I am particularly thankful for the values that were instilled in me as a child.
Grandparents, aunts and uncles all raised me to be appreciative of what I have, even if it wasn’t much. I carried that with me until I graduated college, when I loosened the purse strings a bit too much.
That behavior was soon corrected after my divorce because I felt financially insecure once again, similar to when I was a child.
I knew I had to do something and so I made a few changes:
Refocusing on my original guiding principles
Cutting back on things that I didn’t truly value
Saved and invested
Eventually, I became financially independent.
The pandemic, once again, allowed me to see what was important and what I was most thankful for. That is, of course, still family and friends who love and support me unconditionally.
That’s something that money can’t buy.
How I Overcame a Financial Mistake
My biggest money blunder was thinking that I had made it because I graduated from college and had a “good job.” I thought for sure I’d never have to worry about money again.
Boy was I wrong.
But I’m thankful for the rocky road along the way because I was able to redirect myself and focus on becoming financially independent. Money is no longer my biggest worry and it’s a big relief. That’s why I share as much information as I can to empower others to focus on their own financial wellness.
Read More: Open Letter to Single Mothers Struggling Financially
Gratitude as a Motivator
I’m grateful for my journey through life. The ups and downs have made me appreciate what’s most important to me, and I’ve learned that those things can’t be bought. This sense of gratitude helps me control unnecessary spending.
Personally, I started tracking my financial journey with Personal Capital’s free financial tools.I added my savings accounts, checking accounts, credit cards, 401(k)s, and other financial accounts.
In that low moment, I saw my net worth for the first time. That moment was so empowering. The numbers weren’t what I was expecting, but for the first time I was ready to make well-informed decisions.
These free tools have helped me track my spending and analyze my investments. Now, I can spend and save with confidence. For that, I’m grateful.
Get Started with Personal Capital’s Free Financial Tools
Featured individual is a paid spokesperson and not a client of Personal Capital Advisors Corporation (“PCAC”) and does not make any endorsements or recommendations about securities offerings or investment strategy. The content contained in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not meant to constitute legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. You should consult a qualified legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money.
