Why I Chose The Financial Journey
Heads up, you may need a tissue for this one!
You know that feeling that you have when you or your kids have to miss out on an event, you really want to attend, due to not having enough money? The feeling you get when you don’t have enough money to buy school clothes and supplies for your kids? The feeling that you get when you can’t afford a babysitter but you really need a break? Anxiety, sadness, depression, anger, or feeling left out. All the negative feelings in the world, are all over money. Before you know it, you will find yourself being jealous of the fact that your others get to do things and you don’t.
I have been intrigued by money since I was a kid. Growing up my family didn’t have much of it. From what my mom used to tell me, all of the income we got was $500 per month on top of a couple of hundred dollars from when my dad worked odd-ended jobs that weren’t guaranteed to have an open spot the next day.
In a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house lived 3 adults and 2 children, both 10 months apart. No running water, no insulation, and rigged electricity, we made do with what we had. So many days I remember so vividly that I’d ask for money or for a toy that the only answer I ever received was, “we can’t afford it.”
One income per month only covered basic essentials, food, and medication for my grandmother. There were many months when we would have to turn to the church for food. Days when my parents had to swallow their pride and ask close friends to borrow money so that we could pay the light bill.
I remember every school year that we would go school shopping and we’d get the bare minimum. Plain colored pens and pencils, clothes that weren’t named brand, plain colored folders, and plain backpacks. It was the cheapest option for us at the time. I always found myself jealous of the ones who came with gel pens, mechanical pencils, and Lisa Frank materials. (Whoops, I think I just told you my age!) 😊 We were always the one at family functions who had special arrangements not to bring anything because people knew we didn’t have the money. I hated the fact that people felt sorry for us. I just wanted to grow older, work, and live a financially independent lifestyle.
The reason I chose this journey is truly because it is heartfelt. No kid should have to miss out on being active in some type of after-school activity whether it is sports, drill team, or cheerleading. No parent should have to endure so much stress just to make sure the lights are paid and that there is food on the table every night. Every parent deserves a break every now and again. Even for the ones who don’t have children, you still deserve a break from life. Truth be told, people don’t intentionally put themselves in financial hardships. Sometimes situations fall on them and they may not know how to get out or where to go for help.
My parents did the best they could with what they had and for that, I am forever grateful! They are the true definition of superheroes. We never went without the things we needed. My past has made me a better person. I strive to do better for myself and my future family. Helping others brings me a sense of peace. Cheering for others makes me happy! I created this blog to help others who don’t know where to go for help, who can’t afford a financial planner, and to give back. The services I provide are structured to ensure that 10% goes to organizations such as Path, Habit for Humanity, or even to help a family in need.
Comment below with suggestions of other organizations or families that may need help. I am here for you! I just want to be a blessing to someone.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
