National Entrepreneurship Day: Raya Reaves of City Girl Savings

• Raya Reaves is the Founder and Finance Coach of City Girl Savings.
• Raya was a past guest on CapWay’s Culture Meets Money show, where she discussed with Sheena Allen, CapWay Founder and CEO, how people could have a great relationship with money. 
• Raya has helped hundreds of clients with their long-term financial planning and created better money habits.

Raya Reaves is the Founder and Finance Coach of City Girl Savings. Raya was a past guest on CapWay's Culture Meets Money show, where she discussed with Sheena Allen, CapWay Founder and CEO, how people could have a great relationship with money. 
 

Raya has helped hundreds of clients with long-term financial planning and created better money habits. Raya specializes in helping people with their financial goals, including budgeting, saving money, getting out of debt, and building wealth. She is also very interactive on her social media channels, where she serves as a financial coach and gives tons of valuable financial advice and information. 
 

Below you can learn more about Raya and her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the advice she gives to other women entrepreneurs.
 

When did you know you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
 

I had the idea for City Girl Savings (a personal finance resource for women) in late 2013, but a funny story – I actually had a business idea in 2011 (I was 23 years old) to start a business that involved creating simple budget plans for people. Nothing ever happened with that idea, but one of the services City Girl Savings offers is budget plan creation. So, I had the first inkling to become a personal finance entrepreneur in 2011!

What challenges have you faced on your entrepreneurship journey?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced on my entrepreneurial journey is timing. Not only timing as far as finding a balance between working a full-time corporate job, taking on clients, getting business tasks done, and still trying to have a personal life, but also timing of "success." 

Sometimes, I struggle with wanting things to happen right when I want them, and business (even life, for that matter) doesn't work like that. I've learned to plant seeds and appreciate the journey of watching them grow. I've also learned that I'm pretty good at time management but always look for ways to be more efficient.

How can women become fiscally savvy and prioritize their financial health?

One of the best ways women can become fiscally savvy is by having a budget. I'm not talking, just a list of expenses. I mean a tool that shows what money is coming in throughout the month, what is expected to go out for the month, and what's left over. 

Knowing that information can help women feel more in control of their money. That feeling of control will help build confidence and allow women to make better money decisions.

Why is it vital for you to help other women learn about finances or access financial resources?
 

My mission to help as many women reach success with their money stems from the amazing things that happened to me when I got my finances in order. I was an over-spender. I was in debt. I was almost evicted from my big-girl apartment.

I was able to learn what it takes to break free of those mental and physical chains. I knew that if I could do it, I could help other women do it. It's important to me to help women recognize their own potential and do the work to reach the life they always wanted.

What does a "financial legacy" look like for you?

For me, a financial legacy looks like leaving a positive financial impact behind. I don't have children, but if I did, it would mean making sure they have the resources to succeed. That would be in the form of financial security but the knowledge to maintain it for themselves and future generations. 

For me, a financial legacy doesn't just have to be for my children. It also means leaving an impact on those that I teach or come in contact with, even if it's as simple as making women feel like they can change their financial situation.
 

How are you working toward building generational wealth for your family and community?
 

I'm working towards building generational wealth by educating my community on the things it took to get me to the financial place I'm in today. Sharing things that work and don't work—opening the door for more money conversations. Constantly putting out content that inspires, educates, and influences positive financial change.

My final piece of advice would be for women to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve anything they want. No one else is going to have your back like you will. If you don't believe in yourself, who else will? Start small with your goals because baby steps add up over the course of time!