I’m not a financial planner of any kind. The closest I ever came was working customer service for a bank (total nightmare). But the reality is, how many of us are even remotely focused on checking into our relationship with money?

What I did learn through the years is how important it is to have money saved. I don’t care how you’re stashing it away. High yielding savings account, 401K, 401b, CDs, hidden jar in the wall with all the cash – doesn’t matter so long as you have part of your income being tucked away for emergencies and God willing, retirement. I know this generation will probably be the first that can’t actively retire. It’s heartbreaking so many that are paying into an endless loop called student loan debt and can barely afford rent, let alone having kids. These are people with said great degrees they were told to achieve to get that better paying job to have that better life.

I think having a formal education is important and regardless of how much debt you have, no one, not even a debt collector can take away your accomplishments. So where is the balance? How can we actually find some breathing room?

I’ve always worked. A lot. I had my first job at 13 volunteering at the local library then had a part time job all through high school and college. Once past school, I’ve always worked a full time job and a part time job. This is mainly due to the fact that I like to stay busy, I’m incredibly ambitious, and never wanted to do something for free when I should be paid for it. Once I had my son, I realized that I couldn’t operate like this. I couldn’t have a career and be a Mom. Hats off to the many parents who do both but I found it impossible and exhausting and all of my ambitions weren’t worth missing out on being there for my son. This caused me to take crappy jobs that I could work around his schedule. 10 plus years of not making what I’m worth and not being appreciated because I wasn’t among peers. Sometimes we have to make that sacrifice for others well being. It’s a hard part of life that isn’t forever and I don’t regret a moment of it.

The past few years I have been focusing on improving my credit score, saving money, and focusing on current projects that I plan to launch sooner rather than later. The best financial advice I can pass on to others is watch your credit score, do things consistently to improve your score and maintain a good to great number. Our world relies heavily on that 3 digit number. Need a loan? Apartment? Mortage? (And what should be illegal) A job? The better your score the easier you will gain access to lines of credit. Most credit card companies offer a consistent update and you can also get a free credit report as well from: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

Be proactive and speak wellness and prosperity into your financial health as well.

It may seem tough at first but once you do some research and find out what works best for you, you will be thankful when the rain starts to pour and life goes sideways.