A couple of months ago I submitted a post to a freelance client that I was writing for at the time. It was a story talking about how I had eliminated $13,500 from my yearly expenses. I was, and still am, very proud of what I did and I’ve cut expenses even more since I eliminated that initial $13,500. No, I hadn’t paid off x number of dollars in debt, paid off my house, or done something that is the typical story that big personal finance websites for banks and apps (etc.) wanted.
* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*
My Money Story Wasn’t Sexy
Never mind that eliminating almost $15,000 in spending enabled me to change my life. And, enabled me to take a break from working a job that was killing me off, and opened up my options. I could tell that there was a problem with my story as edit after edit came in with the clear purpose of steering me towards the typical conclusion that so many stories had on this website.
I was frustrated as it became clear that my story…just wasn’t good enough-for them. In fact, it got to the point where I emailed the editor and was blunt about saying “Um, I haven’t paid off a sexy amount of debt yet. I lowered my expenses by $13, 500” repeating what I had already shared in my pitch.
Finally, I was told that the issue with my post was that there didn’t seem to be a clear “conclusion or end” to my story. Well, of course, there wasn’t an end, I am still on my financial journey. I was offered a fee to “kill” the post but I was just like, thanks but no thanks.
I Was Pissed Off
Because I knew that there was value in what I had done.
- I had stopped shopping for a FULL YEAR. I wonder how many people could say that they’ve done that.
- Broken a lifetime of bad financial habits
- Bought a car-CASH (and, learned how to drive as an adult)
- Stopped using credit.
- Learned a ton of financial discipline.
- Learned about finances in general.
- Quit my job so that I could take care of health and mental well-being.
- Learned how to make money from side-hustling smarter-not harder.
- Learned how freelancing works and strategized how to give myself a raise with each client.
- Reduced my budget line items in half. I used to have a ton of debts that I was paying off. But, as I paid each item off it reduced the number of things that I had to deal with. I also began making yearly payments for ongoing services vs. monthly. I just get it done and it frees up a ton of mental energy.
- HOA for 2017-paid (I only pay $75 a month) I just hustled and paid for the year.
- Internet paid ahead (I pay extra)
- Electric paid ahead (I pay extra)
- Several of my business tools-I just paid ahead.
- Car insurance-about to pay for the next 6 months.
I feel really proud of all of the financial progress (and financial moves) that I’ve made. Who was this person and organization to tell me that in order for my story to have value, that I should already be at the end of my story? Sorry, not sorry, I’m in the middle of my journey and like everything, my progress is accelerating. By the end of the summer, I am hoping to have my remaining credit card debt paid off. And then, I will tackle paying off my student loans.
Your Incomplete Money Story
Has VALUE. Don’t get caught up in the fact that you haven’t finished your journey. Just keep working on it, one day at a time. One, nickel, dime, quarter, or dollar at a time. Let’s be clear. I’m human. I still overspend, buy expensive stuff, and make stupid financial moves. But, compared to before, it’s like I’ve become a freaking financial genius.
For the next 12 months(and beyond) I’m now focusing on a very intimidating part of my financial journey. Making more money. I’m a bit intimidated by this part of my journey but when I look at where I started from, I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to. It might take awhile to happen, but if I work hard and focus, I believe I can meet the financial (and personal) goals that I’ve set for myself.
I’m still pissed off by what happened, but I’m glad it did because I wouldn’t have thought about fiercely speaking out on behalf of those of us still on our financial journey. It’s not sexy, but we’re rocking it. I’ve got your back and am supporting you every step of the way.
Related Post: Life in the Red-A Tale of Being in Debt
Want to Start a Blog?
I love blogging! It has been an incredible experience, transformed my life, and connected me with a ton of amazing people. Blogging is a pretty cheap activity and I recommend hosting your blog with Siteground. Many bloggers have begun leaving HostGator and BlueHost and moving to Siteground. Myself included! Read why I’m leaving HostGator and BlueHost (I have 2 blogs one on each hosting platform) and moving to Siteground. If you’re a new blogger Siteground will cost around $3.95 a month (depending on the size of your audience). They have great customer service and tutorials on how to host your new WordPress blog on Siteground.
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
That does suck that it’s not considered sexy enough. I think in the PF world lately there seem to be rockstars, and those who attend their concerts. But who made it that way? Well, we did! It only seems your story is interesting if you “paid off 150k in debt in 2 years!’ or “Reached FI in 1 Year!” Or something like that. Never mind the people who are just grinding it out, day-by-day, doing the best they can. I guess we/they are not story-worthy? ugh!
I was so annoyed that I just was like: f#ck it. I don’t even want the pay to kill the story. It wasn’t worth it and I was offended, to be honest. I felt like, there is value in my story even though it’s incomplete.
Preach!!
Thanks!! J. Money.
Your story is plenty sexy to me. In fact, it’s the kind of story that I like to read the most: Stories from the people in the trenches who are still in the trenches.
I appreciate it! I’ve been a bit annoyed by the lack of “currently on the journey” posts. I think I will share more in the hopes of encouraging people.
I’m currently on the journey. And I’m going to be for a long time.
I’m on it with you! I’ve got your back.
“Your incomplete money story has value.” That line right there is so damn true. At times, people don’t realize that or they forget it. Heck, I’ve even thought that especially since I haven’t paid off as much as I’d have like to at this moment. Then I realized that my unfinished story is motivating people right now.
I love this. I’m going to use your quote!
Your story is turning me on! It’s soooooo sexy 🙂 LOL…good article. Thanks for writing it. And I agree, a story towards progress can be just as inspiring (or even more so b.c you are more relatable) than the big cra cra goal accomplished in 2 minutes…Congrats to you and forget that editor!
You’re hilarious! Thanks a lot Aja for the support. Trust me, I did forget that editor.
I think lowering your expenses by $13,500 is amazing! Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t let the turkeys get you down. My money story isn’t too sexy either, but it’s mine and it’s working for me. And maybe it works for others, too.
Thanks Gary! I thought it was pretty awesome too LOL! I’m keeping focused and getting ready to start my billionth try on getting this chapter done. Keep focusing and I’m sending positive vibes. You’ve got this!
Internally I cried and yelled with joy reading your post. I have been trying to find my place and fit. I have eliminated $30 of debt and totally adjusted my life. Spending and gaining, norice I didn’t say work! I appreciate that I see my reflection in your words and it give me renewed vigor! Thank you for your storie and experiences allowing those of us , “others” to find inspiration and resources to keep going!
Namaste
I’m so happy! I just got sick and tired of feeling like my story wasn’t good enough. BTW, did you eliminate $30,000 in debt?? WOW!! Sending good vibes.