5 Money Rules Dasha Kennedy Broke and Still Got Richer

When it comes to personal finance, most of us are taught a strict set of rules. Don’t carry credit card debt. Stick to your budget no matter what. And for heaven’s sake, don’t talk about money with friends.

But Dasha Kennedy, founder of The Broke Black Girl, hasn’t always followed those rules. In fact, in an Instagram post, she admitted to breaking many of them. The twist? Those so-called “bad” money moves didn’t stop her from building wealth. Instead, they helped her survive, stabilize her family and eventually thrive.

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Her story is a reminder that money rules aren’t commandments. They’re guidelines, and sometimes, survival matters more than perfection. Here are five money rules Kennedy broke and still got richer.

When the choice was between paying off her card or keeping the lights on and feeding her kids, Kennedy chose survival. Carrying a balance wasn’t about recklessness; it was about getting through a hard time.

If you must carry a balance, make sure it’s only temporary. Pay more than the minimum when possible, and use credit as a bridge, not a lifestyle, per Kennedy. According to Forbes, the average American carries $6,473 in credit card debt. If you ignore debt, it can snowball, but if you manage debt strategically, it can be a lifeline.

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Kennedy financed her car because she needed reliable transportation to get to work and take care of her kids. For her, the car wasn’t a luxury. It was a necessity.

Kennedy explained that financing a vehicle isn’t inherently bad, but over-financing is. She advised not financing more than you can afford to pay for each month, aiming for the lowest interest rate possible and paying extra toward the principal when you can.

Experian reported that the average new car loan now tops $40,000, with monthly payments over $700. That’s a heavy load for most households. Instead, shop for a reliable, used vehicle that gets you where you need to go without wrecking your budget.

Kennedy rented during seasons of life when buying a home wasn’t realistic for her. She explained that renting gave her flexibility, peace of mind and fewer responsibilities when her life was still in transition. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re renting, as it may just be the right thing for you to do at this time in your life.

“Homeownership is powerful, but it’s not the only path to stability,” Kennedy said. Use renting as a stepping stone while you save, stabilize your income and prepare for the responsibilities of owning.

Kennedy said she sees budgets as maps, not handcuffs. When life threw her curveballs, she adjusted her budget instead of beating herself up for breaking it.

Remember when you’re budgeting that flexibility is key. A rigid budget often collapses the first time reality doesn’t match the spreadsheet. Instead, track your changes, reroute when needed and always circle back.

Kennedy believes silence around money costs more than overdraft fees. She explained that some of her best financial hacks and reality checks came from open conversations with friends. Money secrecy, on the other hand, can keep people stuck.

Research from the University of Cambridge showed that by age seven, financial habits are often already formed. Open dialogue around money can help break generational cycles of misinformation.

Kennedy advised building a circle of trusted people where money isn’t taboo. She suggested sharing strategies, comparing notes and reminding each other that you’re not alone.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Money Rules Dasha Kennedy Broke and Still Got Richer