There are very few women I can say this about. She follows through every time, not just when it’s convenient. In high-pressure industries, that’s rare. Alison Kosik is one of them, and this past year she’s guided me in my career and in how I approach longevity, discipline, and clarity.
April is National Financial Literacy Month, and if there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is this: most women were never truly taught how to think about money.
We were told to save. We were told to be responsible. And somewhere along the way, many of us were told that buying a home was the ultimate marker of success.
But very few of us were actually taught how to make those decisions with clarity, confidence, and a real understanding of what they cost.
This is exactly why I keep coming back to Alison Kosik.
There are very few women I can say this about with complete certainty. She follows through. Not occasionally, not when it is convenient, but every single time. And if you have spent enough years working in media or any high pressure industry, you understand how rare that actually is.
This past year, Alison has been one of the women who has quietly helped guide me, not just in my career, but in how I think about longevity, discipline, and showing up with integrity. Our conversations are grounded in something simple but increasingly rare: real listening. We hear each other out, we think, and we respond with intention. There is no rushing, no posturing, just a shared understanding that we are here to help each other move forward using what we know best.
She also does not give up. Not on her work, not on her standards, and not on other women.
That combination matters more than ever.
Alison has spent decades reporting on business, finance, and the global economy, from CNN to ABC News, interviewing some of the most powerful people in the world. But what makes her work stand out is not access. It is clarity. She takes something that has historically been intimidating for women, money, and makes it understandable and actionable.
Her book, What’s Up With Women and Money?, is a reflection of that.
And one area where her advice is especially important right now is homeownership.
Because while many of us have been told that buying a home is the goal, very few of us have been taught how to approach it wisely.
Here is some of the most important guidance from Alison’s work:
What Every Woman Should Understand Before Buying a Home
• The price is not the real cost
Closing costs alone can range from 3% to 6% of your loan, and that is before factoring in property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and unexpected repairs. What you see upfront is only part of the picture.
• Do not spend what the bank approves
Just because you are approved for a certain amount does not mean you should use it. A good guideline is to keep your mortgage at no more than 28% of your monthly income, and ideally no more than three times your annual salary.
• Your financial foundation matters
Your credit score, your debt, and your savings all determine not just whether you qualify, but how stable you will be long term. Lenders are looking at your full financial picture.
• Have an emergency fund before you buy
Owning a home means you are responsible for everything that breaks. Having four to six months of living expenses saved is essential before taking that step.
• Timing matters more than pressure
If you are not planning to stay in one place for at least five years, buying may not make financial sense. Renting is not a failure. In many cases, it is the smarter decision.
• Pay down debt first
Even if you can afford a down payment, carrying debt into a major purchase limits your flexibility and increases your risk.
What I appreciate most is that Alison is not selling a dream. She is offering clarity. And that clarity gives women something far more valuable than a quick win. It gives us the ability to make informed decisions that actually support our lives.
Because this conversation is not really about money. It is about agency.
So many women were never invited into financial conversations early enough to feel confident in them later. But that can change. And it does not require perfection. It requires information, consistency, and a willingness to start.
I do not often write about the women who have impacted my life, but Alison is one of them. Not just because of her résumé, but because of who she is behind the scenes. She listens. She shows up. She follows through.
And if you are going to take advice from anyone about money, take it from a woman who walks the walk and who follows through.
Because financial literacy is not just about numbers. It is about your freedom.
Start here:
Read Alison’s book: What’s Up With Women and Money?
Follow Alison Kosik on Instagram
