Savannah James and April McDaniel went on the Mental Wealth podcast to talk about their journey as best friends who double as business partners. A clip of the bestie CEOs is going viral after McDaniel offered a bit of insight into the financial dynamic between them. When Mental Wealth podcast co-host Jacqueline “Jack” Howard inquired about what comes to mind for each of the women when they hear “friendship and money,” McDaniel decisively chimed in.
She expressively offered that she and James aren’t “delusional” about their lifestyles. And went on to divulge that the friends are aware of the differences between their financial lifestyles and capacity. She then furthered the notion by openly sharing that she budgets and Savannah holds space for her in that way. Although McDaniel spoke about her financial situation, it’s fair to acknowledge that she did so in an empowered way and alluded to the fact that budgeting works for her. Especially in a world where social media plays an imperative role in misconceptions about wealth, which McDaniel transparently doesn’t align with.
When Savannah James chimed in, she expressed, “My friends are very respectful of my situation, all of them. They already understand that if we’re going somewhere, there’s no expectation of me being responsible for them.” If I had to pinpoint the exact point of contention that incited the discourse amongst online users — this would be it. That part, along with McDaniel referring back to a time when the friends traveled together and she bought a business-class ticket while James flew first class. Folks are widely sharing their disagreement with James’ perspective.
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Some are even going as far as calling her a disingenuous friend. Let the record reflect that this particular part of the overall conversation with the Everybody’s Crazy podcast co-hosts, is only a drop in the bucket. The conversation was had and gone within the first six minutes of the Mental Wealth episode. But nonetheless, as internet critics are alluding to: the clips points to a bigger picture, the conversation of if our rich friends should be obligated to financially carry us.
The short answer is: whatever works for you and yours.
But evidently, that solution doesn’t settle well with others. There’s a few things to unpack here. One being that James is largely receiving flack because of her husband’s notable billionaire status. People feel that since she’s a billionaire by marriage, the gesture of picking up the tab should come natural. Secondly, most are adamant on the mindset, “what’s mine is also yours,” as it pertains to friendships, and while that’s generally an agreeable sentiment — we can’t act like there’s no nuance to capacity here.
Lastly, what works for McDaniel and James may just be what works for them and their friendship. They’ve been friends for years and it would be a rational assumption to make that this ideal isn’t a relevant factor for them because they’ve likely had a version of this conversation over the course of their relationship. And the emphasis on James flying first-class while McDaniel flew business class should be wrapped up expeditiously. Business class is a healthy medium between first and economy, with decent amenities might I add.
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Truly, I understand the knee-jerk reaction to want to only consider Savannah’s financial status but based on April’s known businesses, affiliations, and transparency — she isn’t broke, she just isn’t a billionaire. That status is reserved for the one percenters and as frustrating that can be to think about at times, McDaniel seems to be content and realistic with her life. The point that Savannah’s proximity to an influx of money, more money than ten people combined could see in a lifetime is also fair.
For her, a first-class trip is probably a drop in the bucket. What would be a splurge for most of us, isn’t her reality. And instead of being resentful of that, I’m choosing to take a page out of the books of our elders and encourage us all to stop watching others pockets and to focus on our own.
The desire to continue this dialogue, making Savannah and April’s friendship the poster child of what unbalanced friendship looks like, is a reach that needs to be backtracked. Let’s wrap this up immediately. Because the truth of the matter is that people are going to engage in their friendships in a way that serves them. A major part of any friendship, let alone dynamic, is the ability to be on the same page. It appears that the women have that squared away.
If how they proceed within their relationship doesn’t suite your needs or align with your preference, that’s fine. You are entitled to your feelings and should approach your own friendships accordingly. But to project a narrative onto them that isn’t their reality is pointless. Let the girls, including the ones reading this, do as they please. As long as it works for you, all should be well and copacetic.