5 fierce money lessons from celebrity women

Businesswomen? More like business-weapons. These ladies have been hitting goals left, right, and centre in the last year, from making scarily successful movies and running a drag queen empire to inheriting the literal title of Queen. What can we learn from their success?

Here are 5 crucial money lessons from 5 celebrity women.

Margot Robbie was tapped as the producer for the intensely successful Barbie (2023) movie long before she was cast in the lead role. And her great money choice? Making indie feminist filmmaker Greta Gerwig the screenwriter and director. 

Not only did this drum up immense hype, but Gerwig’s witty brand of womanism could deliver that unique combo of celebration and critique. 

And after more than $1.4 billion at the box office and several Oscar nominations – including one for Robbie as producer – we’d say she was right.

So what’s the money lesson? As a businesswoman, choosing good people – and trusting them to carry on your vision – is key. So, if you’ve taken out a business loan to manifest your idea, don’t rush the hiring process. Teamwork literally makes the dream work.

Taylor Swift’s highly successful filmed version of her 2023-2024 Eras Tour is notable not just because it’s the highest-grossing concert film of all time and has an impressive 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, but because the singer-songwriter financed and distributed it herself. 

The genius of this move was that it allowed Swift to cut costs and retain control. Puck estimates the film only cost $10-$20 million. It also let Swift partner directly with theatres and show the world that you don’t need the big studios to make the dream happen (provided you have Taylor Swift money). 

So what’s the money lesson? It’s okay to be your own champion. You don’t need the traditional system to get stuff done, especially if it costs you more and isn’t welcoming.

Tracee Ellis Ross is more than the nepo-baby of singer Diana Ross – in 2019, the actress and producer became an entrepreneur by founding her own beauty brand for the “natural hair community”. 

As the proud owner of mixed-type curls, Ross understood the difficulties of finding gentle yet effective products for washing, styling, and maintaining Afro-textured hair. Instead of letting the gap in the market sit, Ross embraced her experience and used it to found Pattern Beauty in 2019. 

Years later, the company has made a major splash, partnering with retailers such as Ulta, Amazon, and Sephora. 

So what’s the money lesson? Who you are is unique to the market. Let it shine!

The Australian Queen of Denmark copped criticism when it was revealed she and her royal husband had listed their Swiss chalet on Airbnb. Since the Danish Royal Family is on a public allowance, they cannot purchase property without approval from the government. (Turns out they used their own money). 

Queen Mary and King Frederick have since announced they will no longer earn money by renting it out, but it is an interesting display of frugality from literal Old Money. 

So what’s the money lesson? Wealthy people receive money from assets, like investment properties, share portfolios, or high-interest savings accounts – not income. It’s okay to have a backup plan to supplement your salary (provided it’s legal).

Internationally successful drag queen, businesswoman, and YouTuber Trixie Mattel is refreshingly candid regarding money and might have the galaxy mindset on wealth.

Mattel grew up “below-below the poverty line” as a Queer and Indigenous youth, but has since gone on to become a “1-percenter in California” (her words). Her rags-to-riches story is a testament to her work ethic and business acumen, but Mattel also knows to be thoughtful and healthy with her relationship with money. Seriously, her money mindset is the financial realness we need. 

In her latest Q&A video, she confesses it can be tricky to talk about money because it invites criticism. However, Mattel draws the most meaning from money by preparing for retirement and helping her mother and sister.

“In some ways, being able to help your family, that is when you feel the most, ‘Money means something’. When you can help rescue someone you love from a barrier that has to do with money,” Mattel explains.

You can watch her full explanation here.

So what’s the money lesson? Money is a tool to meet goals, save for the future, and live out your values. It doesn’t define who you are, and there are healthy ways to talk about it. Yas Queen!

Happy International Women’s Day, folks! The cost of living can suck, and women disproportionately get left behind when it comes to financial literacy. 

So this 8th March, learn, embrace, and teach the young girls in your life about money. They’ll thank you later. To get them started for the future, you can compare savings accounts in the table below.