

Listen, I was slow to board the TikTok train, but I eventually had to hop on. I mean, you can't help but get sucked into watching the ridiculous dances and hilarious skits, whether you have an account or you see them on your Instagram feed. I especially love the ones that are super-relatable, include useful hacks or how-tos, and cover issues we all deal with—particularly those related to money.
These top 10 Tiktok stars are Black women who are great at teaching all of us how to get, keep, and increase our coins. Ain't nothing funny about being broke, but their videos will either help you forget about that rent laughing at your bank account balance or give you some tips you can actually use to defeat your money problems for good. (And hey, sis, if you really love TikToks and want to see more of these, share and comment below. We might just make this a recurring feature.)
1.Melissa of Millennial In Debt
@millennialindebt Intro post: I paid off 102,000 in student loans in 5 years. Then one month later I closed on my first home! 😱 ##personalfinance ##freshprince ##fyp
♬ original sound - Millennial In Debt
She got rid of more than $100,000 in debt and closed on her first home, all on a teacher's salary. The founder of Millennial in Debt calls herself the "Beyonce of Personal Finance" and helps millennials get a handle on their money via her YouTube channel, webinars, and coaching sessions. Yep. Say no more.
2.Carmen of Make Real Cents
Yet another TikTok that tries and convicts my poor overspending, Amazon Prime-loving, just-buy-it, spendaholic self. Carmen is also founder of Budget Better, a resource for people to find ways to make budgeting a priority, and she provides info via her social sites on investing and financial fitness.
3.Tonya Rapley of My Fab Finance
She's an OG money expert, entrepreneur, and founder of My Fab Finance, an education and lifestyle platform that helps millennials reach their personal finance goals. Tonya Rapley has been in the game helping thousands via workshops, speaking engagements, and coaching for more than a decade. Her TikToks (and many of her IG Reels) break down topics like debt reduction and budgeting in a way that puts simplicity and credibility at the forefront.
4.Bola of Clever Girl Finance
@clevergirlfinance Simplify your finances by keeping your bills organized!##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner ##personalfinance
♬ GOTTA GO - Benny Boy
Clever Girl Finance gives you quick hits on hacks for the usual adult chores (like handling bills), and Bola addresses topics many of us struggle with on the daily. You'll feel a tad less guilty and more empowered to make some changes watching her fun and peaceful videos.
5.Clarissa AKA "The Budget Queen"
@budgetqueen_blog One of the biggest myths I’ve heard about budgeting. 🔗Click the link in my bio to get the FREE Worksheet. ##budgeting##budgettips ##moneytoks #
♬ Berleezy thats some bs - kay
You know that favorite cousin or auntie who will snatch your debit card away after a day of shopping or invite you to her house for a meal afterward so you won't eat out for the fifth time in a week? Clarissa is that woman. Her keep-it-real videos are hilariously informative and make the thought of the dreaded b-word a lot less, well, dreadful.
6.Dannie of Pennies to Wealth
@penniestowealth The steps I took to become debt free when married. ##moneytiktok ##debtfreejourney ##debtfreecommunity ##personalfinance ##budgeting
♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre
Sis was able to conquer $130,000 in debt, and we all know Uncle Sam (or Sallie Mae) doesn't play about that money owed. Dannie offers financial fitness coaching via her platform, Pennies to Wealth, and she's full of resources to get your money right. Her videos are cute, quick and to the point, but cover major impact.
7.Nika of Debt Free Gonna Be
@debtfreegonnabe My budget be so fed up with me 🤣##debtfreejourney ##financetiktok ##debtfreecommunity ##budgeting ##moneytoks ##groupchat
♬ original sound - Nika
I swear the video above perfectly depicts the love-hate relationship my budget and I have had over the years. Nika also offers, through her platform, worksheets, step-by-step tips, and other useful downloadable resources to address budgeting and debt-reduction for all of us who need that extra push in the organization department.
8.Bitch I'm Budgeting
@bitchimbudgeting Having debt aint it!! ##greenscreen ##neneleaks ##debtfreejourney ##moneytips ##personalfinance
♬ original sound - Randy Perry
The great thing about following this journey is that she's dead set in the middle of it, so you'll feel like you have a friend who's pretty much going through some of the same money issues as you are. She's a special education teacher whose goal is to get rid of $19,000 in debt by the end of 2021. Go 'head sis! We're right there with you!
9.Cinneah of Flynanced
If the name doesn't do it, the travel hacks for saving money will. I love flying out affordably while still having an upgraded experience, and her TikToks don't fail when giving the tea on how to do just that. Her platform also empowers millennials to build wealth through travel.
10.Coupon Queen T
@couponqueent I Am NOT A HOARDER. Freaky girl coupon remix ##fyp##couponqueent ##stockpile ##WIP##myhobby
♬ original sound - Coupon Queen T
Who doesn't like the euphoric feeling of walking out of a store with 10 bags of groceries that only set you back 20 bucks? I mean, who? Who? I swear this woman's videos might have you literally holding up the line at your favorite market just to make sure all the discounts were taken off properly, and with no shame to boot. She's a wife and mother who literally takes couponing to a whole 'nother level.
Read more money mindset conversations in xoNecole's "Money Talks" series here.
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
We Thought All-Inclusives Were Boring Until We Found These Twin Jamaican Gems
I’m not your typical all-inclusive resort girlie—especially for a couple’s trip. My man and I usually hop from one Airbnb or boutique hotel to the next, cooking our own meals, and chasing off-the-beaten-path adventures. But after eight years of host ghosting, catfish listings, and DIY travel stress, we decided it was time to switch gears. Our latest Jamaica baecation was the perfect excuse to give an all-inclusive resort a fair shot.
We landed on Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away—two Jamaican family-owned sister properties nestled in western Jamaica. With Caribbean roots dating back to 1949, this wasn’t just any chain resort—it had legacy and soul. And honestly? It was the reset we didn’t know we needed.
What made it even more special? We were back in the place where we first fell in love, now creating new memories in the same sun-drenched paradise. From booze cruises, pickleball matches, and wellness shots, to alluring late-night jacuzzi rendezvous, soul karaoke, and far too much champagne mixed with tequila, to really good jerk chicken and repeat-visit-worthy Asian cuisine, bae and I had a time.
Couples Negril And Couples Swept Away: Twins On The West Coast Of Jamaica
And it’s fitting that we visited in June (which is considered low season—a time when there are less travelers and better deals) because these sister resorts are like Gemini twins that embody two distinct sides of the same spirit.
Set between Negril and Hanover, Couples Negril is the social butterfly, full of energy and artistic flair; Couples Swept Away is the introspective dreamer, grounded in nature, wellness, and tranquility.
While they’re quite opposite in vibe, they’re united by a shared history and reflect the classic Gemini duality: light and shadow, play and peace, expression and reflection.
Bae’s Favorite: Chic, Modern, And Cozy At Couples Negril
Couples Negril Suite
Courtesy, Couples Negril
Bae’s favorite was Couples Negril—which has more than 230 rooms and spans 18 acres—for its mix of entertainment, modern minimalist vibes, and a diverse crowd of couples. He especially loved Otaheite Restaurant with its low-lit red velvet love seats and dishes meshing luxury with traditional island flavors (like the merlot stewed rabbit served with coconut polenta and the filet mignon with the jerk glaze.) And he lives for hearing me sing, so the piano bar was our jam.
We also spent lots of time at the beach bar, one of five on the property, snacking on fish tacos and sipping margaritas just steps from our suite.
We saved the rum for the included catamaran cruise (book ahead!), which came with endless punch and views of Negril’s West End—a fave spot of ours. Couples Negril made the all-inclusive life feel surprisingly easy and fun.
The property also features a treehouse spa, two pools, four jacuzzis, an au naturale beach (whew, chile!), and sports facilities. Everything was easy to access—the layout felt cozy and well-organized, making it simple to move between activities and amenities. At this resort, you can really have some grown-and-sexy fun without it feeling like a raunchy spring break episode of Couples Gone Wild.
My Favorite: Private, Classic Charm, & Nature Mystique At Couples Swept Away
Couple's Swept Away Suite
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
While I loved Couples, once we stepped over to Couples Swept Away, the lush nature set on 19 acres won me over. This twin, which has 312 suites, 7 restaurants, 8 bars, 3 pools, 5 jacuzzis, and a spa, leans into intimacy and seclusion, and I felt like we had more privacy and room to explore–just the two of us—at this property. The rooms are rustic-luxurious, dressed in island cedar, with classic shutters and expansive verandahs that have hammocks where you can enjoy bright flora, the sounds of exotic birds, and the sea views.
The absence of TVs—along with its tropical fantasy allure— meant a 10 out of 10 experience for me. This resort invites couples to breathe deeper, slow down, and truly get to the core of intimacy, all within the hum of nature.
There were hidden enclaves with dipping pools, jacuzzis, open-air cafés, and quiet corners where you can sit by ponds filled with fish and bird watch (or have a little sneaky link with bae!)
One of my favorite stand-out amenities at this resort: the 10-acre fitness complex just a short walk across the road from the main property where I’d have my early-morning me-time while bae slept in. It has 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a fully equipped gym, and a wide range of wellness and fitness classes are held there. I also enjoyed turmeric and ginger shots at the wellness bar.
Other standouts for food and nightlife included Lemon Grass (where you can enjoy Asian-inspired food and listen to the live music coming from downstairs), the chic Patois Bar (which was the late-night hotspot overlooking one of the pools and serving your usual bar fare like burgers and quesadillas—felt like we were at a Miami nightclub), and the Aura Bar (where bae sang with a quintet of other slightly drunken men and where we did the cliche but super-lit millennial couple thing: danced the night away to Top 40 hip-hop, salsa, and rock classics).
The Patois Bar
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
Baecation Tip: Just be sure your partner packs a few linen or dress pants, loafers or soft dress shoes, and a few button-down shirts for the restaurants that require reservations. Also book your table and all-inclusive excursions in advance (or on the first day you arrive at the resort).
All in all, this resort-hop wasn’t the stifling, prison-in-paradise all-inclusive experience I remembered from the Jamaica family vacations of my youth. It also wasn’t the stereotypical AI disaster of bland food, lackluster customer service, and senior citizen activities that many complain about on social nowadays.
Both resorts offered a fresh take on luxury, great food, and good vibes—all without losing the intimacy we craved. All-inclusives might not be our every trip vibe, but for this chapter? It was exactly what we needed, and we look forward to making repeat bookings at both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away in the future.
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