Hey y’all, hey! If you’ve been riding with me for a while, you know my money journey has been a wild ride. From dealing with drastic salary changes (hello, corporate life) to going on successful no-spend challenges (yes, I did that…for 5 months!), and everything in between — trust me, I’ve learned some hard lessons. But, we’re all about growth and progress around here, right? So, let me share the five life lessons I’ve learned on this rollercoaster of a financial journey.
The Power of Budgeting
Okay, let’s be real: budgeting sounds restrictive, right? It’s one of those things that everyone says you should do but it feels like homework that no one wants to finish. But after working with Raya, I’ve learned that budgeting isn’t just about keeping track of the dollars and cents — it’s about creating a financial roadmap to tell your money where to go.
A lot of us think that budgeting means we have to deprive ourselves of the things we love. Nope, not at all. Budgeting is about knowing your priorities and giving your money a purpose. Trust me, I didn’t track my spending at all and my bank account looked like it had been on an old rollercoaster — up and down, no clear direction, and often got stuck at the most inconvenient times and positions!
However, once I started budgeting intentionally, I saw where my money was going, and where it was unnecessarily going (Whew, I should have stock in Sephora and Ulta lol), and I started getting strategic about how to redirect that cash into things that matter.
Your Emergency Fund Is Your BFF
LISTEN TO ME RIGHT NOW! Let me tell you, having an emergency fund has saved me on more than one occasion. Life happens. Period. One minute you’re cruising along, your finances are on track, and the next minute — BAM — your car breaks down, or your laptop crashes, or life decides to throw a curveball, and you get laid off or let go from your job. Without an emergency fund, you’re left scrambling for a credit card, calling up family members for help, or (and no judgment here) doing something strange for a little bit of change.
Trust me when I say this: Build your emergency fund and build it ASAP. Start small if you need to but start. Even if it’s just $500 at first, you’re giving yourself a cushion that makes life feel a little less chaotic when things go wrong. It’s like a safety net — it’ll be there when life decides to test your patience. (…and trust me, life WILL test you.)
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help (Financial Coaching Is a Thing)
Hear me out — asking for help with your finances is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength. When I first started trying to get my financial life together, I had no clue what I was doing. I was drowning in the hustle and bustle of life and could not figure out where all my money was going.
But here’s the thing: there are so many resources available to you — whether it’s a financial coach like Raya, a money mentor, or online tools that help you track and plan your finances. Once I got the courage to reach out for advice and help, everything changed. Financial coaching isn’t just about budgeting; it’s about unlearning some of the habits and beliefs we’ve been taught that don’t serve us anymore. It’s about getting real with your money and making empowered decisions. It was an emotional journey, but I’m so happy I chose myself and my future!
Remember, there’s no shame in learning! You wouldn’t go into a job without the necessary training, right? So, why wouldn’t you take the time to learn about your finances and level up? Invest in your financial education, whether it’s through classes, books, or working with a professional. I promise you, it will pay off in the long run.
No-Spend Challenges Are The Ultimate Power Move
Let me just say that I am so proud of myself for doing a no-spend challenge for 5 months! If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it — but also, it’s not for the faint of heart. I had to look at my habits, my impulse buys, and honestly, how I was using money as a coping mechanism.
What I found out during my challenge was shocking — I didn’t really need all the stuff I was buying. Like, at all. I wasn’t keeping track of the “little” purchases that add up over time. A new lipstick here, a new top there, a quick trip to Target (don’t act like you haven’t been there) — next thing I knew, my spending was out of control.
The no-spend challenge helped me reset and focus on the things I truly value. It wasn’t just about not spending — it was about being intentional with my money. I realized I didn’t need to buy something to feel good or “treat” myself. Self-care isn’t about the material things; it’s about your mindset, your goals, and your financial health. After doing this challenge, I learned to live within my means without feeling deprived.
Your Salary Doesn’t Define Your Worth
Whew, this one hits close to home. The salary journey can be a rollercoaster in itself. I’ve been there — I’ve gone from making a solid salary to seeing it drop when I switched jobs and then had the chance to earn way more later on…only for it to decrease again. What I’ve learned is this: your salary doesn’t define your worth.
Yes, you deserve to be paid well for your work and skills, but your value is way bigger than your paycheck. The key is to understand your worth and advocate for yourself. Be willing to ask for raises, negotiate, and seek out opportunities that align with your career goals. But also, be realistic — there are going to be times when the salary isn’t where you want it to be. That’s okay, too. The journey is about growth, and with patience and consistency, you’ll get there.
Just remember: It’s not about the number on your paycheck, but how you manage what you do have. It’s about being strategic, investing, budgeting, and growing your income in ways that reflect your value.
Whew, y’all, that was a lot! But I hope these lessons resonate with you. As I look back on my financial journey, I realize that it wasn’t about being perfect — it was about learning, growing, and adapting. I’ve had highs and lows, but each lesson has been a stepping stone toward financial freedom.
So, whether you’re just getting started or are a financial pro (I see you, Money Queen), know that every mistake is a lesson in disguise. Keep your head up, stay strategic, and remember: You’ve got this!
Related: I Had a $100k Job…and Hated It
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-Lena
The CGS Team
