer in positivity. Thanks so much for dropping by.
Financial health is so very important and many families do ignore it…..but it is essential
So essential for piece of mind for sure Mardene. Thanks
I love your story and how hard you worked to get where you were and where you are today!
Thanks Liz, we all have our journey. This is mine ?
What an amazing journey you’ve gone through. You are def someone to admire and hope to be like.
Well aren’t you the sweetest Krystle, You made my week, but that’s why I share – to show if I can do it so can you ?
You’re so amazing! You made it to the top ten! You’re parents would be proud!
Well aren’t you sweet Matz, we’re proud of each other for pulling through and living a better life. Thanks so much for stopping by!
It’s vital to put money away when you’re young, which is when you don’t want to do it!! Imagine starting with your first job, at about 16 years of age, and putting away 20% of your income! Retirement will be so easy!
So true Tina, makes all the difference.
You should be so proud of yourself, in adversity you managed to get in the top 10 and look what you have done since. I think you are incredible!
Awe thanks Ana! I mainly share my story more as a way to show that if I can do it, anyone can, but truly appreciate the road I’ve traveled for sure.
Handling your money well is so important. After all, you work hard for it and don’t want to have to continue working hard because of poor financial decisions.
So true Robin, we work hard for our money, we’ve got to do everything in our power to keep it 😀
Financial independence is very important. I don’t think you realize how important until you lose it.
So true Rosey, which is why we need to do our part so we don’t. 😉
This is so great and I saw tons of ladies that I know who are amazing! Definitely an amazing journey and loved that you shared with all of us!
Thanks Victoria, it was an inspirational journey for sure.
Congats on your degrees!!! I bet your family is super proud.
Thanks Doran!
my husband a business and finance professor/dean. he always make sure that we are good in the present and in the future regarding financial status. its always good to keep track of things like this
That is amazing Tauyunm and so true
I must confess handling money the right way is something I failed at and trying to learn now before I enter my 30’s in couple of years time. This is a great post, so motivational and inspirational
So important, especially to get on the right track at a young age Anosa, but don’t let it scare you. Just like everything you may slip, but tomorrow is always a new day to try again! Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by 😀