Why I Started This Blog

Hi, my name’s Alan.

Last year I left my full-time teaching job to focus on my freelance art and writing while starting a small business with a friend of mine. With the loss of a steady and reliable income, it was time I took charge of my finances.

I was 25 years old and in debt by about $18,000. I had credit card bills, student loans, an auto loan and was two months behind on some utilities.

Changing my attitude and education about money and creating a budget saved me. After seeing in black and white where every dollar was going, I was able to see where dollars were being wasted, and where I could invest them better.

In the last year and a half, my small business has flourished. I’ve paid off all of my debt except for the student loans, and I’ve put tens of thousands away into my saving and investing accounts. Talk about a complete 180 degree change.

Not having to stress about checks bouncing, or emergencies coming up that I can’t financially handle, has lead to a much happier me.

My goal in starting this blog is to help encourage others to do the same. I hear so many of my friends complaining about wanting more money, or running out of what they do have. I don’t claim to know everything, I don’t even claim that my path will work for you. But I know it worked for me, and it was others’ guidance and inspiring stories that lead me. So, hopefully I can clear a path for you as well.