Digame: Boricua Jannese Torres is Improving Financial Literacy for Latinxs

Jannese Torres is an award-winning Latina money expert and the host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast. She became an entrepreneur after a job loss inspired her to turn her food blog into a six-figure business. Throughout the years, her passion for entrepreneurship led her to notice a gap in the conversation around money especially among Latinxs. Inspired by the J. Lo & Cardi B song, “Dinero”, in 2019, she decided to start teaching marginalized communities on topics including entrepreneurship, investing, and financial independence through her award-winning personal finance podcast and platform, “Yo Quiero Dinero.” She’s dives deep into topics including digital entrepreneurship, content creation, financial independence, creating multiple income streams and passive income. Her forthcoming book, Financially Lit, will be released in early 2024.

“Being in these rooms and spaces that no one prepared us to be here in and we find ourselves having to conform, having to diminish ourselves, that type of messaging takes our voices away and disconnects us from who we are from within,” she previously told HipLatina during an Instagram Live about the importance of representation and creating your own path. “Honestly, there is no service to you by continuing to diminish who you are if that’s what you’ve felt you needed to do. We need more of us shining our light and showing the brilliance that is our community. Be involved now [in finances] and stay on top of things because life happens and we need to be capable.”

Which Latina(s) have had the greatest impact on your life and why?

Personally: my mom and my grandmothers, they’re the most resilient women I’ve ever met.

Professionally: Jennifer Lopez, she’s always served as inspiration to me to celebrate your Latina identity and she’s a badass business woman.

If you could meet a Latina icon who is no longer alive, who would it be and why?

Celia Cruz, she was a pioneer in the male-dominated world of salsa, and I can relate to that as a Latina in the personal finance space.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Feel the fear, and do it anyway.

Who was the first person to believe in your dreams/goals?

Me, myself and I. That’s usually how it goes. Most people will call you crazy, and then they’ll ask you how you did.

How do you stay connected to your cultural roots?

I visit Puerto Rico every 2-3 months, in 2022 I bought a condo there so that I could spend lots of time on the island and explore my culture.

What do you wish more people understood about what you do?

I wish people understood how long it took to become a successful content creator and entrepreneur. I think some folks think it happened over night, but I’ve been doing this for 10 years.

What motivates you?

Freedom. I started pursuing financial independence seven years ago because I was terrified of the idea of working until 65, I’ve seen too many family members get sick before they can even retire, so I wanted to escape the rat race ASAP.

How did you end up on the professional path you’re on now?

I hated my job and wanted to find a way out, so I googled “how to quit your job” and found the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement. I started devouring blogs and podcasts about the topic, and started my own journey. In 2019, I started the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast after not hearing enough of these conversations by people in my community. The rest, as they say, is history.

What is your greatest professional achievement so far? Personal achievement?

Professional – Becoming an author, my first book comes out April 2024.

Personal – Buying a property in my homeland of Puerto Rico, I’m the first cousin to be able to do so.

What is a goal you have that you haven’t accomplished yet and what are you doing to get closer to accomplishing it?

Becoming completing financially independent. I’m aiming to reach a net worth of $2.5 million, and then fully retiring. I’m growing my income [through] my business each year to be able to accomplish that. Raise your prices!

What pop culture moment made you feel seen?

Watching Bad Bunny performing at the Grammys. Seeing Puerto Rico and our beautiful culture celebrated on the world stage in that way was an incredible moment.

How do you practice self care?

I put away the screens and get outside. I also love Zumba, and travel. All those things are part of my selfcare routine.

Quick Fire:

Shoutout an Instagram account that could use more love and tell us why you’re a fan:

@WatchUsThrivePodcast she’s my little sister and is doing incredible work to highlight stories about people who’ve overcome trauma and are thriving.

Shoutout your favorite Latina owned business and why:

I am obsessed with @karla.and.co, their merch makes me feel so seen as a Latina & Boricua.

Digame is a monthly series featuring prominent Latinx leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and public figures uplifting the community and making a difference