She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Denial

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Growing up, my father’s words of wisdom stuck with me: “Don’t worry about money. You can’t take it with you!” But as I navigated adulthood, I realized that his carefree attitude towards finances wasn’t entirely realistic. My own struggles with debt and financial insecurity forced me to confront the harsh realities of living in a society where money matters.

The Carefree Traveler vs. The Worrier

My father’s upbringing in a poor Honduran village shaped his outlook on life. He worked hard, but his philosophy was “easy come, easy go.” My mother, on the other hand, was a social worker who budgeted and planned meticulously. I inherited a mix of their traits, adopting a carefree financial lifestyle while also believing in the importance of living simply.

Marriage and Financial Reality Checks

When I met my husband, our financial differences became apparent. He was meticulous about his finances, while I was more laid-back. We soon realized that our differing approaches to money were causing tension in our relationship. He struggled with the fact that I wasn’t taking our financial future seriously, while I thought he was too stressed about money.

Hard Lessons Learned

After our separation, I faced the harsh reality of my financial situation. I had no savings, and my credit cards were maxed out. I learned some valuable lessons:

• Money is real: I couldn’t ignore my financial responsibilities anymore.
• Credit cards are not the answer: Relying on credit cards only led to more debt and financial insecurity.
• A credit score matters: My low credit score was a wake-up call, and I realized the importance of paying bills on time and managing my debt-to-credit ratio.
• Ten thousand dollars in credit card debt is a lot: Consolidating my debt onto a lower-interest credit card was a crucial step towards becoming debt-free.

Taking Control of My Finances

As a travel nurse, I had the opportunity to increase my income and pay off my debt. I took on financially lucrative assignments and lived in affordable places. Now, as I near the end of my debt journey, I’m forced to scrutinize my own budget and spending habits. It’s not easy, but I’m determined to take control of my finances and build a more secure future.

A Reluctant Participant in the Game of Money

I may not be proud of my financial history, but I’ve come to accept that money plays a significant role in our society. I’m a generous person who hates to worry about money, but I’ve learned to navigate the system and take responsibility for my financial well-being. My father may still tell me not to worry about money, but I know that’s not entirely realistic. I’m a reluctant participant in the game of money, but I’m determined to play by the rules and come out on top.