DIGGING A HOLE: I bought into the debt culture since I was 18 years old. My mom took me to Sears to get my first store card to be able to "build credit". I thought if I could afford the payment, it would be smart to buy just about anything on credit. I eventually became used to making payments on credit cards, cars, school loans, and even family loans. But this juggling act took a toll. I felt tired, stuck, trapped, anxious, helpless, and even worthless at times. To prop myself up and keep up appearances, I justified spending more, on credit of course. I made EXCUSE after EXCUSE for why I deserved to buy something, eat at a restaurant, or join friends for outings and trips I knew I could not afford. As time went on, my debt grew and so did my insecurities. I was ashamed of the amount of debt I had and made sure no one knew I was drowning in it.
"I'VE HAD IT" MOMENT: In August of 2011, I had $6 in my bank account and a very painful ear infection. I went to the pharmacy hoping to buy something to treat it, but everything cost more than what I had in the bank and available to use on my maxed-out credit cards. I experienced an emotional low I had not known before. I was tired of juggling and making EXCUSES. I decided I needed to change.
A NEW CHAPTER: I had lived in Florida most of my life, but I felt it was time for a change. I spoke with family that lived in Texas about moving there and they supported the idea. There were more jobs and opportunity for growth, and overall cost of living was much lower. I got a job and focused on paying off debt and living below my means. It felt good to finally be intentional with my money and feel more in control of my life. Each debt I paid off gave me momentum to continue going until I was finally debt free. I realized what I was capable of, through discipline and sacrifice. I then began focusing on saving and investing.
DEVELOPING A PASSION: This experience helped me to seek out the best way to get ahead with money. There is a lot of information available today. It can be difficult to make sense of it all and know what to believe. Personal finance is not taught in schools and most households do not talk openly about money. I didn't think I had anything to offer others until I found myself giving personal finance advice to friends, family and co-workers. I thought everyone knew this money stuff and I was the one that needed to learn more. I was wrong. Turns out I was the geek, and I was happy to offer information and hope to anyone that needed it. This sparked an interest to help others navigate their financial situations. The desire to teach grew more over time, and it is what led me to become a coach.
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN: I want to give you the tools you need to help you achieve your goals. I want to walk with you on your journey, no matter how hopeless it seems. I care and I am passionate about helping others design their desired financial future. If you are willing to imagine that great, big, beautiful, tomorrow, I am willing to help you create it.
