When Sara Blakely turned $5,000 into a billion-dollar empire with Spanx, it wasn’t just a business success—it was a masterclass in financial protection, resilience, and vision. Blakely didn’t just dream big. She protected that dream at every stage, ensuring her family and her future were covered before the world even knew her name.

At Talk Money With Tish, we believe financial protection isn't about fear—it's about freedom. It’s how you create options, stability, and a legacy, even in uncertain times.

Let’s explore three powerful lessons from Sara Blakely’s journey that every woman (and family) can apply—whether you’re launching a business, raising a family, or building generational wealth.

1. Protect the Dream Before the Spotlight

Sara famously kept her day job for two years while building Spanx. That wasn’t just hustle—it was risk management. She built quietly, saving money, protecting her health insurance, and minimizing debt. She took smart risks but buffered them with stability.

TMWT Takeaway:
Financial protection is about laying a strong foundation before the big leap. That means:

• Having life insurance with living benefits to protect income and health

• Creating an emergency fund before starting a business or changing jobs

• Using debt strategically, not reactively

📊 Did you know? As of 2025, 41% of U.S. adults have no life insurance—even though it’s one of the most affordable ways to protect income and family (LIMRA).

2. Family First, Financially Too

Blakely has spoken publicly about how her success has allowed her to prioritize her family’s security. She didn’t just build wealth—she built protection for the people she loves most. She’s also emphasized starting early, something many women delay.

TMWT Takeaway:
Whether you’re a mom, daughter, or caretaker, financial protection starts with:

• Term life insurance while your rates are low

• Living benefits that can pay for illness or injury

• Will and trust planning that secures your family’s future if anything happens to you

💬 “Don’t be intimidated by money,” Blakely once said. “Own it. Understand it. Protect it.”

3. Money is Power—When You Plan for It

Sara never handed off her financial planning. From negotiating her first deals to bootstrapping her success, she stayed in the driver’s seat.

TMWT Takeaway:
You don’t need millions to take control—you need a plan. Start with:

• Reviewing your beneficiary designations annually

• Creating a protection-first strategy before you invest heavily

• Aligning your financial goals with your family’s values (education, legacy, care)

🌱 Protection isn’t a setback—it’s your launchpad. It gives you options when life throws a curveball.

You Deserve to Be Covered

Financial protection isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for women who start businesses, raise children, and build legacies. Just like Sara Blakely.

At TMWT, we help you take small, smart steps toward security. Whether it’s choosing the right life insurance, creating a legacy plan, or balancing protection with growth—we’re here to guide you.

Ready to Protect Your Future?

📞 Book a free consultation with a TMWT advisor to talk about your goals, protection gaps, or how to get started with a simple coverage plan.