The Power of the Ask

Season of Savings: Managing Money During the Holidays with Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu & Marshalls

• Lisa Zeiderman, Savvy Ladies Board Chair, Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, and Precious Williams, Savvy Ladies Board of Directors, CEO/Founder of Perfect Pitch Group • Season 2 • Episode 15

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Ready to level up your money game? This episode of The Power of the Ask podcast—brought to you by Marshalls—features CEO and financial mastermind behind the Your Rich BFF brand, Vivian Tu. Vivian takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Wall Street trader to one of today’s most trusted voices in personal finance. She shares how and why she built her viral, community-centered brand, what she’s learned about empowering women through money, and why financial literacy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — in fact, it can feel like chatting with your bestie. 

Just in time for the holiday season, Vivian also shares how to set clear, achievable financial goals, beginner-friendly budgeting tips, and her signature luxe-for-less shopping hacks (hint: she’s a proud Marshalls girl). If you love a good deal, smart money moves, and a little bestie-to-bestie real talk, this episode is for you. 

Important Links:

Important Links for Vivian:

  • Your Rich BFF (https://www.yourrichbff.com/)

About Vivian Tu:

Vivian Tu is on a mission to make the financial world less intimidating—and way more accessible—for everyone.  

A former Wall Street trader turned content creator, Vivian’s titles include financial expert, speaker, entrepreneur, and the voice behind the wildly popular brand, Your Rich BFF. 

In just three short years, she’s grown a massive community—over 8 million followers across platforms—by breaking down everything from credit scores to investing in an approachable manner and speaking to her fanbase like her peer– or as she likes to call them–her besties. You may have seen her featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Top Creators lists, or listened to her hit podcast, Networth and Chill. It’s one of the first of its kind, blending expert insights and real talk about money—and it shot straight to the top of the business charts. 

Vivian’s unique ability to make finance feel friendly and fun has made her one of the most in-demand voices in the space. She’s partnered with Marshalls to to show us how we can all boost our financial literacy as a way of getting “the good stuff” in life, however we may individually define it.. 

And because getting “the good stuff” is a team effort, Marshalls partners with organizations like our own. With Marshalls’ support, Savvy Ladies helps equip women across the country take control of their finances with real tools that make financial empowerment possible. 

As a long-term partner of Marshalls, Vivian has brought her inspiring, bite-sized lessons to women across the country through The Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club and The Marshalls Good Stuff Accelerator Program. 

And if that’s not enough, she’s also a New York Times bestselling author—her debut book, RICH AF released in 2023 with rave reviews, and another on the way, hitting shelves in 2026. 

INTRO

Lisa Zeiderman:
Hey everyone, welcome to The Power of the Ask podcast, where we help you get what you need—financially and personally. I’m Lisa Zeiderman, Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman, joined by my dear friend and co-host, Precious Williams.

Precious L. Williams:
Hey Queen Lisa! And hello to all our listeners. I’m Precious Williams, the Killer Pitch Master and proud founder and CEO of The Perfect Pitch Group.

GUEST INTRODUCTION

Precious:
We’re thrilled to welcome Vivian Tu—a powerhouse in financial education! A former Wall Street trader turned content creator, Vivian is the voice behind Your Rich BFF, with over 10 million followers across platforms.

She’s been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, the Top Creators list, and hosts the hit podcast Net Worth and Chill. She’s also a New York Times bestselling author, with her debut Rich AF released in 2023 and another book, Well Endowed, coming in 2026.

INTERVIEW

Lisa:
Vivian, welcome! You went from Wall Street to Your Rich BFF—a bold move. What inspired you to make that leap?

Vivian:
I realized so much financial knowledge was being gatekept. Even people in banking didn’t know how to manage their own money! I wanted to democratize that information—especially for women and people of color—so everyone could build generational wealth.

Precious:
When you started creating content, did you ever imagine growing a 10-million-person community?

Vivian:
Never! It started as a side project for my work friends. My first video went viral, and by the end of the week, I had 100,000 “besties.” It showed me how hungry people were for approachable money advice.

Lisa:
Your content makes finance feel fun and inclusive. How do you do that?

Vivian:
I treat money talks like gossip with your best friend—relatable and real. We should talk about money the same way we talk about shows, trips, or shopping. The more we talk about it, the more powerful we become.

Precious:
Many women find financial planning intimidating, especially in tough economic times. What’s the first step to setting realistic goals?

Vivian:
Start small. Save $20 a week, or just track your spending. Automate saving so it’s effortless. When past-you takes care of future-you, success becomes natural.

Lisa:
What about women starting late in the game?

Vivian:
It’s never too early or too late. Start where you are, set achievable goals, and talk about money! The more we share, the smarter and more empowered we become.

HOLIDAY BUDGETING

Precious:
Holiday spending can be overwhelming. Any low-stress budgeting tips?

Vivian:
Make a list and assign dollar values per person—like Santa! Shop smart, look for deals, and keep categories separate. I always stop by Marshalls—it’s my go-to for quality finds without overspending.

Lisa:
And for saving during the season?

Vivian:
Use high-yield savings accounts and separate funds—holiday, rent, travel—so you know what’s what. Don’t let your “money touch,” just like your food!

PERSONAL FAVORITES

Precious:
What are your favorite holiday finds at Marshalls?

Vivian:
Party outfits! I love designer looks for less. And candles—gotta spend at least 30 minutes sniffing candles.

Lisa:
What’s your most memorable transformation story from your community?

Vivian:
A woman once told me she left an abusive relationship after learning how to manage her finances. She got her own account, a job, and her freedom. That’s why I do this.

LOOKING AHEAD

Precious:
What’s next for you and Your Rich BFF?

Vivian:
My next book, Well Endowed, releases February 2026. It’s Finance 201—how to buy a home, manage money with a partner, and build generational wealth.

RAPID FIRE ROUND

  • Cut from your budget first: Food delivery apps 🍕
  • Most underrated money habit: Dollar-cost averaging 📈
  • Cash back or travel points: Travel points ✈️
  • Biggest money mistake: Spending to flex instead of on joy 💸
  • Holiday must-have: Cashmere sweaters 🧣
  • Iconic Marshalls find: YSL heels 👠
  • Cocoa or cocktails: Hot cocoa with marshmallows ☕
  • Must-visit aisle: Shoes! Always shoes 👟
  • 2026 Money affirmation: Empowered. Brave. Resilient. 💪

CLOSING

Vivian:
The power of the ask is about knowing your worth—and asking for it. If you never ask, you’re guaranteed a “no.”

Lisa & Precious (together):
Thanks again to Marshalls for partnering with us on this important conversation!

Precious:
And thank you, Queen Vivian, for joining us. You’ve inspired us all!

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