Listen, I was slow to board the TikTok train, but I eventually had to hop on. I mean, you can't help but get sucked into watching the ridiculous dances and hilarious skits, whether you have an account or you see them on your Instagram feed. I especially love the ones that are super-relatable, include useful hacks or how-tos, and cover issues we all deal with—particularly those related to money.
These top 10 Tiktok stars are Black women who are great at teaching all of us how to get, keep, and increase our coins. Ain't nothing funny about being broke, but their videos will either help you forget about that rent laughing at your bank account balance or give you some tips you can actually use to defeat your money problems for good. (And hey, sis, if you really love TikToks and want to see more of these, share and comment below. We might just make this a recurring feature.)
1.Melissa of Millennial In Debt
She got rid of more than $100,000 in debt and closed on her first home, all on a teacher's salary. The founder of Millennial in Debt calls herself the "Beyonce of Personal Finance" and helps millennials get a handle on their money via her YouTube channel, webinars, and coaching sessions. Yep. Say no more.
2.Carmen of Make Real Cents
Yet another TikTok that tries and convicts my poor overspending, Amazon Prime-loving, just-buy-it, spendaholic self. Carmen is also founder of Budget Better, a resource for people to find ways to make budgeting a priority, and she provides info via her social sites on investing and financial fitness.
3.Tonya Rapley of My Fab Finance
She's an OG money expert, entrepreneur, and founder of My Fab Finance, an education and lifestyle platform that helps millennials reach their personal finance goals. Tonya Rapley has been in the game helping thousands via workshops, speaking engagements, and coaching for more than a decade. Her TikToks (and many of her IG Reels) break down topics like debt reduction and budgeting in a way that puts simplicity and credibility at the forefront.
4.Bola of Clever Girl Finance
Watch on TikTok
Clever Girl Finance gives you quick hits on hacks for the usual adult chores (like handling bills), and Bola addresses topics many of us struggle with on the daily. You'll feel a tad less guilty and more empowered to make some changes watching her fun and peaceful videos.
5.Clarissa AKA "The Budget Queen"
You know that favorite cousin or auntie who will snatch your debit card away after a day of shopping or invite you to her house for a meal afterward so you won't eat out for the fifth time in a week? Clarissa is that woman. Her keep-it-real videos are hilariously informative and make the thought of the dreaded b-word a lot less, well, dreadful.
6.Dannie of Pennies to Wealth
Sis was able to conquer $130,000 in debt, and we all know Uncle Sam (or Sallie Mae) doesn't play about that money owed. Dannie offers financial fitness coaching via her platform, Pennies to Wealth, and she's full of resources to get your money right. Her videos are cute, quick and to the point, but cover major impact.
7.Nika of Debt Free Gonna Be
Watch on TikTok
I swear the video above perfectly depicts the love-hate relationship my budget and I have had over the years. Nika also offers, through her platform, worksheets, step-by-step tips, and other useful downloadable resources to address budgeting and debt-reduction for all of us who need that extra push in the organization department.
8.Bitch I'm Budgeting
The great thing about following this journey is that she's dead set in the middle of it, so you'll feel like you have a friend who's pretty much going through some of the same money issues as you are. She's a special education teacher whose goal is to get rid of $19,000 in debt by the end of 2021. Go 'head sis! We're right there with you!
9.Cinneah of Flynanced
If the name doesn't do it, the travel hacks for saving money will. I love flying out affordably while still having an upgraded experience, and her TikToks don't fail when giving the tea on how to do just that. Her platform also empowers millennials to build wealth through travel.
10.Coupon Queen T
Watch on TikTok
Who doesn't like the euphoric feeling of walking out of a store with 10 bags of groceries that only set you back 20 bucks? I mean, who? Who? I swear this woman's videos might have you literally holding up the line at your favorite market just to make sure all the discounts were taken off properly, and with no shame to boot. She's a wife and mother who literally takes couponing to a whole 'nother level.
Read more money mindset conversations in xoNecole's "Money Talks" series here.
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'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
@caviardreamkendra so you’ve got your Caviar Dream…now what to eat it with? i’ve probably had cavi with just about anything you can imagine at this point {topped some fried cheese curds with my California White a few months ago and it was 💥} but i gotta say that i have some on my scrambled eggs every week 😌 no need to get fancy — just scramble your eggs however you usually do and scoop that cavi right on top 🤤 you can upgrade from there in a few ways: ✨ add a dollop of crème frâiche {see my previous video for a 30 second make-at-home recipe} ✨ sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top ✨ put the whole caviar / scrambled egg situation on a toasted + buttered bagel, croissant or onion bun! p.s.: i love our Smoked Trout Roe with scrambled eggs too 💖 if you try any of these combos, let me know what you think! 🩵💭✨👩🏽🍳 #CaviarDream #caviarforthepeople #putsomecaviaronit #caviar #caviartok #fyp #caviarparty #caviarnight #affordableluxury #chicagotiktok #homecooking #galentines #valentinesday #tiktokuniversity #cooking #easyrecipe #caviar101
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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