Tessa Thompson got her start in TV in the early aughts, but in the past few years she's tackled more high profile roles in a number of big blockbusters, from "Creed" to "Avengers: Endgame."
When she's not acting, Thompson appears in music videos for friend Janelle Monáe and takes an active role in the #TimesUp movement.
CNBC Select spoke with Thompson via email to get the scoop on what she carries in her wallet, the best financial advice she's received and her advice for managing money.
What's in Tessa Thompson's wallet
Thompson keeps the essentials in her wallet: one credit card, a bank card and her ID. But she's not above a little sentimental clutter: Thompson also carries a $2 dollar bill and a homemade sticker along with a playing card she considers lucky.
She's saving her credit card rewards for an upcoming trip. Redeeming points and miles for travel is a smart choice: If you use a travel rewards card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can benefit from earning higher rewards rates on eligible travel (5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (starting January 1, 2021, this applies on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases).
Plus you receive a good value on travel points redemptions — 10,000 points are worth $100 on flights and Fine Hotel & Resorts stays. And if you transfer points to participating frequent traveler programs, your points may be worth more. Check out Amex's points calculator to see how much your American Express card points are worth.
The best financial advice Tessa Thompson's received
Thompson believes strongly in the impact shopping at small businesses can have on both individuals and communities: "I've always put a huge premium on doing that with the money I earn," she says.
Many of her family members are small business owners, she says, which is one reason why she's inspired to shop small. Research suggests it does have big impact — on average, two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community, according to Amex's Small Business Economic Impact study.
Tessa Thompson's advice for managing money
It's important "to recognize the value of experiences that money can offer you," Thompson tells CNBC Select.
"I've especially been grateful to have people in my life remind me to not just enjoy my hard earned money but also enjoy the rewards."
This story is part of CNBC Select's What's in Your Wallet series, which profiles celebrities and media personalities on the contents of their wallet and the best financial advice they've received. For interview recommendations, email allie.white@nbcuni.com.
Don't miss CNBC Select's What's In Your Wallet with: Shaquille O'Neal, Tessa Thompson, Arianna Huffington, Tony Hawk, Lindsey Vonn, Ariana Huffington, and Bobby Berk.