She Strengthens

My Journey to Financial Freedom: A Story of Hard Work and Opportunity

As I reflect on my life, I’m grateful for the decisions I made in my early twenties that set me on a path to financial independence. While many of my peers were struggling to pay off student loans, I was working tirelessly to build a secure future for myself.

A Mentor’s Guidance

In high school, I was fortunate to have a math teacher who became my mentor. He was a wealthy man who didn’t need to work, but he chose to teach because he was passionate about it. He had a portfolio of rental properties and lived a life of financial freedom. He taught me the importance of avoiding financial pitfalls and encouraged me to think differently about money.

Frugal Beginnings

I attended community college for the first two years, saving approximately $12,000 by living at home and working part-time. I then transferred to a moderately priced private college, where I received scholarships and financial aid that reduced my tuition to nearly $6,000 a year. I roomed with three friends in a small house, paying just $150 in rent, and made up for the difference by doing chores.

Investing in My Future

During my junior and senior years, I started an internship and invested my earnings, which did well. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA, a decent job offer, and nearly $40,000 in savings. My first job paid $52,000, and I lived frugally, saving nearly 50% of my income.

A Business Venture

After getting laid off in 2008, I met an old friend who was in the construction business. We started buying and renovating houses, targeting low-cost properties in the Midwest. We worked hard, putting in long hours to fix up the houses, and rented them out to college students. Our business grew rapidly, and by 2013, we had a portfolio of 27 houses worth approximately $2.5 million, generating $29,000 in monthly revenue.

Tragedy and Triumph

Tragedy struck when my business partner, Bradley, passed away in a motorcycle accident. His family still has a share in our business, and I’m committed to taking care of them. Despite the setback, I continued to grow the business, learning new skills and taking calculated risks. Today, our portfolio consists of 71 properties worth nearly $6.7 million, generating $128,000 in monthly revenue.

Lessons Learned

My journey to financial freedom has taught me the importance of hard work, frugality, and taking calculated risks. It’s also shown me that financial independence can be achieved through unconventional means, such as real estate investing. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people who have helped me along the way.

A Legacy to Build

As I look to the future, I’m focused on building a legacy that will outlast me. I want to create a business that will provide for my future children and grandchildren, giving them a sense of purpose and direction. I’m not working for the money; I’m working to build something that will make a lasting impact.

Advice to Others

My advice to anyone reading this is to be mindful of the opportunities that come your way. Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you, and be willing to take calculated risks to achieve your goals. And always remember, financial independence is not just about the money; it’s about living a life of purpose and freedom.