Employ Your Dollars

Mastering Money Management: Steps to Financial Success

My journey with personal finance began in 2012, thanks to a friend who gifted me Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. At the time, I was earning money but unsure how to manage it effectively. Saving was second nature, but I soon realized that simply saving wasn’t enough to build lasting wealth.

Growing up without a solid financial education, I stumbled my way through budgeting and investing while drilling for oil. I learned the hard way how to put my money to work—aggressively investing in my company’s retirement plan and stock options, spending less than I earned, and embracing the power of generosity.

As I moved into the city with a new job, I noticed that money wasn’t a common topic of conversation. But after a few chats with friends and strangers, I became the go-to “money gal,” helping those around me with budgeting, saving, investing, and debt repayment strategies. Over a decade later, I’ve impacted hundreds of lives by breaking down complex financial concepts into simple, actionable steps.