Growing Up With Less, Dreaming of More
I grew up in a home where money was tight, but values were strong. My dad worked hard, prioritized family, and taught me (without words) the importance of saving, credit, and responsibility. We didn’t have luxuries, but we had enough. Sometimes enough meant fried eggs over rice for dinner, but we were taken care of.
I watched my dad use his own version of an envelope system, saving for school clothes, vacations, and emergencies. He never maxed out credit cards. When I turned 18, he co-signed for my first credit card and taught me the importance of protecting my credit score. (It may have come tied with buying a new TV for the family.)
Hustling From the Start
I worked two jobs in high school, paying for my own school extras—class rings, yearbooks, even the name-brand clothes I so desired, that my parents would never buy me. I wasn’t handed anything; I hustled for it. At the time, I never planned to go to college. I went to trade high school, studied business technology, and worked two part-time jobs.
Eventually, though, I graduated valedictorian and earned a full scholarship to a local college. I became the first in my family to attend. That opportunity changed everything for me.
Dodging Debt and Learning Lessons
Like many students, I took out a few small loans, but I was cautious. I feared debt, so I didn’t let it get out of control. I learned budgeting the hard way—especially after a tough marriage that ended in my mid-20s. Some weeks, I had only $20 left to my name. Those times burned into me the desire never to live paycheck-to-paycheck again. They also spawned the creation of the budget that I still use today. (It is in my store for free.)
My First Big Win: Buying a Home at 25
At 25, I started over. I rented my first apartment and then set my eyes on homeownership. The market was tough, but I refused to give up after losing out on property after property. I finally found a condo I loved and offered $1,500 over asking to beat the competition. Signing those papers at 25 felt like pure empowerment. Ladies, it is the best! Don’t be afraid to buy a home, alone.
That first condo was WAY under budget, so as my income grew, I could easily afford to renovate and save. Eventually, I rented it out and moved on to a detached, single-family home with my current husband. In 2012, I officially became a landlord—and that was just the beginning. Today, I still own that first condo and it was only the start of building my real estate portfolio.
The Lessons That Stick
- Start small but think big.
- Fear debt, but don’t fear risk.
- Budgeting is survival, but vision is growth.
- Your background doesn’t define your future.
From struggle meals to real estate ownership, my journey has been far from easy—but every step taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and responsibility.
If you need help creating that vision for yourself, book a free 30-minute consultation with me and let’s dream together. Calendly – V
