Columbus discovered America, but a woman financed the trip
Although Columbus Day has come and gone, it leaves behind a lesson we can revisit year-round: behind every great adventure is a solid financial plan.
Ah, Columbus Day—a time to celebrate explorers, new worlds, and bold ideas. But let’s not forget a key detail that history often glosses over: Columbus didn’t sail the ocean blue without financial backing. And who made his transatlantic dream possible? A woman. Queen Isabella of Spain—had the vision (and funds) to turn a sailor’s big idea into a history-making journey.
Let’s face it, history may not have called it “budgeting,” but Isabella was the OG of financial planning. And what can we learn from her? Spoiler: It’s not how to fund questionable voyages.
Lesson 1: Prioritize What Matters
Queen Isabella didn’t throw her gold at the first adventurer who wandered into her court. She weighed her options and put her resources behind what she believed would yield meaningful results. Modern translation?
Don’t say yes to every impulse buy (yes, I’m looking at you, late-night Amazon orders).
Invest in your priorities—whether it’s your retirement fund, debt payoff, or, heck, a vacation, without worrying you’ll have to eat ramen noodles for the next six months.
Lesson 2: Plan for Risk
Let’s be real: sending a few ships off into the great unknown wasn’t exactly a sure bet. Isabella likely knew this, which is why she didn’t give Columbus the ships. She loaned him the money—and made sure Spain got a sweet cut of the profits.
Modern Takeaway: Make sure you’ve got a safety net. Sinking funds beat a sinking ship any day.
Lesson 3: Know When to Say No
Sure, Isabella said yes to Columbus, but you can bet there were other adventurers she turned down. You don’t have to say yes to every weekend getaway, pricey concert ticket, or last-minute group dinner that comes your way. Your financial goals matter, too.
Pro Tip: The next time someone suggests that you join them for something you know will tank your well-planned goals, channel your inner queen and say, “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
In Closing:
So, what can we take from Columbus and Queen Isabella? The power of prioritizing, planning for risk, and sometimes saying no. And maybe the next time you feel bad about telling someone their weekend getaway or elaborate birthday plan isn’t in your budget, remind yourself that Queen Isabella only funded Columbus’s journey because it aligned with her priorities. You can do the same.
Now, go forth and conquer your financial goals—no boats required. And if you’d like a little help navigating the waters, avoiding the storms, and staying on course, schedule a free consultation to see how having an experienced coach by your side can guide you to success.