We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolette Dieffenbaugher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolette, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When asking the question, “Who taught you about personal finance?” – the most common responses I get are “no one” or “myself.”

Personal finance education isn’t taught in most high schools and colleges.

When my girlfriends and I all left college with student loans we had to teach ourselves and each other how to create a budget and handle our loans.

On top of that there weren’t so many resources that spoke to us in a voice that was familiar. Many personal finance resources are written and run by men – which often don’t take into account all of the unique circumstances we as women encounter…

– Women on average are paid less than men and receive fewer raises on average – especially women of color.

– Many women also end up having to go on maternity leave – which may or may not be paid – and which also often sets them back in their career.

– We shoulder a larger amount of house work and childcare – on average.

– Women also tend to live longer than men but we retire with 2/3 of the savings.

Therefore women need a financial platform and community that is run by women and takes into account all of the circumstances women tend to experience.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
VestNow.io currently has a website, social media community and newsletter. We operate in English and Spanish.

VestNow approaches personal finance in a holistic and non-judgmental way. We encourage everyone to start from where they are, with what they have. You don’t have to have a lot of money to learn how to manage it. The earlier we all start – the more benefits we’ll see in the long term.

A holistic approach to personal finance means that we understand that our self-confidence has as much effect on our finances as our knowledge about budgeting and building our credit does.

Our mental well-being and self-confidence is what is going to help us negotiate that raise at work.

Taking care of our physical health now will hopefully eliminate unnecessary medical bills down the road.

Every part of our lives affects our finances which is why we maintain a well-rounded approach to how we make, maintain and grow our money.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many cultures in Miami you have to take time to experience as many as you can. Little Havana and Little Haiti are great neighborhoods to explore – rich with culture and amazing food.

Live music is a must in Miami. There are some really beautiful outdoor (and indoor) spaces for live music – you can always find extremely talented musicians. Latin music is obviously very popular – salsa, reggaeton, rock – you can find all of it here.

The city has changed so much even in the past year that it’s always interesting to chat with locals who know the history of Miami and have seen it evolve over time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have made VestNow possible. My family and friends who have supported me all the way. All the women who subscribe to, follow, and interact within the VestNow community make it what it is. VestNow is shaped and driven by the members of the community.

Website: https://www.vestnow.io/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vestnow.io/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-dieffenbaugher/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vestnowio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VestNow.io/

Other: Newsletter Subscription Link: https://www.vestnow.io/join-the-community-1

Image Credit:
For the personal photo – Andrea Maldonado (@a_mhdz on Instagram)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.