She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Scarcity: Embracing Financial Freedom

From Poverty to Prosperity

Six years ago, I made the bold move to Los Angeles, leaving behind a startup job that barely covered my living expenses. Fast-forward to today, and my earnings have skyrocketed from $18,000 to $90,000. This transformation would not have been possible without recognizing my market value and taking calculated risks. However, my journey was not without its challenges.

The Dark Days of Startup Life

During my early days at startup #1, I worked around the clock, sacrificing my personal life for the sake of the company. The pay was meager, and I had to rely on groceries and other basic necessities to get by. When I finally moved out of the startup house and into an apartment with my then-boyfriend, we struggled to make ends meet. But despite the difficulties, we found ways to thrive, relying on each other and our resourcefulness to overcome the obstacles.

The Silver Lining

Looking back, I’m grateful for those tough times. They taught me the importance of saving aggressively, which ultimately enabled me to buy my home at 25 and set my sights on early retirement by 35. However, this scarcity mindset has also had its drawbacks. It’s led to unhealthy habits and an excessive fear of spending.

Breaking Free from Fear

Now that I’m in a more stable financial position, it’s time to let go of that fear. I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor and indulge in experiences that bring me joy. Whether it’s splurging on a trip or treating my mom to a nice gift, I want to break free from the mentality that every dollar must be pinched. It’s okay to spend, as long as it’s done wisely.

Finding Balance

I’ve started small, still tracking my expenses but giving myself permission to spend freely. I’ve come to realize that money can’t buy happiness, but reducing anxiety over spending certainly can. I’ll continue to work towards financial independence, but I’ll do so with a greater sense of peace and enjoyment.

A New Chapter

I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, but it’s time to move forward. I’m embracing a new chapter in my life, one where financial freedom is not just a goal, but a reality. I’ll still be mindful of my spending, but I’ll do so with a sense of freedom and joy, rather than fear and anxiety.