Welcome: Embracing the Journey
An introduction to what this blog is about, who the author is, and how we can embark on this journey together.
FEATURED ON HOMEPAGE
2/6/20243 min read
Hi and welcome! I'm Grace, a native New Yorker (upstate, not NYC) who loves spending time reading, outdoors, trying new recipes, and, most importantly, learning. Today marks the start of a new journey – not just mine, but one I hope that we'll embark on together. Welcome to my blog, a space dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of financial literacy for us to learn and grow together.
About Me:
The most important thing you can learn about me at this moment is that I'm no super expert or self-identified financial guru; I'm a perpetual learner navigating the intricate landscape of personal finance and financial literacy. I grew up in a lower-income household and learned a few budgeting techniques from my mother, like how to cook for the family with an average cost of 60 cents per meal or air dry clothes on the clothesline in the backyard to save on electricity. But what I didn't learn is how to effectively budget, how to strategically make my money work for me, the difference between good and bad debt, and how to generate wealth without working harder (work smarter, not harder). Constantly striving for self-improvement, I believe that the journey to financial success is paved with knowledge. And, of course, I'm eager to share what I learn and discover with like-minded individuals who, like me, may feel a bit overwhelmed by finding a place to start.
About this Page:
Consider this blog a haven for learners, crafted by a fellow learner. Most people aren't striving to be multi-millionaires, even though that would be lovely - most just want stability and to no longer live paycheck to paycheck. Just some breathing room to pay the bills AND enjoy life without stressing about going into more debt. When I refer to "generating wealth", this is what I mean. Wealth doesn't always mean that you have so much money you don't know what to do with it; it also means that you can enjoy the more expensive bottle of wine, order that appetizer that you always eye at your favorite restaurant, or buy your family that new gaming system that they've been wanting while still having a cash cushion to fall back on.
Here, we're going to dive into the essentials: budgeting, debt management, investing, the art of making your money grow, manifesting wealth (just stay with me), and more. Together, we'll navigate the seemingly complex waters of personal finance. I encourage you not just to read along but to actively participate – leave comments, ask questions, and join the conversation. This is a safe space for continued learning and development. Let's hold hands and dip our toes in together!
Keep an eye on our Pinterest that's linked at the very bottom of the page for visual inspiration and insights. You can also visit the "Resource" tab where I'll share valuable findings and resources that are available to the public to add to your figurative financial toolbox, and a store page (coming soon) for useful downloads like budget templates, spending trackers, etc.. Stay tuned.
Kickoff:
As we begin this journey, let's consider some eye-opening statistics about the average American's financial landscape. According to a study by the Federal Reserve, as of 2022, a substantial portion of Americans grapple with debt, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced financial literacy. Additionally, research from the National Endowment for Financial Education highlights that women, while showing a growing interest in financial matters, still face a knowledge gap. While the insights that I’ll share may seem like common knowledge to some, many struggle with the simplistic aspects of personal finance. This is the place to learn straightforward and proven skills that will help propel you towards a secure financial future.
So, whether you're just starting to explore the world of finance or you're on a quest for continuous improvement like me, you've found a community. Here's to embracing the learning curve and setting ourselves up for success, one lesson at a time.