Priscilla Tshibemba-Petit’s journey from debt-ridden law graduate to financial influencer reveals how she transformed her struggles into a mission that’s empowering thousands.
At 36, Priscilla Tshibemba-Petit is living proof that the road to financial freedom doesn’t always follow a straight path. In fact, her story begins with a massive roadblock: nearly $180,000 in student loan debt, no savings, and a credit score that didn’t exactly scream “financial success.” Yet, today, Priscilla is a legal counsel in a major law firm and the founder of Voilà the Budget, a financial education platform that has already helped thousands of people regain control of their finances. How did she do it? The answer lies in her ability to turn struggle into strategy, proving that anyone, no matter their background, can take charge of their financial future.
The Moment That Changed Everything
It was 2016 when Priscilla found herself sitting in Washington, D.C., excited to start her law career but weighed down by financial anxiety. With a law degree from three different countries and a fresh start in the U.S., she thought financial success would come easily. But reality hit hard. Debt, including student loans and everyday financial challenges, had her feeling overwhelmed.
“I realized my degrees and my job weren’t enough to secure my financial future,” Priscilla recalls. “I had no savings, no investments, and I wasn’t even sure where to start.”
But then, something clicked. She turned to the very thing that would change everything: personal finance content online. With newfound knowledge about budgeting, saving, credit building, and paying off debt, Priscilla took control. She used a zero-based budget to pay off more than $25,000 of her debt in the first 18 months. But the best part? She did it while living between Paris and New York City, balancing the demands of her career and personal life.
“Everything I learned, I put into practice,” she says. “I didn’t just want to get out of debt, I wanted to teach others how they could do it too.”
A Vision for Financial Education That Actually Relates
The concept behind Voilà the Budget is simple but profound: give people the tools to take control of their financial future, in a way that’s accessible, relatable, and achievable. Priscilla’s own journey from debt-ridden law graduate to someone who has repaid over $154,000 in student loans is what makes her platform different. It’s not just about theory, it’s about practical strategies that work, crafted by someone who has lived the challenges her audience faces.
“There’s so much financial advice out there that feels distant or too complicated. I wanted to create something that spoke to people where they are, whether they’re juggling student loans, living paycheck to paycheck, or just starting to think about savings,” Priscilla shares.
Through Voilà the Budget, she’s built a supportive community, her “VTB fam”, that extends beyond advice. It’s a place where people share their stories, struggles, and victories. With thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, Priscilla’s message resonates deeply with people who are ready to take charge of their finances but don’t know where to begin.
Why It Works: The Power of Relatability
What makes Voilà the Budget stand out isn’t just the tools it offers, but the personal story behind it. Priscilla’s journey from a French AuPair to an international law graduate, and now a successful legal counsel, gives her a unique perspective on financial challenges. She didn’t just learn financial literacy from a textbook, she learned it through the highs and lows of her own life.
“I’ve been where my followers are,” she explains. “I’ve had to figure out how to pay for tuition while working full-time, how to balance a budget with a low income, and how to stay motivated while chipping away at debt. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others do the same.”
But what truly drives Priscilla’s work is a deep empathy for the struggles people face when it comes to money. “I know what it’s like to feel like you’re never going to get ahead. But I also know what it feels like to pay off a huge chunk of debt and finally breathe again. I want others to experience that.”
A Movement, Not Just a Business
Priscilla’s ultimate goal with Voilà the Budget isn’t just financial freedom for herself, but for everyone who follows her. Her business is more than just a platform for budget templates and advice. It’s a movement. A movement where financial literacy is approachable and achievable.
With plans to expand her offerings and introduce more tools and resources, Priscilla is committed to giving people not just the knowledge, but also the confidence they need to take control of their financial future.
“I want to make financial freedom feel attainable for everyone,” she says. “No matter where you start, no matter how much debt you have, there’s always a way out. It’s not about perfection, it’s about persistence.”
The Next Step: Ready to Take Control?
Priscilla’s success story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to change your financial future. Through Voilà the Budget, she’s offering people practical tools, relatable advice, and an empowering community to help them get there.
So, are you ready to start your own financial freedom journey? Visit Voilà the Budget today, and join the thousands of people already learning, growing, and succeeding with Priscilla’s expert guidance. Whether you’re tackling debt, building savings, or learning to invest, there’s a place for you in the VTB fam.
