Your Money Has a Story
This Is Mine
A Little Background: How It All Started
Back in 2018, I was making less than $50,000 as a teacher. If you've ever worked in education, you know the deal. You pour your heart into the job, but the paycheck never reflects the hours you actually put in. I loved teaching, but the math just wasn't working.
Eventually, I made a career change into marketing, and today I work as a search engine optimization specialist. My income from work isn’t six figures, but I learned how to grow what I earn by building an army of dollars, a phrase I first heard on the Money Guy Show. That idea completely shifted my approach to money.
"The first ingredient to building wealth isn't a bigger paycheck. It's understanding how money actually works."
It sounds simple, right? Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. Everyone has heard it. But in practice, most of us fail at it. I know I did, for years. Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two completely different things.
The Reality Nobody Talks About
Here's what frustrated me the most. I finally started saving. I was doing the right things. But everything kept getting more expensive. Groceries, rent, gas, it all crept up. I was putting money away, but it didn't feel like I was actually getting anywhere.
Then add a couple of loans with interest piling up, and suddenly you're swimming against the current. That's the part nobody warns you about. You can do everything "right" and still feel stuck.
Then add a couple of loans with interest piling up, and suddenly you're swimming against the current. That's the part nobody warns you about. You can do everything "right" and still feel stuck.
And I'm not alone in this. I know people who make twice what I do and carry thousands in credit card debt. Here in America, we're practically raised to play the debt game. Buy now, worry later. The whole system feels designed to keep us behind.
So is financial literacy really that hard? Or is it just common sense that nobody ever taught us? Honestly, I think it's a little of both. The concepts are simple, but the discipline is hard, and the "system" doesn't make it easy.
Why Diary of Money Exists
Here's what I figured out: you don't need a financial advisor to start getting your money right. Especially if you're in the early stages. If you're not sitting on a million dollar portfolio, you can learn the fundamentals on your own. There are incredible books, podcasts, blogs, and free tools that can get you most of the way there.
That's exactly what this site is. Everything I share here is free, and I do it because I genuinely enjoy documenting this journey. If my story helps even one person avoid the mistakes I made or start a habit that changes their financial life, that's enough for me.
That's exactly what this site is. Everything I share here is free, and I do it because I genuinely enjoy documenting this journey. If my story helps even one person avoid the mistakes I made or start a habit that changes their financial life, that's enough for me.
"Take everything here with a grain of salt. I'm not a financial advisor, and nothing on this site should be taken as financial advice. But I truly believe that with the right resources and a little consistency, anyone can take control of their money."
If you like running like I do, you'll appreciate this analogy. And even if you hate running, stick with me here. Building wealth is a marathon. Nobody crosses the finish line on day one. But you can lace up today and start with a short run. That's what the weekly challenges on this site are all about: small wins, celebrated often, building momentum for the long race ahead. And just like running, the secret isn't talent. It's just showing up, again and again.
What I Believe
Financial literacy should be free
Everything on this site is free. No paywalls, no premium tiers, no "DM me for the real advice." If I learn something useful, I share it here.
Small steps beat big plans
You don't need to overhaul your life overnight. One small money habit, practiced consistently, will change everything. Think short runs before the marathon.
Honesty over perfection
I share my real numbers, my real mistakes, and my real progress. This isn't a highlight reel. It's a diary.
Everyone deserves to understand money
Whether you make $30K or $130K, the fundamentals are the same. And you can start from wherever you are right now.
The rules aren't taught in school, but you can still learn them
Credit cards, loans, lifestyle inflation. The deck is stacked. But once you understand the game, you can stop playing by their rules.
Come Along for the Journey
Every week I share a money tip, a real story, and a small challenge. Join the community of people figuring out their finances, together.
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