Sis, let me take you back. I used to live by a mantra that sounded bold in theory but reckless in practice: “It’s my money. Don’t tell me what to do with my money.”
I thought I had it all figured out. A little stubborn, a little prideful, maybe even a little too independent for my own good. But as my grandmother used to remind me—though she said it with a little more bite— “A hard head makes a soft behind.”
Life eventually showed me the truth in her words when bills started piling up and opportunities slipped by because my finances weren’t in alignment. And then, one day, more wisdom showed up, not in the form of a lecture, but in the voice of a woman whose message carried both credibility and conviction. Her name? Rachael Hanible, better known as Coach Rae.
A Woman Who Walks The Walk
Coach Rae isn’t just another motivational speaker flooding your feed with “boss babe” slogans. She is the 2025 Financial Education Instructor of the Year, a bestselling author, an award-winning speaker, and a personal finance coach whose strategies are grounded in lived experience.
The Philly native didn’t inherit wealth. She wasn’t handed a manual on money management. She grew up in a neighborhood where survival overshadowed long-term planning.
“I grew up in a poor community. There were no classes teaching us about money,” Coach Rae tells BrownStyle Magazine. “I had to learn on my own as an adult. But once I started, everything shifted.”
And shifted it did. She paid off nearly $300,000 in debt, achieved the elusive 850 credit score, and discovered that financial freedom wasn’t just about numbers—it was about self-worth.
“When I got serious about my money, everything else in my life improved. I started choosing better friends, better partners, and even eating better. Money touches every part of your life,” the financial expert adds.
Determined to close the gap in financial literacy, Coach Rae became a Certified Financial Education Instructor and founded Missing Peace Financial Group. And for more than 12 years, she has taught adults and children—yes, starting as young as age three—how to build healthy relationships with money.
“My mission is simple: I want the next generation to be free,” she shares, adding that she enjoys teaching everything from budgeting and saving to investing and credit-building.
The Truth About “Security”
Coach Rae knows what it takes to climb out of debt, to start from nothing, and to transform financial scars into strategy.
Too often, women are sold a dangerous myth: that security lies in someone else’s pockets. That being “taken care of” equals safety. But Coach Rae challenges us to break that illusion.
“Too many women are waiting for someone to save them,” she says. “And the truth is, no one is coming. Even if they do, they’re more likely to save you if they see you saving yourself. If you give someone the power to feed you, you also give them the power to starve you. Build your own table. Start saving. Start investing,” she suggests.
Her words hit like a sermon—sharp, clear, unforgettable.
Coach Rae reminds us that financial abuse is real, and money is too often used as a weapon to control or trap women in unhealthy relationships.
“This is why we must build our own tables,” she says. “Boundaries aren’t just financial—they’re emotional, mental, and spiritual. Love should be chosen, not forced by circumstance.”
Your Mindset Controls Your Assets
Coach Rae adds that wealth starts in the mind.
“Your mindset controls your assets,” she insists. “Shift your focus from lack to abundance. Start where you are, with what you have, and watch everything change.”
Too often, women are shackled by money myths like:
- ➖ Financial freedom is only for people with six-figure salaries.
- ➖ Budgets are only for people with “extra” money.
- ➖ Looking wealthy equals being wealthy.
- ➖ Partnership equals dependency.
She encourages you to challenge that mindset by turning to practical tools to help you step into financial freedom. Her starter steps are simple yet powerful:
- ✨ Name your roadblocks. Write down what’s holding you back financially.
- ✨ Create one solution per roadblock. Even if it’s small, take one step.
- ✨ Do one thing daily. Consistency compounds into freedom.
And don’t worry—joy belongs in the budget, too. “Self-care is always included,” she says. “You deserve the trip, the bag, the moment—but with more money in your account than what it costs.”
Her mantra? Live for today. Prepare for tomorrow.
The Soft Life, Funded By Smart Money Moves
Here at BrownStyle Magazine, we know the Soulful Soft Life™ isn’t about luxury posts for the ’gram. It’s about peace, wellness, and boundaries that honor our spirit. And as Coach Rae reminds us, money is the foundation that makes those boundaries stick.
“Too many women stay in toxic jobs or relationships because they can’t afford to leave,” she says. “Financial freedom gives you options. And options give you peace.”
Imagine waking up each morning with the freedom to say no to what drains you, yes to what fulfills you, and the clarity to choose what aligns with your soul. That’s the life Coach Rae teaches us to build.
And for Coach Rae, the ultimate luxury isn’t labels—it’s legacy. She explains, “Financial empowerment means stability and confidence. Stability comes from having multiple streams of income and a plan. Confidence comes from education and consistent action. Together, they create wealth that doesn’t just serve you—it multiplies for generations.”
Final Word To BrownStyle Women
As our conversation closes, Coach Rae leaves us with both a challenge and a blessing: “You have two choices: change or stay the same. Being broke is hard. Being wealthy is hard. Pick your hard. Only one leads to the soulful, soft, peaceful life you deserve. This is your time.”
Sis, I left that moment with Coach Rae inspired, convicted, and ready to act. Because the truth is, she’s right—no one is coming to save us. But we have everything we need to save ourselves.
So I’ll ask you what she asked me: Are you ready to build your own table?
Learn more about Coach Rae at rachaelhanible.com.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
