Confessions of a Money Nerd: Why I Became a Financial Coach

As we step into 2025, the New Year invites us to reflect on our journeys—where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and how we plan to move forward. For me, this process of reflection has become a cornerstone of my financial transformation. Every year, I sit down with my husband to
review our progress, set new goals, and strategize how to reach financial freedom before turning 60. While this practice is now a routine, my path to financial wellness was anything but straightforward.

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Hitting Rock Bottom

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Four years ago, I was drowning in over five figures of credit card debt and still paying off a tractor loan—yes, a tractor, because my husband insisted we needed one. In his defense, we have absolutely gotten our money’s worth over time, and it is a smaller model. Back then, I didn’t control my money; it controlled me. My wake-up call came in October 2020 in the wake of Covid. After paying a small fee for a virtual meditation session, I received a notification that I had over drafted my bank account. It was a moment of shock and embarrassment, but also a turning point. I knew something had to change.

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Looking back, I realize that financial rock bottom isn’t just about numbers. It’s the emotional toll that comes with it: the anxiety of checking my bank account, the guilt of swiping my credit card for basic necessities when I did not have sufficient funds to pay the balance monthly, and the constant stress of living paycheck to paycheck. I was stuck in a cycle that felt impossible to break.

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The Turning Point

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Enter my sister, Emily, who introduced me to a budgeting tool called “You Need a Budget” (YNAB). That very night, I signed up and began using it. Little did I know, this decision would mark the start of a transformative journey. Over the past four years, I’ve paid off over five figures of consumer debt, built a fully funded emergency fund, and adopted strategies to help me max out my Roth IRA, Health Savings Account, and 457(b).

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Budgeting gave me something I hadn’t had in years: control. But it also gave me clarity and empowerment, helping me align my spending with my values and long-term goals. For the first time, I understood exactly where my money was going and how I could make it work for me instead of against me.

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A History of Money Missteps

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My journey with money started like many others—in college, with my first credit card. I vowed to treat it like a debit card, only spending what I could afford. Unfortunately, that discipline didn’t last. Over the next decade, I accrued a growing balance, carried it through graduate school in New York City (to this day, I still marvel at how I managed to make my minimum payments!),
and continued to make minimum payments while ignoring the bigger picture. Even after landing my first job in my field of study in 2015, I was still stuck in a cycle of financial avoidance.

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It wasn’t just credit card debt that weighed me down. I made impulsive financial decisions, like financing a brand-new car when a used one would have sufficed. I frequently dipped into savings for non-emergencies, treating it more like a backup checking account than a safety net. I failed to contribute consistently to retirement accounts because I believed I had "plenty of time" to save later. These habits left me vulnerable and financially unprepared for the unexpected.

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The Shift in Mindset

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The real breakthrough came when I discovered zero-based budgeting, as I briefly touched on above, which teaches you to allocate every dollar of income to a specific purpose and line item in your budget. Initially, tracking expenses felt tedious, but it revealed patterns in my spending that I hadn’t noticed before. Over time, I realized budgeting wasn’t about restriction; it was about intention. I began to view money as a tool to create a life I love, rather than a source of stress or shame.

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One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that budgeting builds confidence. It’s enabled me to set and surpass financial goals, from building an emergency fund to saving for retirement. And the best part? I can still enjoy life’s little indulgences, like dining out or pursuing hobbies, because I plan for them.

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The Power of Small Changes

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One of the most surprising aspects of my financial transformation was realizing how small changes could have a massive impact over time. I know, I know…completely cutting out your daily latte is likely not going to make you rich. BUT cutting back one small step at a time on certain things you can live without temporarily can have a significant impact in the long run. Meal planning and reducing food waste cut our grocery bill significantly. Negotiating bills and shopping around for better vehicle insurance rates freed up extra cash for savings and debt payments. You get the gist.

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Another game-changer was increasing my financial literacy. I started reading personal finance books, listening to podcasts, and following experts who aligned with my values. Understanding concepts like compound interest, index fund investing, and tax-advantaged accounts
empowered me to make smarter decisions, especially when it came to retirement and growing my wealth. Knowledge truly is power when it comes to managing money.

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Lessons Learned Along the Way

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Reflecting on this journey, I’ve learned several key lessons that I wish I had known earlier:

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1. Budgeting is fluid and is for everyone. Whether you make $30,000 or $300,000 a year, having a budget ensures that your money is working for you. It is simply a tool to help you direct your money where to go, and it does not have to be rigid by any means. Flex when you need to and remember the larger picture and goals.

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2. Emergency funds are essential. Having three to six months' worth of expenses set aside in a high yield savings account can provide peace of mind and financial security.
Definitely adjust this to fit your current situation - start with whatever you are comfortable with and what fits with your budget and scale as you can.

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3. Debt is not forever. With a plan and consistency, even large amounts of debt can be tackled over time. If it stresses you out to even look at it, it might be time to set a goal to banish it once and for all.

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4. Investing early is crucial. The power of compound interest means that the sooner you start, the more you can build over time. Again, start with what you can fit into your
budget and increase as you free up extra money. Personally, I did invest smaller amounts that fit within our budget while paying off our high interest credit card debt but do what you are comfortable with.

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5. Financial health impacts mental health. Eliminating financial stress improves overall well-being and allows for greater focus on personal and professional growth.

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Sharing the Journey

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Now, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned so I can help others. Whether it’s helping a friend create their first budget or discussing strategies to save for a dream vacation, I love empowering others to take control of their finances. Personal finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about designing a life that reflects who you are and what you value.

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Through my journey, I’ve realized that talking about money openly is crucial. Many of us grow up believing that discussing finances is taboo, but breaking that silence is key to financial empowerment. I now share my experiences openly, hoping to inspire others to take control of their financial futures.

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Looking Ahead

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As we embrace the opportunities of 2025, I encourage you to reflect on your own financial journey. What lessons have you learned? What goals are you striving for? And how can you use your resources to build a life you love? My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire you to take that first step—whether it’s creating a budget, paying down debt, or simply gaining clarity about your financial picture.

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The road to financial freedom isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. No matter where you are on your journey, know that it’s never too late to start. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

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Here’s to a year of growth, reflection, and financial empowerment. Happy New Year!