A Month-by-Month Journey of a 35-Year-Old Mom Turning Her Finances Around
Welcome to the beginning of my financial freedom journey. This blog is not written by a finance guru, a wealthy investor, or someone who “made it.” This is written by someone who is in the middle of it—a 35-year-old mom buried in debt, exhausted from crying, done with blaming, and finally ready to rebuild.
For years, I avoided looking at my finances because the truth was too painful. But pain doesn’t pay bills, and self-pity doesn’t erase debt. So here I am, choosing a new path and documenting it month by month—not just to track my progress, but hopefully to help someone else who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or ashamed of where they are financially.
This is Month 1 of a long, honest, and life-changing journey.
My Complicated Relationship With Money
Growing up, I thought money was the solution to everything bad in the world. But school, society, and even the people around me often said the opposite: “Money is the root of all evil.”
Those mixed messages followed me into adulthood. The very first time I earned money, I gave it all to my parents because being a “good daughter” mattered more to me than keeping anything for myself. As I grew older, I continued giving money away—even when I couldn’t afford to.
I never learned about saving.
I never learned about investing.
I never learned that money can be a tool, not a burden.
So I made mistakes.
Big ones.
I borrowed money to help family.
I borrowed money to try businesses that failed.
I trusted investment scams and lost more than I could handle.
And the result?
Debt. The kind that keeps you awake at night.
But that’s not the end of the story.
It’s the beginning of change.
Why 2026 Is My Turning Point
After years of crying and blaming, I realized something heartbreaking but freeing:
No one is coming to save me.
Not family.
Not friends.
Not luck.
Not even time.
The only person who can turn my financial life around… is me.
So I’m making 2026 my year of financial awakening.
This is the year I stop avoiding money and start understanding it.
The First Challenge: 30 Days of Financial Literacy
Before I can change my habits, I need to change my mindset.
So I’ve set my first challenge:
For one full month, I will read and learn everything I can about financial literacy.
Not to find a magic solution—because there isn’t one.
But to build a foundation.
To understand what money is, how it works, and how to build a healthier relationship with it.
Book 1: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
This month, I’m starting with one of the most suggested personal finance books in history:
Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
I want to understand:
- Why rich people think differently about money
- Why poor and middle-class families often stay stuck
- How to shift from “survival mode” to “wealth-building mode”
- And most importantly, how to apply these lessons in real life
Each chapter I read will be part of my monthly update, along with my reflections, realizations, and small wins.
Why I’m Sharing This Publicly
Because financial shame grows in silence.
Because debt isolates you.
Because money problems make you feel like a failure, even when you’re not.
But I believe transparency is powerful.
By sharing my journey month by month, I’m holding myself accountable—and maybe helping others feel less alone in theirs.
What to Expect in the Next Updates
Every month, I’ll post:
đź“Ś Books or resources I studied
đź“Ś New lessons about money
đź“Ś Changes in habits and mindset
đź“Ś Practical steps I took (no matter how small)
đź“Ś Progress on my debt, savings, or income
đź“Ś Wins, challenges, setbacks, and real-life emotions
This isn’t a quick transformation story.
This is a slow, honest, human one.
If You’re Reading This…
Maybe you’re also in debt.
Maybe you feel stuck.
Maybe you’re scared to look at your bank account.
Maybe you want to start over but don’t know where to begin.
If that’s you, I hope my monthly updates remind you that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and rebuild your financial life—slowly, but surely.
See you in Month 2.
Where I’ll share my insights from Rich Dad, Poor Dad and the first real shifts I’m making.