Let’s be honest. When we hear “financial freedom,” most of us picture a number in the bank, a big house, or some perfectly filtered version of success on social media. But what I’ve learned on my journey from being a single mom on government assistance to becoming an 8-figure entrepreneur, is that real financial freedom has very little to do with those things.
This episode isn’t about how to get rich. It’s about something deeper: how to build a life where your money works for you, not the other way around. And more importantly, how to define success and fulfillment on your terms.
My Financial Origin Story
My story didn’t begin with a silver spoon. It started in a leasing office in the apartment industry while I was navigating single motherhood and trying to make ends meet. I didn’t grow up with a roadmap for building wealth. I had to create one—with grit, prayer, patience, and purpose.
When my husband and I got married, we didn’t combine fortunes—we combined debt. Our net worth was negative. But together, through honest conversations, teamwork, and intentional decisions, we slowly started shifting our situation. That shift didn’t happen overnight—but it did happen.
And over time, we built something we’re proud of: a business, a life, and a definition of wealth that includes peace, joy, and freedom.
What Helped Us Build Wealth (and Can Help You Too)
You don’t need a financial degree or a perfect budget app to take steps toward stability. But you do need a few grounding principles:
- Teamwork matters; especially with your spouse or partner. We made a habit of being transparent with each other about money. No secrets. No shame.
- Bold moves only matter when they’re backed by intention. We didn’t chase shiny objects. We made moves that aligned with our values.
- Comparison is a joy-thief. Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s, and it’s not supposed to.
- Don’t miss the good stuff along the way. Yes, we worked hard; but we also made space to celebrate, to breathe, to live.
A Few Practical Money Truths I Live By
Here’s the unglamorous, but honest truth:
- Live within your means, even when your means expand.
- Don’t buy things just to impress people who don’t even know your heart.
- Use your money to buy peace, not pressure.
- Monitor your credit. Protect your peace.
- And maybe most importantly—check in with your emotions. Money is emotional, and that’s okay. But emotional spending can sometimes be a clue to something deeper that needs your attention.
Mindset Really Is Everything
RELATED: Do you need to redefine what success means to you?
The way we think about money matters more than we realize. If we operate from a place of scarcity, it doesn’t matter how much we earn—it’ll never feel like enough.
Abundance, on the other hand, starts with the belief that there’s enough for you, too. That you can grow, change, earn, and still be deeply grounded in your values.
I don’t believe the goal is to be “rich.” I believe the goal is to be fulfilled.
Because wealth isn’t just about numbers. You can be wealthy in time. Wealthy in peace. Wealthy in your relationships. Wealthy in your faith, your joy, your opportunities.
And that? That’s the kind of financial freedom worth pursuing.
If you’re looking for coaching opportunities to live your life to the fullest you can learn more here about my one-on-one coaching opportunities or my Flourishing Edge Membership with my Flourishing Edge program.
