Try to think of something in your vicinity that doesn’t have a relation to numbers. Not impossible, but difficult, right? The wall behind you had to be measured to specific dimensions. The colors on your screen have HTML code identifiers. Even the floor underneath you was purchased with some form of monetary value.
For some reason, I’ve always had an adeptness and love of numbers. I had to get extra pages for the timed math worksheets in grade school. Name a professional athlete and odds are I can provide their jersey number. I enjoy figuring out the point redemption values for travel rewards.
How does this all relate to personal finance?
Foundation in Finance
Well, the answer is, I’m not sure exactly. I grew up in a time when the education system still taught us how to write a check, but not much else financially. My parents taught me how to balance a checkbook, log transactions, and save. They helped me open up my first bank account and credit card. Otherwise, I can’t pinpoint what led me down a path of personal finance.
In college, I fell in love with spreadsheets. I managed my house’s ledger of rent, food, supply, and utility payments, as well as our joint bank account. I started using the budgeting app Mint in conjunction with my personal spreadsheet. However, I think this topical passion really blossomed once I got married and felt the pull to be the leader of our financial management.
I explored Freakonomics and did self study on money management, as well as monetary theory and policy. I learned how the financial system works in this country and about the various types of investment vehicles. I even did a deep dive into the technical analysis of stocks, understanding chart patterns and key indicators.
In the past year, all of this foundational learning has been solidified with professional training and certifications needed to be a financial advisor.
Personal Finance Goals
The financial system is complicated (purposely so) with complex words and concepts. Through all of this research I have undertaken, my desire for this knowledge has been simplified. I wish to better understand how money and the system works, so I can better steward our resources, streamline our processes, and save time and money for the prosperity of the family.
It is nearly impossible to stay on top of the everchanging financial universe. With this understanding, I do still desire to help myself and others gain tips and tricks and continually learn ways to prosper financially and steward our resources.
While being a financial advisor does make me a professional in the financial industry, it is important to note that financial advising requires a high degree of personalized planning to consider all situations and factors. For that reason, no financial comments will be made with a purpose of advisement.
With that being said, I look forward to expanding my knowledge in personal finance and sharing my findings along the way.
