Financial Feminist 260. Money Mistakes That Cost Me Everything (And How To Avoid Them) with Nicole Lapin
6 snips
Nov 4, 2025 
Nicole Lapin, a bestselling author and money expert, shares her harrowing experience of losing her home in the LA fires shortly after giving birth. She discusses critical financial oversights, like skipping business insurance, and emphasizes the importance of documenting belongings for claims. The conversation highlights the emotional ties between money and safety, and offers parenting finance tips, including establishing 529 plans for children's education. Dive into essential lessons on overcoming financial shame and rebuilding after disaster.
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Fire Destroyed Home Two Weeks Postpartum
- Nicole Lapin lost her home and studio to the LA fires two weeks after giving birth because she hadn't finalized business insurance.
- She wishes she had documented every item in her house and office beforehand to ease insurance and FEMA claims.
Confirm Displacement Coverage
- Read your insurance policy carefully and confirm it includes Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use coverage.
- Verify what temporary housing, childcare, and other displacement costs the policy will actually reimburse.
Start A 529 Early
- Open a 529 college savings plan early and anyone can contribute via a U-Gift link.
- Remember unused 529 funds can change beneficiary or roll into a Roth IRA under new rules.
