A moment of reflection

 I went back and forth with the best way to start these blogs.

1.      Budgeting ..What!? I don’t even like that word.

2.      Credentials ..Why? What is it about these?

3.      Financial trauma ..too heavy

4.      Becoming rich ..subjective

5.      Is money even real? ..too conspiracy-y

Then, I hear a nagging- and when I tell you it’s my dissertation chairs voice – if you’ve ever written something lengthy and had an advisor, just imagine it’s their voice... so, nagging. “Kayla, just start writing.” “Pen to paper, you know more than you know.” “Start with the thing you know the best.”

So, I am choosing to tell you all about my journey with money. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The avoidance, the panic attacks, the martial fights. From one swing of the pendulum of overspending to the other of not spending a literal cent. And judging money regardless of the outcomes.

A general jealousy of people with money handed to them like candy on Halloween. The sheer unfairness of new clothes, fancy shoes, …food, heat, having friends over. Of course, this was exacerbated by most of my friends being those people.. two decades ago.

The aspirational goal of having money, being rich. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that these friends, and their parents, were amazing, sweet, humble, and generous. None of them ever made me feel less than- not a single one of them. Only me. Me, myself, and I.

For those moments, of which there were many, when they treated me, fed me, and loved me like their own. I am forever appreciative.

Upon reflection, my money journey has a lot of twists and turns and highs and lows. It’s my hope that if you’re reading this and any of this resonates with you, you understand that you can do this, and I want to help. If you’re “one of those people” whose parents gave them a lot but never really explained money, I’m here. And finally, if you have your money situation figured out, and you’re looking for the next big investment, I may not be your go-to person, but you’re welcome to stick around for the story.

I’ve run out of coffee, and I’m worried if I listen to “walk me home” by P!nk one more time, that Apple is going to flag me for exceeding their licensure.

My plan is to have two series: one about my journey with psychosocial aspects of money, like financial trauma and emotional spending, and a separate one that focuses on the basics of money with more to come in time.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for being you.
Thank you,
                        Kayla