5 Money Goals Tips for Creatives from Bernadette Joy

By Tim Miner


PHOTO CREDIT: Bernadette Joy

From Debt to Independence: Financial Strategies for Creatives from Charlottean Bernadette Joy

Bernadette Joy crunches numbers. (In her words, she crushes them.)
She also rewrites narratives, especially personal financial ones.
And she’s sharing how she does it.

How a $300K Debt Started a Movement

Joy’s financial prowess wasn’t always so evident. In fact, in her early 30s, Joy found herself staring down $300,000 in debt. Instead of letting her financial situation hold her back, she chose to overcome it.

By 37, Joy had paid it all off and built a $1 million net worth, proving that financial freedom is possible for anyone bold enough to seize it. But it wasn’t easy. It started with her rewriting the story of what was possible.

“Money stories are some of the most compelling stories we tell,” Joy said, reflecting on her journey.

“As a first-generation Filipino American, I was raised with the belief that my worth, especially as a woman, was tied to fulfilling a more traditional and stable role. Leaving a higher-paying career to pursue creative entrepreneurship felt like I was breaking every expectation my family and community had for me.”

When she started, Joy knew that many similar stories ended in financial ruin. She wrote a new story for herself with a much happier ending. Now, she’s helping others do the same with her book, CRUSH Your Money Goals, available now.

A City Full of Stories

Bernadette’s connection to Charlotte is more than professional—it’s personal. In 2012, she was living in Queens, NY. But a quick trip to the Queen City changed that in a “New York minute.”

Discovering a city full of charm, opportunity and affordability, Joy returned home, resigned from her job and moved to Charlotte with her husband. She fell in love with the community—especially the creatives who live here.

“Charlotte has given me so much. It’s where I built my business and found my people,” she said. “Charlotte is a community full of growth and opportunity, and my book is a testament to how anyone, no matter where they start, can take control of their financial future.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Bernadette Joy

Creatives, Take Note: Your Money Goals Are Within Reach

After discovering a path to success—and the strategies, discipline and mindset needed to get there—Joy chose to share what she learned with clients, on social media and on a podcast.

Her business, Crush Your Money Goals, has become a guiding light for people looking for practical, understandable ways to build their wealth across the country.

Her approachable coaching style and knack for breaking down complex financial concepts have helped thousands transform their artistic passions into sustainable income.

Here are five things she wants artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs to know as they grow:

  • ONE: Start Small: Facing down $300,000 in debt is daunting. Joy encourages creatives to set smaller, actionable goals rather than focusing on the entire amount — “Instead of saying, ‘I’ll save $10,000 this year,’ break it down: $833 a month or $27 a day,” Joy said.“Then you have to be honest with yourself—am I capable of finding an extra $27 a day? Suddenly it feels more realistic.”  Joy adds, “I encourage people to focus on smart habits, like the 25 outlined in my book. Those habits snowball. Start simple, build confidence and finish what you started.”
  • TWO: Know Your Numbers: Calculate your “survive number”—the amount you need to live comfortably. This includes five basic categories: housing (rent or mortgage), utilities, transportation, health and food. “Once you know that number, you can reverse-engineer how much to charge for your work,” Joy said.
  • THREE: Hone Your Superpower: Focus on one exceptional offering. As Bernadette says, “It’s better to be amazing at one thing than mediocre at many.” She encourages creatives to focus on what they do best and charge accordingly. More below.
  • FOUR: Value Over Volume: Work smarter, not harder. Charge what you’re worth and aim for fewer, higher-paying clients. Use your “survive number” as a guide.
  • FIVE: Celebrate the Wins: Break big goals into smaller milestones and reward yourself. “A small treat can keep the momentum going,” she said.

Making Financial Freedom Fun

Bernadette’s approach to personal finance goes beyond numbers—it’s about creating a narrative of empowerment. Her book, business and coaching style blend real-world advice with relatable humor.

“I romanticize my long-term goals,” she said, recalling a hand-drawn vision of her debt-free life. “I pictured my husband doing yoga in front of our tiny home while I was snowboarding in the mountains. That kept me motivated.”

As a testament to owning your narrative, Joy remained resolute while working on her book. When Simon & Schuster approached her to write CRUSH Your Money Goals last year, they wanted her to feature 100 habits. But Joy knew she wanted to do things differently.

She pushed back to craft a practical guide centered on just 25 strategies she’d proven through years of work with clients. And she insisted on narrating the audiobook, which she did.

The result? A resource that feels like a conversation with a trusted friend—one who has been there, done that and wants to see you succeed.

“This is the book I wish I had when I was $300,000 in debt,” Joy said.

A Message of Encouragement

At the heart of Bernadette’s work is a simple but powerful belief: anyone can take control of their financial future.

“You don’t have to be a math wizard or have a trust fund. You just need to start,” she said.

Connect with Bernadette Joy