Portfolio

I’m a second-generation Latina taking up space in the personal finance industry. After being homeless in high school, I’ve gone on to become the first person in my family to graduate from college. I’m a personal finance columnist, writer, and nationally certified trauma support specialist. I’m also the author behind Budgeting For Dummies as part of the world-famous Dummies series.

After spending years working with high school students, my approach to teaching others is the way of storytelling while using real-life examples. If you’re looking for a content creator who can talk about personal finance in a relatable way, I’d love to chat with you by email at athena@moneysmartlatina.com.

Besides content creation for websites such as Buzzfeed, Prudential, and Slate, I also provide content for influencer campaigns and newsletters. What’s my writing expertise?

Personal Finance 

  • Financial trauma. 
  • Latina-specific money issues such as multigenerational housing. 
  • Personal finance for college students and recent graduates, including student loans.
  • Financial advice for significant life transitions.
  • Financial abuse, especially within a family setting. 
  • Pet care and insurance.
  • LGBTQ Finance

Mental Health and Advocacy 

  • Trauma and how it affects your body and life. 
  • ADHD as an adult. 
  • Self-care. 
  • Goal setting and connection to resources.
  • Chronic and invisible illnesses. 

I’ve also been recently featured in Real Simple Magazine as a contributor for their 2022 January/ February Wellness Issue, The New York Times & I’m a regular contributor to the Slate Magazine Column, Pay Dirt.  

Writing Examples For Your Consideration

Years Later, I Still Can’t Forgive My Son for His Credit Card Frenzy Slate Magazine

I Thought Gifting Cars Was a Myth. Then I Met My Boyfriend’s Rich Family. Slate Magazine

My Girlfriend and I Are Moving in Together. I Want to Protect Us From My Future, Spiteful Self. Slate Magazine

How to catch spooky fall vibes in New Orleans, Tripadvisor

You’ve Heard Of “Quiet Quitting,” But Now Get Ready For “Shift Shock,” The Trend That’s Ruining Your New Job Buzzfeed

Running Low On Cash? Here’s 5 Reasons Why The Buy Now Pay Later Method May Not Be A Good Idea Buzzfeed

Nobody Ever Told Me How Much Trauma Can Affect Your Finances. Here’s What I Wish I’d Known Buzzfeed

5 ways you can support Hispanic businesses Prudential

7 ways the Hispanic community can build wealth Prudential

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run, Insurify

Can an Insurance Company Force You to Total Your Car? Insurify 

Average Car Insurance Cost in Arizona (2023), Insurify 

Cheapest SUVs to Insure (2023), Insurify 

Average Car Insurance Cost in Nebraska (2023), Insurify 

6 Reasons Why I, A Millennial, Am Perfectly Happy With Renting And Do Not Wish To Buy A House Buzzfeed

“Living On Your Own Is NOT Cheap”: 9 Things That Turned Out To Be Way More Expensive Than I Thought When I Got My First Apartment Buzzfeed

Dealing With Racial Discrimination In The Workplace Clever Girl Finance

19 Favorite Female Luxury Influencers On YouTube Clever Girl Finance

7 Budgeting Best Practices Clever Girl Finance

A Gen Z guide to organizing your money: the 7 financial accounts you should have Money Under 30

Chadwick Boseman Died Without A Will: Why You Need An Estate Plan Now The College Investor

Student Loan Forgiveness Will Benefit Some But Leaves Others Hesitant The College Investor

How to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally at Work I Like To Dabble

LGBTQ+ Healthcare: What You Need to Know I Like To Dabble

401(k) Versus Roth IRA: Which Retirement Savings Account Makes Most Sense for You? Well + Good

3 Strategies To Lower the Interest Rate on Your Student Loan (And What To Do If You Can’t) College Life Today

Media

My Retirement Plan Is You The New York Times

This Money Expert Learned the Benefits of Pet Insurance the Hard Way—Through a $14,000 Emergency Apartment Therapy

HOW TO NEGOTIATE A RAISE & LATINA EQUAL PAY WITH ATHENA VALENTINE LENT The Thought Card

Hispanic Heritage Month: Financial Inclusion for the Hispanic Community Experian

24 BIPOC Personal Finance Bloggers You Have to Follow in 2022 Healthy Rich

7 financial experts reveal which credit cards they own Finder

Latinx Student Resources Palo Alto University

10 Personal Finance Influencers Discussing All Things Money Izea

8 Hispanic Personal Finance Influencers to Follow for Money Advice The Penny Hoarder