My Financial Habits In 2025
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trapped in some illusory content cycle pushing me to embrace ‘my winter arc’ ❄️
To me, wealth is freedom, options, time, & health.
So I want my habits moving forward to reflect these values when it comes to financial success. It’s meant a refocusing of my energy—calling back my attention from past interactions, ruminations, and mental loops—towards the areas of my life that actually bring me vitality.
Here’s to charging forward boldly into your own life.
Solidarity is supposed to be hard.
When it comes to spending, take a firm stance.
Shop small, shop local, shop the businesses owned & operated by people you want to support. Support independent businesses over big brand retailers, trendy labels, and knock-off social media stores. I’ll only shop at these establishments if it’s absolutely necessary.
Shop for longevity. I’m done with low-quality, temporary solutions and designs. I don’t need to waste money or energy on things I don’t want, don’t need, or won’t last.
This year, I’m focused on looking “poor”— which just means looking like me. Not changing a thing about my current wardrobe, wearing what I own. I opt out of makeup, and all power to you if you choose to opt in. There are targeted occasions where dressing up is needed, I understand that, and the best formula for confidence in any situation is confidence in how you look first.
Yes, I wear comfy clothes outside the house, but no, I don’t wear them to meetings. Working from home has its perks, but I’ve kept a reliable set of professional clothes for virtual and in-person meetings that call for it. Those moments happen so rarely that I can’t justify buying new clothes constantly.
Metrics that matter.
My financial focus is crystal clear: building assets and increasing my net worth.
Net worth is the only number that matters to me right now. It’s my ultimate financial metric—an honest snapshot of where I stand financially. To grow it, my first priority is to pay off two key debts:
Car Note
Student Loans
I’m incredibly grateful that my student debt is below average for U.S. undergraduates. This wasn’t an accident. I worked hard during school, got good grades, and worked 3 jobs at the same time. I can credit this win to two strategic choices I made early in my college career:
Starting at a community college for two years before transferring to a university.
Supporting myself through school while living in a high-cost area like Seattle.
2025: A Year for Financial Discipline
The next few years are going to be certifiably chaotic—I can’t tell you exactly how, but I feel it in my bones. This is the time to focus.
Here’s my financial strategy for the year ahead:
Boost savings & investments. Build a safety net that offers security no matter what happens.
Get rid of unnecessary debt. Avoid taking on more than I can handle.
Prioritize long-term goals. Keep my eyes on building assets and increasing my net worth.
This year, I urge you to do the same: get your money right, focus on your paper, and set yourself up for success in the years to come.
Let’s get to work 💪🏽
