bigBANG! 2024: A Conversation on Financial Activism with Krys Boyd & Jasmine Rashid

At bigBANG! 2024, financial activism took center stage, featuring a compelling discussion between Jasmine Rashid , Director of Impact at Candide Group , and Krys Boyd , host of KERA’s Think, which is broadcast to 200+ stations in 3 states. This discussion, part of a live recording for the Think radio program, shed light on the transformative power of money in building a more equitable economy and gave attendees a glimpse into Rashid's newly published book, The Financial Activist Playbook.

The Financial Activist Playbook: A Guide to Empowerment

Rashid’s book, The Financial Activist Playbook, offers the first comprehensive guide to financial activism, designed to empower everyday people—regardless of income level—with actionable strategies for shifting wealth toward a more equitable future. Unlike traditional financial literacy resources, the Playbook frames money as a tool for collective well-being, rather than a source of confusion or exclusion.

“The money myths end here,” Rashid remarked. “We don’t need to choose between creating wealth for ourselves and supporting movements for a better tomorrow. Financial activism shows us how to do both.”

Understanding the Core Principles of Financial Activism

Financial activism is rooted in the belief that we can reclaim wealth and shift the flow of power through intentional financial decisions. Rashid explained, "Financial activism is about reclaiming agency in how we use money to impact our lives and the broader financial systems.” This form of activism challenges long-held myths about money, including the idea that creating wealth for ourselves conflicts with supporting broader social change. Instead, Rashid emphasized that we can do both—build personal wealth while also using our financial choices to foster a more equitable economy.

Breaking Taboos: Addressing Financial Inequities

Rashid spoke about the taboos surrounding money, which often prevent us from addressing key issues like wage inequity and financial transparency. By breaking these taboos, individuals can begin to take control of their finances and influence local and institutional budgets in meaningful ways.

Rashid also touched on the difference between extractive and regenerative economies. Extractive economies exploit resources for short-term gains, whereas regenerative economies focus on sustainability, well-being, and long-term societal benefit. Rashid argued that by aligning our financial practices with regenerative values, we can create systems that work for people and the planet, rather than solely for profit.

Transitioning to Regenerative Economies for a Sustainable Future

A major theme of the conversation was the importance of moving from extractive economies to regenerative economies. These regenerative models prioritize sustainability and social justice, ensuring that financial practices benefit all stakeholders, rather than just a select few. Rashid encouraged attendees to think critically about how they can contribute to building a more inclusive economy by supporting local businesses, engaging in community investments, and aligning their financial decisions with values that prioritize people and the planet.

Reflection & Action

As the session came to a close, Rashid left attendees with a powerful message: financial activism is not just about theory—it's about taking action. Whether through small steps or large, she urged everyone to reflect on their financial choices and begin making intentional shifts that benefit not only themselves but also their communities. “When we start to lead with curiosity about our relationship with money, we’re able to reflect on its role in our lives and how we can use it for good,” she noted.

The Ongoing Dialogue on Financial Activism

bigBANG! 2024 continues to shine a light on critical conversations like these, driving forward the idea that we all have the power to reshape our financial systems in ways that are more equitable and just.

#bigBANG2024 #DoGoodBetter