On Giselle Avenue, we believe that womanhood is not one-size-fits-all. Across the globe, women navigate money, power, and purpose through the lens of their culture. One fascinating comparison? Nigerian women vs. American women—two powerful archetypes shaped by very different worlds, yet both resilient, resourceful, and rising.
I am Nigerian-American, born with this unique perspective. My father was an immigrant from Nigeria that came to America for higher education. My mother was born in the Southeastern, United States and calls America home. I was born and raised in Alabama, a land where I didn’t have roots, but I did create a community.
Today, I find myself torn between two worlds. On one hand, I lead with independence, value my personal freedom, and believe in living out the American dream. On the other hand, I yearn for a village-like lifestyle, one where each family members helps build the next. Where higher education is valued, but only for the benefit of the family at-large. In this context, financial freedom is a shared custom. Therefore, everyone in the family is expected to reach for the stars to live freely—financially, spiritually, and emotionally.
In my 20s, I spent a lot of time with a village-like mindset. I sought out to lift as I climbed. I aimed to help those around me and to be a proud member of the village I was born into. This is my Nigerian-self.
Frankly, that didn’t bode out too well for me, personally. It held me back from a lot of unseen blessings. I spent so much time trying to lift everyone up around me! Then I realized, oh yeah, this is America!
In my 30s, I am learning how to be more “American-minded.” I need to look out for myself and my own family first. Although I value a village, America isn’t rooted in this mentality. It is rooted in survival and simply — making it.
But what does this mean?
What happens when we unpack the financial mindsets between these two? Let’s dive into the cultural richness behind how women earn, spend, save, and build legacies—Nigerian style vs. American hustle.
Money as a Means of Survival vs. Freedom
For many Nigerian women, especially in traditional or rural settings, money has long been tied to survival and status. It’s not just about self—it’s about family, community, and the legacy left behind. A woman’s financial success often includes the expectation to support her parents, siblings, and even in-laws.
Contrast that with American women, who are taught to see money as a path to freedom and self-expression. Financial independence is often pursued for autonomy—to travel solo, build a business, or buy a home without waiting for a partner.
Different systems. Different stakes.
Community vs. Individualism
In Nigerian culture, the financial world is communal. Think rotating savings groups like ajo or esusu, where trust and loyalty fuel wealth-building. You might earn money, but everyone eats. There’s deep pride in lifting as you climb, even if it stretches your own pockets thin.
American culture leans individualistic. While women still care for family, financial success is more private—measured in credit scores, 401(k)s, and home equity. The hustle is personal, and so are the spoils.
Education and Career Goals
Both Nigerian and American women place a high value on education—but the payoff looks different.
In Nigeria, women may pursue degrees in medicine, law, or banking while still being expected to marry young and “submit” in traditional marriages. Many walk the tightrope between ambition and cultural expectations.
In America, women are encouraged to go hard for their goals—climbing the corporate ladder, launching businesses, and delaying marriage or children to do so. Work-first, family-later is often the narrative.
Still, both groups share a common thread: grit.
Spending, Saving, and Investing
Nigerian women often invest in tangible assets like land, real estate, or gold. Credit systems aren’t as widespread, and many avoid debt altogether. Cash is king. There’s also a fierce entrepreneurial spirit—you’ll find women running market stalls, salons, boutiques, and tech ventures.
American women lean into credit-based systems—student loans, mortgages, credit cards. They also embrace financial literacy apps, online investing, and retirement planning tools. There’s more infrastructure to support their money moves, but also more debt traps.
The Heart of It All
What unites both Nigerian and American women is this: We make a way.
We create, we adapt, we lead.
Whether managing money in a Lagos market or negotiating a raise in a New York boardroom, women are rewriting the rules. The cultural path may differ, but the destination is the same—financial power, personal freedom, and generational wealth.
We are here to live our legacy.
What does legacy mean to you?
Wherever you are on your money journey, know this: culture may shape your habits, but you get to choose your financial destiny.
And that, sis, is powerful.
Written by Giselle Climpson
Founder, Creative Visionary of Giselle Avenue
🪞 Ready to talk about your own money mindset? Let’s go there. Drop a comment or share your story. This is a judgment-free zone where womanhood meets wealth, on our terms.
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