She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Insecurity

Growing up in a poor county in Texas, I witnessed poverty firsthand, but never experienced it myself. My mother worked tirelessly to provide a comfortable childhood, making it impossible for me to imagine living without enough. However, by the time I graduated from college in 2009, the economy was in shambles, and job opportunities were scarce. I was fortunate to land an unpaid internship, which eventually turned into a full-time job, thanks to a business acquaintance of my mother’s.

The Struggle Was Real

During my four years at the company, I received only one raise, which barely kept up with the cost of living. My 12-year-old car was on its last legs, and my daily commute was a nightmare. We moved closer to work, but it meant a higher cost of living and even less room in our budget. I was plagued by nightmares of my car breaking down or working until I was 85. We weren’t living in extreme poverty, but we were like millions of other families, struggling to make ends meet from day to day.

A Wake-Up Call

When I lost my job, it was a devastating blow. I was consumed by shame and money worries. We had to stop spending on everything except rent and utilities, and I spent six weeks applying to hundreds of jobs. Thankfully, unemployment benefits saved us, and I eventually found a new job in the public sector. It was there that I realized how underpaid I was at my previous job. My new boss mentioned that public sector salaries are typically lower than private sector jobs, and I couldn’t help but respond, “Are you kidding? You’re paying me twenty grand more than I was making at my last job.”

Taking Control

I finally recognized my worth and stopped making excuses for my previous job. I took responsibility for accepting too little for too long, but I also acknowledged that my employer had taken advantage of my lack of knowledge. I never want to feel disempowered again. Two years later, I’m back in the private sector, earning more than my mother did at 40. I’ve bought a new car, contribute to a 401(k), and even own company stock. I’ve finally reached a place where I can save, contribute to retirement, and enjoy the occasional luxury without anxiety.

Overcoming Fear

However, the fear of financial insecurity still lingers. I’m vigilant about my accounts and freak out when I have to use my savings. I catch myself thinking, “This meal is four hours of work,” and, “I like this shirt, but do I like-it-five-hours-of-work-worth?” These feelings aren’t fun, and I’m determined to overcome them. That’s why I’ve declared 2018 my Year of Figuring Shit Out.

Taking Action

I started by rolling over my retirement accounts from previous jobs, which was intimidating but empowering. I’m working through financial resources like Amanda Steinberg’s Worth It, tracking my net worth, and learning about investing. I’m also utilizing TFD’s YouTube channel and reading books like Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money. I encourage you to take control of your financial future, too. Don’t be afraid to start small, ask for help, and put yourself in the driver’s seat.