Finance often has a way of controlling our lives, whether we want it to or not. But what if you were already two steps behind before the financial race began? Cait Howerton, financial coach and CFP candidate, turned her “mess” into her “message,” and is speaking openly about the pitfalls that the LGBTQ+ community faces in the financial sphere.

Howerton, who talks in detail of her difficulties coming out to her family, is channeling her experiences into knowledge and leadership for the LGBTQ+ community and the financial community alike. On this episode of SheVentures, we get real.

Key Moments

  • 3:42 — Cait Howerton discusses what it was like to come out as gay after being the “golden child” and doing exactly what was expected of her for years.
  • 5:47 — Most areas that welcome the LGBTQ+ community are, unfortunately, in large cities with a higher cost of living. Howerton describes the challenges this poses for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • 10:14 — Find out what “second puberty” is and how the queer lifestyle lends itself to lower income and debt.
  • 15:11 — Thirty-six percent of LGBTQ+ workers say they would rather spend money to enjoy themselves today than save for tomorrow, compared with 27 percent of the general population. Howerton hypothesizes why.
  • 20:00 — Howerton was a victim of work discrimination because of her sexual orientation. Learn how she dealt with it, and how others in a similar situation can, too.
  • 24:38 — Making sure that queer employees are supported — and not fearful — in an office environment is vital.
  • 33:18 — Howerton explains her holistic approach to financial planning and how understanding clients’ needs, before anything else, is vital.
  • 38:08 — The cost of parenthood adversely affects LGBTQ+ couples more than heterosexual couples. Howerton discusses why.
  • 41:35 — Having lost touch with her own family due to her sexual orientation, Howerton talks about the effects this alienation can have on one’s mental health.
  • 49:30 — “I have learned that showing up wholeheartedly is the antithesis of weakness,” say Howerton. Find out what she meant by this and how you can incorporate this powerful thought into your daily life.