Houston – It’s a wake-up call many women can relate to. While most expect to be responsible for their finances at some point in life, far fewer feel confident actually managing them.
That gap is exactly what entrepreneur and investor and Houston Life favorite Chantell Preston is hoping to close.
Preston joined Houston Life during Women’s History Month to talk about financial literacy, confidence, and why understanding money is about more than just paying the bills. She says for generations, women weren’t taught how to engage with money in a meaningful way.
“We were raised in a time where it was like, don’t worry, someone will take care of you,” Preston said. “Then you get to a certain point in life and you don’t even know what questions to ask.”
Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore even pointed out that it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that women could even open a bank account without a male co-signer. Decades later, many are still playing catch-up.
That lack of knowledge often turns into intimidation. Some women rely on spouses or financial advisors without fully understanding where their money is going or how it’s growing.
Preston says the first step is simple. Learn the basics.
“The more you educate yourself, the more confident you become,” she said. “And the more you can build your own wealth, the more freedom you have.”
But she makes it clear that managing money and building wealth are not the same thing.
Saving, she says, is about survival. It helps cover bills and create stability. Wealth-building, on the other hand, is about creating long-term freedom and opportunity.
“You have to get your house in order first,” Preston said. “But wealth is what gives you confidence and the ability to live the life you actually want.”
Another major barrier? Mindset.
Preston says many women are conditioned to feel “lucky” just to have a seat at the table instead of recognizing their value. That thinking can show up in salary negotiations, where studies show men negotiate more often and more aggressively than women.
Her advice is to come prepared.
“Know what your non-negotiables are,” she said. “Do your research. Understand market compensation and go in negotiating on facts, not emotion.”
And negotiation is not just about salary. It can include flexibility, time off, and work-life balance, especially for women juggling multiple roles at home and at work.
“If it’s important for you to leave early for your child’s game, ask for it,” Preston said. “Those things matter too.”
Her upcoming book, The Success Lie, dives even deeper into these ideas. Set for release in July 2026, the book challenges long-held beliefs about success, especially for women.
Preston says many of us were raised on ideas like “you can have it all,” “say yes to everything,” or “don’t be emotional.” But in reality, those messages can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure.
“You can’t do everything at once,” she said. “And that’s okay.”
Whether you are just starting your career or redefining it later in life, it is never too late to take control of your finances and your future.
“The Success Lie is really a call to stop chasing someone else’s version of an extraordinary life,” Preston said, “and start building your own.”
The book is available now for preorder, with a release date set for July 28.