“No se habla del dinero”
with Giovanna González author of Cultura and Cash
#NuevasPáginas is a space that aims to amplify and spotlight Hispanic/Latine/x authors with newly published books. The goal is to connect readers to their next favorite Hispanic/Latine/x authored book through a mini casual get-to-know-the-book-and-author interview. So please help me connect to more readers. So that together we can continue to build the love/support of Latine literature!
Hey Book Franz!
I’m so excited to share the first author interview of 2024 with you. I’ll keep this short so we can get right into it but I did want to share two events I’m really excited about if you live in the DC, MD, VA area.
First up on Saturday, February 3rd at 6 PM I have the opportunity to chat w/ @andres_ordorica at @loyaltybooks about his super sweet & tender debut novel ‘How We Named The Stars’ (available at all bookstores today!). The best way my brain can describe it is if ‘Heartstoppers’ and ‘Aristole and ‘Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’ met to explore coming-of-age, first love and grief. The novel packs such a punch of emotions. I’m so excited to chat with Andrés N Ordorica about the makings of the novel and the unforgettable characters.
Immediately after the bookish chat I’d love to invite you to attend the world premiere of ‘The Palacios Sisters’, a play written by Cristina García! I’ll be there for the opening February 3rd at 8 PM. But you can also catch the play until February 25th! Here is summary about what you can expect:
Dive into the vibrant chaos of 1985 Miami as Cristina García's gripping play, The Palacios Sisters, catapults Chekhov's "Three Sisters" forward to Miami in the 1980s. Recently arrived from Havana, the ambitious young ballerina Irinita joins forces with her culturally refined siblings - Olga and María- and their talented classical pianist brother, Andrés. Together, they navigate Miami's treacherous landscape filled with drug wars, rampant violence, and an escalating AIDS epidemic. Clinging to memories of their beloved homeland while grappling with the dizzying new reality that surrounds them, the sisters emerge as artistic beacons of hope in this poignant tale about longing, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
So much great Latinx excellence happening in one night! I really do hope that if you are local and can join for one of either — that you do. It’s so important to support Latine authors and their events.
Without further ado, our special guest author for today’s Nuevas Pagina issue is…Giovanna González author of Cultura and Cash…..
Could you tell me a bit about where this photo was taken? Is it special to your book in some way?
This is a photo of me on my living room couch. I did a lot of my writing at home. At first, I tried writing from my home office, but found my desk a little too stuffy to get inspired. My living room has floor to ceiling windows, which makes it a bright and happy room to write in. A soft blanket, a nicely scented candle, and a warm cup of tecito were always nearby!
Tell me about your book without telling me about your book - share any literary inspirations behind your book! If there are none, the gap you wanted to fill in the literary canon with your book
I wrote Cultura & Cash because there was a gap in the financial education book market. After self teaching financial literacy and reading over 50 personal finance books, I didn’t find any that talked about money experience of the First Gen community. As the children of immigrants, a lot of us feel like our parents’ retirement plan, are expected to provide financial support when emergencies arise and learn zero financial education at home. That’s because our parents were in survival mode just trying to get by in a new country. The First Gen money experience is different, and we need a book that helps us tackle those unique challenges so we can be financially successful.
What are some conversations you hope your book starts?
I hope my book empowers our community to have regular and transparent money conversations with our family. Money is very taboo in our culture, “no se habla del dinero”, but money affects us all, so it’s important we talk about it openly and start planning for the future. That is how we financially thrive as a community. I also hope it inspires other Latines to pass on the financial teaching to younger people, like their siblings, primas, or mentees. Lastly, I hope readers understand that it’s not selfish to set financial boundaries with your money and feel comfortable setting the boundary when needed.
What was something you learned while writing your book? In what ways did it change you?
I learned that I can do hard things. Writing a book is not easy, especially when halfway through the writing journey I had an unexpected medical surgery (abdominal hysterectomy). It was an 8-week recovery, which halted the writing process for 3 months. It delayed my publication date from September 2023 to January 2024. But even after facing health issues, I got back on the horse and did what I had to do to get it done and put this book out into the world.
If a book was a home, where would your home be?
Italy! I love Italian culture and Italian food. I hope I get to live abroad someday.
If your book was a famous musician who would it be and why?
What a fun question! Cardi B. People underestimated Cardi B but she came on the scene, made a splash and is here to stay. She’s her true authentic self and keeps it all the way real, just like my book!
What comfort food could a reader pair with your book?
A healthy snack, like a bowl of mango or watermelon with Tajin. Se me antojó!
In what ways has access (or little to no access) to Hispanic/Latinx/e literature defined you as a writer?
I think it made me bolder. Working with my developmental editor was an uphill battle. She tried to whitewash my writing. She was a white woman who lacked the cultural nuance to give me meaningful feedback on my manuscript. At first, I started doubting myself and thinking, well she’s the expert editor, maybe I should listen to her, but then I realized I’M the expert in my community’s and readers' needs. I rejected her feedback and told her I said what I said, and it was staying. I’m thankful I had the ability to hybrid publish because it allowed me to keep my voice and say what my reader needed to hear.
Where can readers keep up with your work? (Feel free to include any social media accounts that you'd like readers to follow)
They can learn more about Cultura & Cash and its teachings at
http://culturaandcash.com/
or follow me on TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Don’t be shy and say hi! DM me, let me know you found me on #NuevasPaginas
Thank you to Giovanna for taking the time to chat with me about her book! Please please make sure you purchase a copy (or request your local library carry a copy) #SupportLatinxLit!
Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez is a TikTok influencer, financial educator, and author of Cultura and Cash. During The Great Resignation, she quit her 10 year corporate career to pursue her true passion: teaching financial literacy to young adults.
Gigi teaches personal finance and career navigation for First Gen at various organizations and on her TikTok account @thefirstgenmentor. She was named 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, "Latinx to Watch" by Hispanic Executive Magazine and Top 25 Creator by Fast Company.
Synopsis for Cultura and Cash:
Cultura and Cash is a practical and jargon-free money guide to help you tackle your finances as a First Gen Latina. In this valuable book, The First Gen Mentor, Giovanna "Gigi" González, uncovers cultural and systemic barriers First Gen face in their financial journey and provides actionable solutions on how to overcome them. Through storytelling and real-life examples, she'll go into depth and explain best practices for creating a solid financial foundation through emergency funds, credit building, budgeting, debt payoff, and investing.
This book will improve your money mindset and give you the information you need to create financial success on your terms with family in mind. You will learn how to balance family expectations while prioritizing your own financial wellness and that money does not control you and limit you. Instead, it's a powerful self-care tool you use to your advantage to support you and those you care about. Read this book and you will be empowered to take action and start designing a life you love.
I love that you put this at the end of your post and want to include something like it at the end of my Diverse Voices - Bravo! newsletter! "The best way you can support Latinx/e authors and Latinx/e literature is by doing the following:"🙋