This morning at church, our pastor spoke about the need for financial assistance in our community, pointing out that much of it stems from a lack of basic financial education. My husband and I immediately made eye contact—this is a topic I've been passionate about for years and is the one of the reasons I started this blog. My goal is to share the financial knowledge I've gained over my 13-year banking career, combined with the lessons I've learned from my own experiences.
I’ve learned firsthand that building financial stability isn't just about reaching goals; it's about preparing for the unexpected. The power of saving became incredibly real for me when Hurricane Milton flooded our home. We were forced to move out for repairs, and with our flood insurance not including additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, we were suddenly faced with paying both our mortgage and temporary rent. While it was a definite struggle, the financial foundation I had built in previous years is what carried us through. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing tips and tricks that helped me get there—from how I built credit and paid off debt to the steps I took to purchase a home at just 23 years old.
My approach has always been multifaceted. There was no single magic solution; it was a combination of many small, consistent habits. I have always been committed to saving wherever I can, and it all adds up. My strategies include:
Shopping at thrift stores
Using coupons and visiting multiple grocery stores for the best deals
Earning gift cards and cash back from receipt apps
Participating in online surveys and mystery shopping
Sticking to a budget
I have done all of this while working a full-time job, proving that every little bit helps.
I'm excited to share this journey with you. I hope you'll join me over the next few weeks as we take a deep dive into building financial freedom together.
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