Net Worth in the Making: 4 Key Lessons

Learn how early life experiences with money influenced my approach to financial growth and strategies for building wealth from a place of resilience. Practical, real, and tailored for those starting from behind the starting line.

Growing up, my family didn’t have much. My parents made some good choices in my early childhood, giving us a taste of peace and prosperity—until the Fire Nation attacked, so to speak. But when things changed, they changed drastically. We lived as a family of seven: my mom, dad, two younger brothers, my aunt, grandmother, and me. It was a full house, and I quickly learned that circumstances beyond my control would shape my views on money.

The 2008 financial crisis hit us hard.

My mom lost her job and, for years, couldn’t hold one down, which stretched my parents’ savings to their limit. Around the time I was 12 or 13, things at home became challenging. By age 15, we had moved to Seattle, away from extended family, and started again. I tell you this backstory to emphasize a point: my family and circumstances taught me some unintentional money lessons, some I’m still unlearning today.

4 Key Financial Lessons

Question All Financial Advice (Even from ‘Experts’)

I’ve learned to take advice with a grain of salt, especially around money. While financial gurus seem to be everywhere, only you know what’s best for your money. Others can help you understand the how, but the what is ultimately your call.

Keep Money Matters Private

When it comes to money, privacy is key. Money attracts more money, and having a solid, private relationship with it sets the stage for wealth-building. I keep financial decisions and goals close, focusing on what I want rather than outside opinions.

Understand that Money and Opportunity Are Linked

Money and Opportunity are sisters—where one goes, the other often follows. As I’ve seen, money paves the way for the life you want, creating opportunities that align with your goals. Recognize that each dollar spent or saved can create a path toward a more secure, intentional future.

Start from Where You Are, Not Where You ‘Should’ Be

Many of us start saving or investing from a place of debt, not zero. Acknowledge where you’re beginning from, and don’t get bogged down by comparison. The real journey is in building a foundation that works for you, one step at a time.

Upcoming 👩🏽‍💻

“How to Stay Motivated While Building Wealth from Scratch” article launching ✨ November 30 ✨

Society’s Influence on Your Financial Mindset

Our society doesn’t exactly prepare us for financial success, and I think it’s important to address how systems and lack of accessible financial education play a huge role in this. Most of us enter adulthood with little guidance in money management, forced to navigate it alone. The reality is, while some people hit the lottery or get lucky breaks, the rest of us build wealth from trial, error, and persistence.

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Starting from behind the starting line is tough, but it doesn’t have to define your financial future. Through resilience and intentional strategies, you can build a healthy relationship with money that grows with you over time.

📣 If you’re ready to take control of your life’s journey…

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