Princess would be perfect for today's woman. It was a popular financial show in the last 2000's. There are many Millennials and Gen Z women who are princesses. A higher cost of living and an increase in debt are affecting millennials and Gen Z women financials. More women are working and paying for their own expenses. Consumers are spending more on the same things with a higher price tag. In the third quarter of 2023, the average Canadian credit card balance was $4,265 according to Statistics Canada. Women spend more on consumer goods than men do. 

The minimum wage was $11 less than a decade ago, now it's $17.20. Money today is not the same anymore. Social media has changed people's spending habits. Women want luxury, soft lives and money to do all that. Keeping up with all the aesthetics and luxury materialism will keep you broke. Credit card interest and buy now and pay later destroy your financial future.

I remember watching the television series Princess with Gail Vaz-Oxlade in 2010. These girls are princesses and spend money on beauty treatments and clothing. In the show, these women are inspired to transform their financial habits and achieve self-sufficiency.

Women today could benefit from being a contestant and taking actionable steps to turn their finances around. You can pretend to be on the TV show, and start your own transformation with an AL-generated detailed financial action plan.


1. Understand the Premise of the Show

• Princess focused on young women with unsustainable spending habits who wanted to transform their financial lives.

• Contestants underwent a challenging process of self-reflection, financial education, and personal growth.


To prepare:

• Be willing to face your financial reality honestly.

• Adopt a mindset ready for change and accountability.


2. Be Open to Self-Reflection


Gail often helped participants see how their behaviors impacted their finances and relationships.

• Reflect on your habits: Do you overspend to feel better, maintain an image, or avoid confronting emotions?

• Own your choices: Acknowledge your role in your current situation, and commit to taking control.


3. Commit to a Financial Transformation Plan


If you were to be on a financial TV show, you’d follow a strict plan. Try these steps yourself:

1. Assess Your Finances

• List all your income, expenses, debts, and savings.

• Create a realistic monthly budget.

2. Track Spending

• Keep a daily log of all expenditures. Identify areas where you can cut back.

3. Set SMART Financial Goals

• Focus on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. For example:

• Pay off $5,000 of debt in 12 months.

• Save $100 monthly for an emergency fund.

4. Implement the Cash Diet

• Use cash or a debit card for purchases to avoid accumulating more debt.


4. Ideas for Cutting Back Without Feeling Deprived

• Reduce Luxuries: Cut out small indulgences (e.g., daily coffee runs, frequent takeout) and save them as occasional treats.

• DIY Self-Care: Replace salon visits with at-home beauty routines.

• Thrift and Swap: Shop secondhand or host clothing swaps with friends instead of buying new items.

• Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Audit recurring payments for streaming services, gyms, or apps you no longer use.


5. Earn More to Support Your Goals


On Princess, participants often explored ways to increase their income.

• Take up side hustles like freelancing, babysitting, or selling unused items online.

• Ask for overtime or consider job opportunities that offer better pay.

• Upskill to qualify for higher-paying roles in your field.


6. Build Accountability


A core part of the show was Gail holding participants accountable. Here’s how you can replicate that:

• Share your financial goals with a trusted friend or family member.

• Work with a financial coach or join a money-focused group for support.

• Reward yourself for reaching milestones (e.g., paying off a credit card or saving $1,000).


7. Practice Emotional Resilience


Overspending is often tied to emotions. On Princess, Gail helped participants identify these triggers.

• Use alternatives to spending when stressed, such as exercising, journaling, or meditating.

• Develop a gratitude practice to appreciate what you already have.


8. Find Inspiration from the Show

• Watch old episodes of Princess online to see how others turned their lives around.

• Read Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s books, such as Debt-Free Forever and Money Rules, for practical advice.


If the Show Were Revived: How to Prepare for Casting

1. Be Honest About Your Finances

• Casting for a financial transformation show would likely focus on applicants with severe debt or reckless spending habits.

2. Show a Desire for Change

• Demonstrate why you’re motivated to turn your life around.

3. Highlight Your Personality

• Producers often look for relatable, engaging contestants. Be yourself!

4. Research Application Processes

• Look for updates on networks or websites hosting similar programs.