Confessions of a Money Guru

Confessions of a Money Guru: To Celebrate 13 years in Business, here are 13 Financial Lessons to Live By

Hey everyone, it's Andrea, the self-proclaimed and Bonafide by actual paying clients, "Money Guru" with over thirty years of experience in the financial industry. If you're reading this, you're probably curious about how I got here and what pearls of wisdom I've picked up along the way. Well, you're in for a treat! This is a quick story about me, 13 Lessons and somewhere in there a confession.

AW Financial Solutions: A Fresh Start

Fast forward through a jam-packed and very impressive resume (toot tooting my own horn) including degrees, Big 4 accounting firms, NYC stint as a Vice President and too many tax seasons to count. In May 2011, I started my own business, AW Financial Solutions, because I wanted to help individuals and small business owners with customized financial solutions. My philosophy? Everyone deserves a financial plan, regardless of income or financial situation. That's why my business stands on the principle of making finance accessible and enjoyable. Let's be real, if your financial plan isn't working for you, you're not going to stick with it. So, I aim to make it fun—think of it as the "Happy Money Plan" instead of a "budget."

Yuck Budgets: The Budget-Hating Accountant

Let me be clear: I hate the word "budget." It's like the spinach of finance—everyone knows it's good for you, but nobody wants to eat it. Unless it's fresh, sauteed and seasoned. (I'm just saying) Despite this aversion, I started my career while still taking classes for my bachelor's degree in accounting. And yeah, I balanced school and work like a pro. This was when I realized that finance could be a lot more fun if you took the right approach. So, I started looking for ways to make money management feel less like a chore and more like a game. I mean, who doesn't like winning at Monopoly?

Now, let's get into the good stuff. Here are 13 lessons for Financial Success, I've learned throughout my career that can help you take control of your finances without feeling like you're in financial boot camp:

1. Give Your Budget a Fun Name: "Budget" feels restrictive. Call it your "Happy Money Plan" or "Mo Money Plan" to keep it light.

2. Start Early, But Not Too Late: Compound interest is like magic, so start saving early. But if you're late to the game, don't stress; there's still time.

3. Live Below Your Means: This doesn't mean eating ramen every night. It just means being smart about your spending.

4. Diversify, Diversify, Diversify: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments to reduce risk.

5. Build a Rainy Day Fund : A cushion is what I call it. You never know when life will throw you a curveball. A rainy day fund is like a cushion, giving you soft place to land if you need it.

6. Learn Continuously: The financial world is always changing. Keep up by reading, taking classes, or following people like me (shameless plug).

7. Take Calculated Risks: Risk is scary, but it's part of the game. Just make sure they're calculated risks, not shots in the dark.

8. Seek Professional Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Financial advisors are like GPS for your money. Invitation to ask me anything.

9. Avoid High-Interest Debt: Credit cards are great, but those high-interest rates? Not so much. Pay off high-interest debt fast. Actually Debt free is the place to be.

10. Invest in Retirement: It's never too early or too late to start planning for retirement. Your future self will thank you.

11. Give Back: Sharing is caring, right? Support charitable causes or give back in your own way.

12. Stay Disciplined: Consistency is key. Stick to your plan, even when it's tough.

13. Enjoy the Journey: Finance doesn't have to be boring. Find joy in managing your money and watch your financial health flourish.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you've enjoyed this little journey through my career and the lessons I've learned. Remember, managing your finances doesn't have to be a chore. It can be fun, it can be rewarding, and it can lead to a life of financial freedom. So go ahead, create your own "Mo Money Plan," and let's make finance fun again! Thanks for joining me on "Confessions of a Money Guru." Until next time, keep smiling and keep those finances in check!

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