Gabrielle Union was “so stupid” with her first big pay check. The actress learned an expensive lesson about financial decisions early in her career that she still reflects on today.
The 52-year-old actress found success in the late 1990s and early 2000s with appearances in hit films like Bring It On, 10 Things I Hate About You, and She’s All That, but revealed that when she when she first came into money, she went against her father’s advice and bought a brand new car. These breakthrough roles established Union as a rising star in Hollywood’s comedy genre.
Speaking as part of a panel discussion at the American Black Film Festival, she said: “So stupid. I went on the Mazda lot. I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ve made it when I have a Mazda.’ My dad’s like, ‘Don’t buy a brand new car. It depreciates the second you drive it off the lot.” Her father’s warning reflected common financial wisdom about vehicle depreciation that many first-time earners ignore.
She continued explaining her impulsive decision: “I walked into Mazda and I bought myself a black on black Mazda Miata with leather seats. Lemme tell you about leather seats in Los Angeles. Do you know I scorched myself every time I got out? Yeah, that was my first purchase. And it depreciated the second I drove it off the lot!” The convertible sports car became both a symbol of her success and a painful reminder of impulsive spending decisions.
Gabrielle is now married to former NBA star Dwyane Wade, and previously revealed that the two of them split their finances equally. Their approach to money management has evolved significantly from her early career mistakes.
Speaking on the Black Millionaires podcast, she explained: “In this household, we split everything 50-50.” This financial arrangement demonstrates how successful couples can maintain independence while sharing responsibilities.
Union elaborated on the ongoing financial pressures: “But in the other households that each of us have to support, there’s always this like, gorilla on your back, that’s like, ‘You better work, b—h, you better work. Oh, you’re going to sleep in?’ You know, somebody might not eat. It’s hard. It’s hard to let that go. So I’m working on that..” The pressure of supporting extended family creates ongoing financial stress even for successful entertainers.
The actress – who has six-year-old Kaavia with Dwyane and is also stepmother to his other four children – admitted at the time that she still has a “scarcity mindset” from the days before she made it big. This psychological relationship with money stems from her pre-fame financial struggles.
Reflecting on her ongoing financial anxiety, she said: “I struggle with that, still. I think I just have more responsibilities for my money. I get nervous like, ‘Oh God, that movie didn’t open you know what does that mean? Do I – Am I … Am I going to have enough to hold everybody up?'” The unpredictable nature of entertainment careers continues to influence her financial mindset.
Union‘s candid discussion about money management reflects her growth from impulsive spending to thoughtful financial planning. Her willingness to share these experiences publicly helps normalize conversations about money mistakes and learning processes.
The Mazda Miata purchase represents a classic example of lifestyle inflation that many young professionals experience when their income increases. The leather seats burning in Los Angeles heat added insult to injury, making the expensive lesson even more memorable.
Financial experts often cite Union’s story as a cautionary tale about making major purchases without proper planning or research. The immediate depreciation her father warned about proved accurate, reinforcing the importance of seeking advice before significant financial decisions.
Union has since become more strategic about her finances, building wealth through diversified investments and business ventures. Her production company and various endorsements have created multiple income streams beyond acting roles.
Today, Union advocates for financial literacy and transparency in the entertainment industry. Her openness about past mistakes encourages others to learn from her experiences rather than repeat similar costly errors.
The actress continues to work on overcoming her scarcity mindset while balancing the financial responsibilities that come with success. Her journey from impulsive spender to thoughtful investor illustrates the importance of financial education and personal growth in achieving long-term financial stability.
