From Broke to Financially Free: How I Took Control of My Money & Built Wealth (And How You Can Too!)
Mama, I’ve been there. Counting pennies at the checkout line, avoiding the mailbox because another bill was due, lying awake at night wondering how in the world I was going to make ends meet. It felt like no matter how hard I worked, I was always stuck in survival mode—barely getting by, with nothing left to show for it at the end of the month.
Sound familiar?
But here’s what changed for me: I stopped accepting that struggle was my only option. I got serious about my money, made intentional changes, and slowly but surely, I went from constantly stressed to financially secure.
If you’re tired of just scraping by, this is your guide to making real changes and finally stepping into financial freedom. No fluff, no unrealistic advice—just real, practical steps that actually work.
Step 1: Identify the Mindset That’s Keeping You Stuck
Before we dive into the numbers, we need to talk about something even more important: your mindset.
If you’ve been in survival mode for a long time, you might have adopted limiting beliefs about money without even realizing it. I know I did. I used to think:
“I’ll always struggle financially.”
“Wealth is for other people, not people like me.”
“I’ll never be able to save or invest.”
These beliefs were keeping me trapped. The moment I started shifting my mindset and believing that I could change my financial situation, things started moving in the right direction.
Here’s a simple exercise: Write down three negative money beliefs you have. Then, flip them into positive affirmations. Instead of saying, “I’ll never get ahead,” start saying, “I have the ability to create wealth for myself and my family.”
Step 2: Get Crystal Clear on Your Finances
You can’t change what you don’t track. If you want to take control of your money, you need to know exactly where it’s going.
Start by tracking every single expense for 30 days. Yes, even the $3 coffee and the $7 subscription you forgot about. Once you have a clear picture, categorize your spending:
Essentials: Rent, utilities, groceries, childcare, gas
Debt: Credit cards, loans, medical bills
Savings & Investments: Emergency fund, retirement, sinking funds
Lifestyle: Subscriptions, dining out, entertainment
This process can be eye-opening. You’ll likely find areas where you can cut back without feeling deprived.
Want a simple way to track everything? Try using a budget planner like this one, seriously, writing down and seeing it changes everything!
Step 3: Build a Budget That Works for YOU
Most budgets fail because they’re too restrictive. Instead of trying to squeeze your life into an unrealistic framework, create a plan that fits your reality.
A few budgeting methods that work:
The 50/30/20 Rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for savings/debt.
Zero-Based Budgeting: Every dollar has a job.
Cash Envelope System: Great if you tend to overspend.
Find what works for you! The key is to give your money a purpose instead of letting it disappear without a plan.
Step 4: Stop Letting Debt Hold You Back
Debt can feel like a chain around your ankle, keeping you stuck. The good news? There’s a way out.
Two popular debt payoff strategies:
The Debt Snowball: Pay off your smallest debts first for quick wins.
The Debt Avalanche: Focus on high-interest debts first to save the most money.
Both work—pick the one that keeps you motivated.
I personally used the Debt Snowball method. Knocking out smaller debts first gave me momentum and confidence. Seeing progress made me feel empowered instead of defeated.
Need more guidance? Avery Breyer offers a step-by-step strategy to eliminate debt and build wealth faster than you ever thought possible.
Step 5: Increase Your Income (Because Budgeting Alone Isn’t Enough)
Let’s be real—sometimes the issue isn’t how we manage our money, it’s that we’re simply not earning enough. Cutting expenses can only get you so far; the real game-changer is increasing your income.
A few ways to boost your earnings:
Start a Side Hustle – Freelancing, virtual assisting, selling digital products, flipping items for profit.
Negotiate a Raise – If you have a job, research your worth and ask for more.
Monetize Your Skills – Are you great at writing? Social media? Graphic design? Turn that into cash.
Personally, I started freelancing as a bookkeeper from home, and it completely changed my financial future. What skills do you have that you could turn into extra income?
Step 6: Start Investing—Even If It’s Just $10 a Month
Once you have control over your budget and debt, it’s time to make your money work for you. Investing is the key to long-term wealth, and you don’t have to be rich to start.
Some easy ways to get started:
High-Yield Savings Accounts – Great for emergency funds.
Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA) – Free money if your job offers a match!
Index Funds & ETFs – Low-risk ways to grow wealth over time.
Real Estate Investing – Even if you don’t buy property, you can invest through platforms like Fundrise.
Still unsure where to start? Matthew Kratter breaks down investing for beginners in a super approachable way.
This Is Your Time to Take Control
Mama, I know it feels overwhelming. I know it feels impossible some days. But I promise you—if I can go from constantly broke to financially secure, you can too.
You don’t have to settle for survival mode. You can create wealth, stability, and a life where money is a tool for freedom, not stress.
So tell me—what’s the first step you’re taking today to change your financial future? Drop it in the comments, and let’s cheer each other on!
And don’t forget—subscribe for more money tips, and follow me on Threads for daily motivation! 💸✨
My Favorite Finance Books & Tools! 💰✨
Ready to take control of your money? Check out my go-to finance books, budgeting tools, and trackers!
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