Amanda Holden, a former investment manager who once earned a six-figure income in her early 20s, left the finance world disillusioned after five years of dealing with abusive clients. But she returned with a mission: to help women and others gain financial independence through investing. Her online course, Invested Development, has taught over 25,000 students, and her book How to Be a Rich Old Lady offers a roadmap to wealth building while critiquing capitalism.
From Finance Bro to Financial Educator
Holden describes her past self as an "ex-finance bro" who helped rich men get richer. After quitting, she traveled but felt drawn back to finance to level the playing field. Her students, mostly women, face unpaid labor, motherhood costs, and student debt. "They see finance as a world not designed for them, and they are correct," she says.
Investing in a Flawed System
Holden acknowledges capitalism's role in inequality but argues that opting out is impossible. "You are either providing labor or owning capital. It's better to participate by gaining our own capital than working till we die," she explains. She advocates for index funds and ESG investments that screen out fossil fuels and weapons, though she admits no stock investment is truly ethical.
Activism and Financial Security
Holden balances financial advice with activism, participating in pro-Palestine and anti-ICE protests. She sees financial independence as a foundation for taking risks, including speaking out on controversial issues. "The goal of money is to be happy and to work toward a better world," she says.
Key Takeaways from Amanda Holden
- Invest in broad index funds; avoid costly money managers who underperform.
- Talk openly about money with friends to learn together.
- Switch from big banks to community credit unions to support neighbors.
- Don't let guilt or shame stop you from starting to invest today.
Holden's worst financial decision was binge drinking for two decades, but she values the lessons learned. Her favorite investment is community: "My community is my most durable investment."
