At just seven years old, in the second grade, I unknowingly began my journey with money as a full-time paperboy. Throughout my childhood and into adolescence, I took on various jobs alongside my close-knit group of friends. Earning and ensuring I always had money in my pocket was a priority. This work ethic carried into my college years, where I juggled a full course load while working full-time in a dish room.

Despite my early experience earning money, personal finance didn’t truly enter my world until I got my first credit card. Upon graduating college, I found myself with a maxed-out $500 credit limit, no bill payment system, and moments of financial stress waiting for my next paycheck. The weight of even that small amount of debt felt overwhelming, and I knew something had to change. By the time my balance had grown beyond $500, I feared it would take forever to pay it off. That’s when, at 22, I picked up the book Debt Free by 30. Reading it was a revelation—it opened my eyes to personal finance and how taking control of my money could transform my life.

Two years later, I had paid off my credit card debt, started contributing to a 401(k), built a small emergency fund, and even purchased a condo (though, in hindsight, not in the most responsible way). Encouraged by my progress, I made what I thought was a brilliant career move—leaving the hotel industry for a real estate broker position selling land for a developer. The potential earnings were all I could see. But when I started in 2007, just before the economic downturn, I had no idea my all-commission sales job would quickly turn into a no-commission sales job. After two years of financial struggle and accumulating $30,000 in credit card debt, I returned to the hotel industry, determined to rebuild.

This time, I approached my finances differently. I signed up for Mint.com and became laser-focused on tracking my money, but more importantly, I examined my relationship with money—how I viewed it, how I used it, and how it shaped my life. It took three years of discipline, but I paid off my credit cards in full. The future finally felt bright.

Today, as a single father, a dedicated hotel professional managing millions of dollar expenses and revenues, and now a financial coach, personal finance is deeply embedded in every aspect of my life. If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from my journey, it’s that being prepared feels good—whether financially or in life. Over time, I’ve realized that financial literacy is not a priority for many people, often to their detriment. And I thought, maybe I can make a difference.

The joy and freedom I’ve found in managing my finances responsibly and living with intention—not chasing “things” but focusing on what truly matters—has been life-changing. One of my greatest goals is to pass on these lessons to my daughter, ensuring she grows up with healthy financial habits. But why stop there? I knew I could help others, too. That’s why I earned my CPFWC Certification through the National Financial Educators Council and became a financial coach.

Now, I’m here to help others experience the same financial clarity and peace of mind that changed my life.