From Clueless to Financially Empowered: My Journey to Adulting (and Parenting!) at 20
Let’s face it, turning 20 isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Suddenly, you’re bombarded with “adulting” responsibilities, and if you throw a baby into the mix, well, things get real fast! My partner and I were in that exact boat this occurred in 2017. Fresh out of our teens, neither of us had any financial literacy education from our families. Moving out, let alone raising a child, felt like navigating a financial jungle blindfolded.
We started with good intentions, having conversations and trying to be mindful of our spending. But honestly, it wasn’t enough. We found ourselves accumulating small debts and lacked a clear strategy for spending, saving and investing.
The Turning Point: Barefoot Steps to Financial Freedom
In 2017, everything changed when I stumbled upon the book “The Barefoot Investor” by Scott Pape. It was a revelation! This book broke down financial literacy into simple steps, making it feel achievable for the first time. We started having more focused discussions, and slowly, a plan began to take shape.
Expanding My Knowledge with Podcasts
Fast forward to 2023, and I’m still on this financial literacy journey. Podcasts like “This is Money” (this is not an affiliate link) have been instrumental in broadening my understanding, especially when it comes to automating finances. Let me tell you, automating expenses is a game-changer!
Breaking the Cycle: Financial Education for My Kids
It’s no secret that financial literacy is rarely taught in schools and parents aren’t teaching it either. I don’t want my children to experience the same initial struggles my partner and I did. That’s why I’m committed to providing them with a strong foundation in financial education from a young age.
My Journey Continues
The truth is, financial literacy is a lifelong learning process. Even at 27, I’m constantly striving to learn more and refine our family’s financial strategies. By continuing my own financial education journey, I can better equip myself to teach my children the valuable skills they need to navigate the financial world with confidence.
Are You Ready to Start Your Financial Journey?
If you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed like I once did, check out “The Barefoot Investor“(this is an affiliate a may or may not get commission pending on if a purchase occurs). It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Remember, it’s never too late to become financially empowered!