Latest news with #Maria
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dave Ramsey tells NY woman stuck living paycheck to paycheck despite $300K income she's letting ‘drama' dictate her life
A school psychologist named Maria called into The Ramsey Show in July with an unusual problem: Despite having minimal debt and a combined yearly income of nearly $300,000, she and her husband could not seem to stick to their budget. Ramsey and co-host Jade Warshaw were visibly frustrated as Maria, who sounded nervous, waffled through the call and struggled to explain why her family couldn't keep their spending on track. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how 'We have been Ramsey-ish for about two years,' the New Yorker said. 'But life keeps getting in the way… It just feels like we cannot get ahead long enough to follow the steps in [Ramsey's] plan, and it's causing a lot of financial anxiety.' While Ramsey and Warshaw assumed Maria and her husband were bringing home $20,000 per month, the reality is they make $13,600 per month. The difference, Maria said, is due to their retirement investments and insurance deductions. Even so, the couple's debts are relatively small. They owe $17,800 on credit cards, $8,000 on a car loan, and pay $2,700 per month for their mortgage. Maria also shared that the recent deaths of her mother and brother had forced the family to cover the funeral costs of $13,000 and $8,000, respectively. 'Where do you think the rest of the money is going?' Ramsey asked, but Maria couldn't account for her family's monthly spending or explain why the expenses were so overwhelming for their budget. Ramsey's advice Ramsey didn't mince words: 'It sounds like you're circling around the airport and refuse to land.' 'It's not an intellectual circus. It's not that hard,' he added. 'You're living drama to drama, crisis to crisis, and you're letting that stuff dictate your life rather than you dictating to that stuff.' He advised Maria to re-evaluate their retirement contributions, given that her husband's take-home pay is lower than expected, and to focus on aggressively paying down their debt. He also urged her to track every dollar and take full advantage of the budgeting tools she already has. How to keep surprises from wrecking your budget Life will always come with unexpected expenses. That's why having and regularly contributing to an emergency fund is critical. It helps prevent credit card debt or other borrowing from spiraling out of control. Ramsey recommends starting with a $1,000 fund if you don't have one, then building up three to six months' worth of expenses after you've paid off debt. If an emergency has already pushed you into debt, remember that you're still in the driver's seat. Start by reviewing everything you owe, along with your essential monthly expenses. Once you know what's left over, set a realistic monthly goal of paying off debt. That may mean trimming discretionary spending for a while. But your long-term financial health — and peace of mind — will benefit from a few months of simpler living while you work things out. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it How to fit your lifestyle to your income Rachel Cruze, another co-host on The Ramsey Show, frequently talks about how high earners can still live paycheck to paycheck. Cruze says it's more than just the lifestyle creep, or the idea that spending rises with income. It's also who you surround yourself with. As you climb income brackets, your social circles may create a new 'normal' where higher spending feels expected. Cruze acknowledged that inflation is straining many budgets. For those, like Maria, who live in expensive cities, the cost of living has been unsustainable. In such cases, Cruze suggests exploring a job change or moving to a more affordable area to stretch your income further. She also warns that 'debt steals your income.' Every dollar spent on interest payments is money you can't put toward savings or goals. If you assume that earning more justifies taking on more debt, Cruze urges you to think again. Pay it off, and you ight be surprised how much breathing room it creates. Finally, Ramsey and Warshaw noted that Maria and her husband didn't appear to be aligned when it came to money. If you're working to get out of debt as a couple, you need to have regular, honest conversations — not just about a plan, but about each other's financial values and attitudes. Before you bring your concerns to your spouse, it can help to reflect on your own habits and mindset. That way, you'll be better equipped to have calm, productive discussions that stay focused on shared goals. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Lured By Hope, Trapped By Lies: Healing After Being Trafficked
Eight years ago, Maria left Caracas, Venezuela, driven by dwindling opportunities and the hope of completing her veterinary studies. At just 21, she accepted an offer from an acquaintance who promised work in Trinidad and Tobago, cleaning homes, waiting tables. It seemed like a lifeline, a way to support herself and her family back home. She didn't know then that she was stepping into a well-laid trap. 'I believed in the promise of a better future,' Maria recalled, 'but found myself trapped in a nightmare I couldn't escape.' Forced into labour and sexual exploitation, she lived in fear, rarely seeing sunlight, with her freedom stripped away. Held captive for months After eight months in captivity, Maria managed to escape. It wasn't the end of her struggles, but the start of a slow, determined journey toward healing. Now 29, she lives in Trinidad and Tobago with her partner and their two young children, aged one and five. Though her days are now filled with school runs and shared meals, the trauma still lingers. She smiles when she speaks of them, but her voice carries the weight of everything she has survived. 'It hasn't been easy,' she said, her voice shaking. 'But, I am building a new life, step by step.' Back in Venezuela, her family knows nothing of what she endured. Shame and fear have kept her silent. It's been seven years since she last saw her parents and siblings. Although she misses them deeply, the weight of what happened still feels too heavy to put into words. Combatting human trafficking Like many survivors of human trafficking, Maria has had to rebuild more than just her physical safety. The emotional wounds run deep, and the stigma surrounding trafficking makes recovery even harder. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been by her side, offering psychosocial support, helping her find safe housing and providing the tools to rebuild her life. 'We work tirelessly to combat human trafficking,' says Desery Jordan-Whiskey, reporting project assistant in Trinidad and Tobago. 'Our commitment is to provide critical assistance to survivors while advocating for stronger policies to prevent exploitation and ensure justice.' Maria is one of many women across the region who have been lured by false promises and found themselves in situations of exploitation. She knows there's a long road ahead, but she refuses to be defined by her past. 'I want other women to know they are not alone. There is life after this, there is strength.' Her story sheds light on the wider human trafficking crisis, where women and girls are disproportionately affected. According to the 2024 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 52 per cent of victims in Central America and the Caribbean are girls under the age of 18, and 62 per cent are trafficked for sexual exploitation. Behind every statistic is a human being, a daughter, a sister, a mother, trying to survive and recover. But, numbers cannot capture the courage it takes to begin again. 'I am living proof that you can rebuild your life,' Maria says, her voice steady now. 'It takes time, but it's possible.'
Fashion Network
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Maria de la Orden forecasts 50% growth with new global retail push
Maria de la Orden, the rising Paris-based womenswear label, is stepping into the spotlight with a bold new chapter. Fronted by its stylish Spanish founder—an It-Girl and partner of Edward Bouygues—the fashion start-up is securing a permanent space at the prestigious Le Bon Marché this July. Backed by a strong brand identity and a loyal following, the label is forecasting nearly 50% growth for 2025, cementing its place in the French market and setting its sights on global expansion. Since debuting in late 2019, Maria de la Orden has carved out a recognizable niche with its crisp, feminine silhouettes and a brand identity that walks the line between elegance and ease. 'On the street, you can spot a Maria de la Orden dress—you know the print,' says co-founder Laura de la Révélière, who runs the label alongside designer Maria de la Orden. Its core collection mixes solids and stripes with quiet confidence, while seasonal drops turn up the charm with bold florals, vibrant tones, ruffled shirts, sculpted cuffs, and the brand's signature smocked dresses. The brand's story began with a serendipitous meeting. 'We started working together in December 2019,' recalls general manager Laura de la Révélière. Maria had already made her mark with Mao Lua, her previous label launched nearly a decade earlier. Their partnership—described as a 'professional love at first sight'—fused Maria's creative instinct with a shared vision that blends sunny Spanish spirit with understated Parisian sophistication. 'In France, we're seen as Spanish. In Spain, we're seen as French. Everywhere else, we're simply European,' de la Révélière quips. That fluid identity is core to the brand's DNA—and it extends beyond Maria de la Orden's eponymous label. The designer also helms two other ventures: La Veste, a workwear-inspired brand co-founded with Blanca Miró, and Maison Ola, a hair accessories line launched with Gregory Mizele. Though all three operate independently, they share a common thread: each explores a distinct creative territory while reinforcing a cohesive, global identity shaped by Maria's singular vision. 'Each project follows its own model,' notes Laura de la Révélière, 'but together they form a triptych that amplifies the brand's reach.' From the outset, the label prioritized organic growth through Instagram, leveraging Maria's close ties with Spanish influencers. 'They were gaining visibility faster than French influencers—and with a more polished image,' notes the general manager. Paid media only came into play once the brand surpassed 100,000 followers. The product offering has since expanded from 15 to 150 pieces, with a dedicated collection director from a major fashion house joining to shape the structure. Eschewing traditional seasonal drops, the brand launched a weekly 'Friday rendezvous,' where new pieces are unveiled online. Customers in the brand's exclusive club receive early access—particularly appealing to the growing U.S. audience. Self-financed from the beginning, the business became profitable in its first year. 'We've been profitable since the start,' confirms the general manager. This independence has fueled agility. 'If I could do it again, I'd take on debt sooner,' she admits, noting that new funding is now helping accelerate growth. After reporting €4.5 million in revenue for 2024, the company projects €6.5 million for 2025. 'We can do whatever we want—no investor pressure, no banker deadlines,' she says, describing a financial freedom rarely seen in start-ups. New ambitions for expansion The brand is now shifting its focus toward distribution and global reach. Spain, once its dominant market at 80% of sales, now represents just 25%, equal to France. Switzerland makes up 20%, followed by the UK at 10%, with Italy and Germany emerging as key growth markets. 'This timing works,' says the CEO. 'Five years ago, we brought something fresh to Spain, but the market is now saturated with influencer-driven brands.' Expanding internationally helps offset that saturation. Strategic pop-ups play a major role in this shift. Following a spring event in Barcelona, the brand will host activations in New York, Miami, and Palm Beach, with another New York pop-up slated for September. Germany and Italy are also on the radar, with further projects underway. Retail partnerships have also grown. After first attracting attention from Le Bon Marché in 2021, the brand has expanded to Liberty London and El Corte Inglés, with seven locations in Madrid and Barcelona. This approach will continue across key global markets. Though digitally native, Maria de la Orden values brick-and-mortar presence. The brand currently operates stores on rue de l'Université and rue de l'Annonciation in Paris, and one in Madrid. These locations serve not just for sales but also as spaces for community engagement. 'We love being close to our customers,' says the general manager. Plans are in place to open one or two new locations per year, including a new 80-square-meter Paris flagship by 2026. The company is also expanding into new product categories. Leather goods have been introduced to complement the brand's signature silhouettes. A mini kids' capsule is in early testing, and jewelry is under consideration. Collaborations, such as with Oh My Cream in London and an upcoming MyStyleBag partnership in Milan, offer further exploration and local appeal. As it moves forward, Maria de la Orden continues to balance creative evolution with business growth—staying true to its heritage while preparing to scale internationally.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Maria de la Orden forecasts 50% growth with new global retail push
Maria de la Orden, the rising Paris-based womenswear label, is stepping into the spotlight with a bold new chapter. Fronted by its stylish Spanish founder—an It-Girl and partner of Edward Bouygues—the fashion start-up is securing a permanent space at the prestigious Le Bon Marché this July. Backed by a strong brand identity and a loyal following, the label is forecasting nearly 50% growth for 2025, cementing its place in the French market and setting its sights on global expansion. Since debuting in late 2019, Maria de la Orden has carved out a recognizable niche with its crisp, feminine silhouettes and a brand identity that walks the line between elegance and ease. 'On the street, you can spot a Maria de la Orden dress—you know the print,' says co-founder Laura de la Révélière, who runs the label alongside designer Maria de la Orden. Its core collection mixes solids and stripes with quiet confidence, while seasonal drops turn up the charm with bold florals, vibrant tones, ruffled shirts, sculpted cuffs, and the brand's signature smocked dresses. The brand's story began with a serendipitous meeting. 'We started working together in December 2019,' recalls general manager Laura de la Révélière. Maria had already made her mark with Mao Lua, her previous label launched nearly a decade earlier. Their partnership—described as a 'professional love at first sight'—fused Maria's creative instinct with a shared vision that blends sunny Spanish spirit with understated Parisian sophistication. 'In France, we're seen as Spanish. In Spain, we're seen as French. Everywhere else, we're simply European,' de la Révélière quips. That fluid identity is core to the brand's DNA—and it extends beyond Maria de la Orden's eponymous label. The designer also helms two other ventures: La Veste, a workwear-inspired brand co-founded with Blanca Miró, and Maison Ola, a hair accessories line launched with Gregory Mizele. Though all three operate independently, they share a common thread: each explores a distinct creative territory while reinforcing a cohesive, global identity shaped by Maria's singular vision. 'Each project follows its own model,' notes Laura de la Révélière, 'but together they form a triptych that amplifies the brand's reach.' From the outset, the label prioritized organic growth through Instagram, leveraging Maria's close ties with Spanish influencers. 'They were gaining visibility faster than French influencers—and with a more polished image,' notes the general manager. Paid media only came into play once the brand surpassed 100,000 followers. The product offering has since expanded from 15 to 150 pieces, with a dedicated collection director from a major fashion house joining to shape the structure. Eschewing traditional seasonal drops, the brand launched a weekly 'Friday rendezvous,' where new pieces are unveiled online. Customers in the brand's exclusive club receive early access—particularly appealing to the growing U.S. audience. Self-financed from the beginning, the business became profitable in its first year. 'We've been profitable since the start,' confirms the general manager. This independence has fueled agility. 'If I could do it again, I'd take on debt sooner,' she admits, noting that new funding is now helping accelerate growth. After reporting €4.5 million in revenue for 2024, the company projects €6.5 million for 2025. 'We can do whatever we want—no investor pressure, no banker deadlines,' she says, describing a financial freedom rarely seen in start-ups. New ambitions for expansion The brand is now shifting its focus toward distribution and global reach. Spain, once its dominant market at 80% of sales, now represents just 25%, equal to France. Switzerland makes up 20%, followed by the UK at 10%, with Italy and Germany emerging as key growth markets. 'This timing works,' says the CEO. 'Five years ago, we brought something fresh to Spain, but the market is now saturated with influencer-driven brands.' Expanding internationally helps offset that saturation. Strategic pop-ups play a major role in this shift. Following a spring event in Barcelona, the brand will host activations in New York, Miami, and Palm Beach, with another New York pop-up slated for September. Germany and Italy are also on the radar, with further projects underway. Retail partnerships have also grown. After first attracting attention from Le Bon Marché in 2021, the brand has expanded to Liberty London and El Corte Inglés, with seven locations in Madrid and Barcelona. This approach will continue across key global markets. Though digitally native, Maria de la Orden values brick-and-mortar presence. The brand currently operates stores on rue de l'Université and rue de l'Annonciation in Paris, and one in Madrid. These locations serve not just for sales but also as spaces for community engagement. 'We love being close to our customers,' says the general manager. Plans are in place to open one or two new locations per year, including a new 80-square-meter Paris flagship by 2026. The company is also expanding into new product categories. Leather goods have been introduced to complement the brand's signature silhouettes. A mini kids' capsule is in early testing, and jewelry is under consideration. Collaborations, such as with Oh My Cream in London and an upcoming MyStyleBag partnership in Milan, offer further exploration and local appeal. As it moves forward, Maria de la Orden continues to balance creative evolution with business growth—staying true to its heritage while preparing to scale internationally.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Maria de la Orden forecasts 50% growth with new global retail push
Maria de la Orden, the rising Paris-based womenswear label, is stepping into the spotlight with a bold new chapter. Fronted by its stylish Spanish founder—an It-Girl and partner of Edward Bouygues—the fashion start-up is securing a permanent space at the prestigious Le Bon Marché this July. Backed by a strong brand identity and a loyal following, the label is forecasting nearly 50% growth for 2025, cementing its place in the French market and setting its sights on global expansion. Since debuting in late 2019, Maria de la Orden has carved out a recognizable niche with its crisp, feminine silhouettes and a brand identity that walks the line between elegance and ease. 'On the street, you can spot a Maria de la Orden dress—you know the print,' says co-founder Laura de la Révélière, who runs the label alongside designer Maria de la Orden. Its core collection mixes solids and stripes with quiet confidence, while seasonal drops turn up the charm with bold florals, vibrant tones, ruffled shirts, sculpted cuffs, and the brand's signature smocked dresses. The brand's story began with a serendipitous meeting. 'We started working together in December 2019,' recalls general manager Laura de la Révélière. Maria had already made her mark with Mao Lua, her previous label launched nearly a decade earlier. Their partnership—described as a 'professional love at first sight'—fused Maria's creative instinct with a shared vision that blends sunny Spanish spirit with understated Parisian sophistication. 'In France, we're seen as Spanish. In Spain, we're seen as French. Everywhere else, we're simply European,' de la Révélière quips. That fluid identity is core to the brand's DNA—and it extends beyond Maria de la Orden's eponymous label. The designer also helms two other ventures: La Veste, a workwear-inspired brand co-founded with Blanca Miró, and Maison Ola, a hair accessories line launched with Gregory Mizele. Though all three operate independently, they share a common thread: each explores a distinct creative territory while reinforcing a cohesive, global identity shaped by Maria's singular vision. 'Each project follows its own model,' notes Laura de la Révélière, 'but together they form a triptych that amplifies the brand's reach.' From the outset, the label prioritized organic growth through Instagram, leveraging Maria's close ties with Spanish influencers. 'They were gaining visibility faster than French influencers—and with a more polished image,' notes the general manager. Paid media only came into play once the brand surpassed 100,000 followers. The product offering has since expanded from 15 to 150 pieces, with a dedicated collection director from a major fashion house joining to shape the structure. Eschewing traditional seasonal drops, the brand launched a weekly 'Friday rendezvous,' where new pieces are unveiled online. Customers in the brand's exclusive club receive early access—particularly appealing to the growing U.S. audience. Self-financed from the beginning, the business became profitable in its first year. 'We've been profitable since the start,' confirms the general manager. This independence has fueled agility. 'If I could do it again, I'd take on debt sooner,' she admits, noting that new funding is now helping accelerate growth. After reporting €4.5 million in revenue for 2024, the company projects €6.5 million for 2025. 'We can do whatever we want—no investor pressure, no banker deadlines,' she says, describing a financial freedom rarely seen in start-ups. New ambitions for expansion The brand is now shifting its focus toward distribution and global reach. Spain, once its dominant market at 80% of sales, now represents just 25%, equal to France. Switzerland makes up 20%, followed by the UK at 10%, with Italy and Germany emerging as key growth markets. 'This timing works,' says the CEO. 'Five years ago, we brought something fresh to Spain, but the market is now saturated with influencer-driven brands.' Expanding internationally helps offset that saturation. Strategic pop-ups play a major role in this shift. Following a spring event in Barcelona, the brand will host activations in New York, Miami, and Palm Beach, with another New York pop-up slated for September. Germany and Italy are also on the radar, with further projects underway. Retail partnerships have also grown. After first attracting attention from Le Bon Marché in 2021, the brand has expanded to Liberty London and El Corte Inglés, with seven locations in Madrid and Barcelona. This approach will continue across key global markets. Though digitally native, Maria de la Orden values brick-and-mortar presence. The brand currently operates stores on rue de l'Université and rue de l'Annonciation in Paris, and one in Madrid. These locations serve not just for sales but also as spaces for community engagement. 'We love being close to our customers,' says the general manager. Plans are in place to open one or two new locations per year, including a new 80-square-meter Paris flagship by 2026. The company is also expanding into new product categories. Leather goods have been introduced to complement the brand's signature silhouettes. A mini kids' capsule is in early testing, and jewelry is under consideration. Collaborations, such as with Oh My Cream in London and an upcoming MyStyleBag partnership in Milan, offer further exploration and local appeal. As it moves forward, Maria de la Orden continues to balance creative evolution with business growth—staying true to its heritage while preparing to scale internationally.
