The Power of Your Pocket Book
On November 6, 2024 I was shook. Looking back, I really shouldn’t have been.
Back in 2016, while everyone was gearing up to celebrate the first female president of the U.S., I had this gnawing dread in my gut. I didn’t want to believe it, but somehow, I just knew.
And now, eight years later, for some bizarre reason, I let myself take a big ol’ hit of “hopium.”
Me. The ultimate Negative Nancy. The OG Debbie Downer. I actually thought- this time will be different.
It wasn’t.
And now I’m sitting here wondering- how could I’ve been so blind?
After the election, I sat on my couch, staring at nothing, feeling completely numb.
It was that kind of exhaustion that just seeps into your bones—the weight of disappointment, disbelief, and a little too much doomscrolling.
But numbness didn’t stick around for long. It melted into sadness, a deep ache for the world we’re living in and the one we’re leaving behind. And then, sadness turned into anger—hot, burning, let’s-flip-the-table anger.
I wasn’t just angry at the “system”. I was angry at the corporate bigwigs who feign care when it’s profitable, the media for shukin’ and jivin’ and “both siding” for the establishment. At voters who base life-altering decisions on slogans and soundbites (I mean, helloooo…we start googling shit after the election is over???) And at the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that comes with watching things fall apart.
But here’s one thing I know.
Anger can fuel action. And for me, action starts with one question: Where am I spending my money?
Why I Can’t Stay Silent
Look, I know it’s controversial to talk about how you really feel about the world when you have a business or a brand. The internet loves to chime in with comments like “stay in your lane” or “shut up and…” (insert whatever your expertise is).
And honestly, I get it.
I haaaate finding out that a brand I once admired—well, I don’t know—supports a leader with clear and present fascistic tendencies. Or supports policies that actively harm people.
It fucking sucks.
And while I know not every brand needs to scream their beliefs from the rooftops, it’s impossible for me to separate what’s happening in the world from the work I do. Because the truth is, it matters.
It’s part of who I am—not just as someone with a brand, but as a human being on this earth..
And if I’m going to ask you to spend your time and energy supporting my work, I think you deserve to know where I stand.
Why Every Dollar is a Statement
This is why I’m doubling down on where I spend. Because spending isn’t just about buying stuff—it’s about choosing what we stand for.
Every single dollar you spend is a vote. When you buy from businesses that reflect your values, you’re not just a consumer anymore—you’re a participant in a movement. You’re saying, “I’m not okay with how things are, and I’m putting my money where my mouth is.”
Each purchase becomes an act of rebellion, a way to demand better.
When enough of us make these intentional choices, they add up to something bigger—a collective challenge to the idea that profit should ever come before people or the planet.
Big Corporations Aren’t Here to Help
And let’s be real—big corporations? They’re not going to save us.
They’re masters of performative allyship, trotting out pretty graphics and vague promises when it’s trendy, but where are they when it’s time for real action? *crickets*
For too long, we’ve let them get away with it. But when we stop handing them our money, our time, and our attention, we’re sending a clear message- “If you don’t stand with us, you don’t get our dollars.”
Businesses That Actually Care
Look, I’m not saying it’s easy. There are small businesses out there that don’t share your values, and there are larger companies that do. The size of a business isn’t the only thing that matters—it’s about their actions.
That said, small businesses often have an edge. When you buy from them, you’re less likely to see your money funneled to a greedy CEO who’s funding who-knows-what cause. Supporting a small, values-driven business can feel more personal, more aligned, and more impactful. But at the end of the day, the real goal is to spend with businesses that actually care—big or small.
Flipping the Script on Spending
It’s time to rethink how we spend. Sure, we all love a good deal, but let’s start seeing every purchase as a way to assert power.
Every time you choose a business that aligns with your beliefs, you’re making a stand. Each purchase becomes a small ripple, and together, those ripples create waves of real change.
The Lie We’ve Been Sold
Let’s talk about the lie we’ve all been sold. The idea that buying the newest, trendiest thing will magically make us happier, more complete, or more fulfilled.
Newsflash—it won’t.
My friend, it’s time we de-influence our lives.
To be clear- it’s not about never buying anything again or becoming a minimalist. It’s about stepping off the consumer treadmill and making choices that matter.
Buy what you truly need or want or what brings you joy (or all of the above)—not what some rando person told you is a “game-changer” on the internet.
Buying just to keep up with trends or to chase some vague idea of “enough”? Nah.
And if you *think* you’re not being influenced, let me assure you, if you do any significant amount of scrolling on the inter webs- you are.
The time has come to be very mindful, very self-assured, and spend with intention.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the truth- we can’t wait for corporations to grow a set- or a conscience. They’re not going to because they really don’t care what we think.
But they do care about one thing—their bottom line. And that’s where our power lies.
When we stop feeding businesses that don’t support us, we start building a future that does. Every dollar we spend is an opportunity to shape the world we want to see.
Because when enough of us come together (even in small ways) we can make a BIG difference.
But I’m Exhausted
I get it.
We’re all burned out. The endless news cycles, the vapid punditry, the mixed messaging, the overload of information—it’s a lot.
And on top of that, the idea of researching which businesses align with your values? It feels like one more thing on an already overwhelming to-do list.
If that’s where you’re at right now, it’s okay.
Maybe you feel like you don’t currently have a choice. Maybe your options are limited, and all that’s available or affordable to you is a big-box store like Wallie World. I get it—you can only do the best you can.
It’s kind of like veganism. We make the best choices we can with what’s available, and accept that we'll never be perfect in a non-vegan world. But as my good friend, Nancy always says, “It’s progress over perfection.”
Take the time you need, but know this- when you’re ready, your voice matters. Even small, intentional choices can create massive shifts in our collective consciousness .
Resources to Find Out Who’s Getting Your Money
Want to make sure your money is going to companies that actually align with your values? Check out these resources to see exactly where your dollars are heading and who they’re supporting:
OpenSecrets: This platform provides comprehensive data on campaign contributions and lobbying activities, allowing you to see how corporations and organizations influence politics.
Accountable.US's Corporate Donations Tracker: This tool aggregates donations from Fortune 500 companies and trade group PACs, offering insights into corporate political contributions.
ProPublica's Fortune 500 Donations Database: This database tracks corporate contributions to campaign committees, highlighting the political spending of major companies.
Center for Political Accountability's 527 Database: This resource provides information on corporate political spending, focusing on contributions to 527 organizations.
FollowTheMoney.org: Operated by OpenSecrets, this site offers data on money in state politics, including contributions to state-level candidates and committees.
Got an opinion? I’d love to hear it (even if it differs from mine). But this community is based on respect, so any out-of-pocket comments will be deleted, so don’t even waist your time.