Hollywood star Keke Palmer is known for her talent, charm, and honesty. But behind the fame, she’s teaching powerful lessons about money, family, and purpose — especially to young Black women.
Keke Palmer Shares Why Living Frugally Still Matters
Despite earning millions since childhood, Keke Palmer says she lives far below her means. Speaking on CNBC Make It, the 31-year-old made it clear she isn’t drawn to flashy lifestyles.
“I live under my means. I think it’s incredibly important,” she shared. “If I have $1 million in my pocket, my rent is going to be $1,500.” She added that she’s happy driving a $340 car instead of a luxury ride, choosing a Lexus over a Bentley.
Palmer says staying grounded financially keeps her in control of her life. She wants young people, especially Black women, to realize wealth is about freedom — not just what you can buy.
Becoming a Millionaire at 12, But Always Remembering Her Roots
Palmer’s rise to stardom began early. By age 12, she had already made her first million from acting. After starring in movies like Akeelah and the Bee and Barbershop 2: Back in Business, she became a household name.
In a candid chat on Club Shay Shay, she revealed that after landing her Nickelodeon show True Jackson, VP, she made more per episode than her parents did in a year. “My parents, at their best, made $40,000 a year,” Palmer recalled. “I was making that a show.”
Yet Palmer says her parents’ lessons about money never left her. She learned early on to save, spend wisely, and value family over fortune.
Family Sacrifices Behind Keke Palmer’s Success
Though Palmer earned big money young, she says her success was a family effort. Her father gave up his pension, and her mother left everything behind to support her career.
“Somebody might say, ‘That’s your money.’ But we’re a family. Everybody’s sacrificing so I can be where I’m at,” Palmer told Shannon Sharpe. “What’s mine is theirs, and what’s theirs is mine.”
She believes in honoring those sacrifices. Even now, she says she’d work another 20 years to help provide for her family if needed.
Calling Black Women to Master Money and Choose Purpose
Palmer isn’t just sharing her story — she’s urging young Black women to take charge of their financial futures. She stressed the importance of learning about money, savings, and wealth-building.
“Be curious about that kind of stuff,” Palmer advised. “You don’t want to do things based off of survival. You want to do them out of choice.”
She credits her parents for teaching her these lessons and hopes other women learn to choose purpose over pressure. Palmer’s message is clear: financial wisdom is power, and every Black woman deserves to own it.
