Who is Vivian Tu?

Widely recognized as “Your Rich BFF,” is a prominent American businesswoman, author, and media personality dedicated to making financial literacy accessible to all.

Early Life and Education

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Vivian is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her mother worked in chemistry and consulting, while her father was a computer programmer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

From an early age, Vivian was involved in her parents’ finances, often acting as a translator during financial discussions.

She graduated as valedictorian from Marriotts Ridge High School in 2012 and later earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago.

Professional Journey

Wall Street Beginnings

After graduating in 2016, Vivian commenced her career as an equities trader at J.P. Morgan, focusing on industrials, materials, and energy stocks. Navigating a predominantly male-centric environment, she faced challenges, including biases about her demeanor. Seeking a change, she transitioned into a digital media sales role at BuzzFeed, where she excelled as the top-earning salesperson.

Emergence as Your Rich BFF

Vivian’s colleagues and friends frequently sought her financial advice, recognizing her ability to demystify complex financial concepts. In 2021, she began sharing financial education videos on TikTok under the moniker “Your Rich BFF,” covering topics like saving, investing, and budgeting. Her approachable style resonated with a broad audience, leading her to pursue content creation full-time in 2022. As of December 2024, she has amassed a following of 8 million across various platforms.

Rich AF and Other Ventures

Rich AF Book

On December 26, 2023, Vivian released her debut book, Rich AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life. The book offers readers tools and knowledge to understand the financial landscape and build personalized financial strategies. It became a New York Times bestseller in both the Business and the Advice, How To & Miscellaneous categories.

Networth & Chill Podcast

In 2023, Vivian launched her podcast, Networth & Chill, in partnership with Audioboom. The podcast expands upon the financial information she shares on her social platforms, aiming to further promote financial literacy. For its second season, she collaborated with Vox Media and PS, formerly known as PopSugar.

Recognitions and Personal Life

Vivian’s contributions have earned her spots on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and “Top Creators” lists. She has also been nominated for a Webby Award and multiple Shorty Awards. In June 2024, she married Greg Hunt in Lake Como, Italy.

Vivian Tu’s journey from Wall Street to becoming a leading financial influencer exemplifies her commitment to empowering individuals with financial knowledge, aligning with the mission of Winchell House to support readers embarking on their financial journeys.