GET TO KNOW ME.
Humble Beginnings.
I grew up in India in a family that didn’t come from money. In a time of financial constraint, my father could only afford a simple bicycle, which became our family’s mode of transportation as he pedaled to work everyday alongside my mother and two siblings.
Growing up, the increasing influence of Western culture in India left an indelible mark on me at an early age, igniting a fervent desire to experience life in the United States.
Realities of Adult Finances.
Pursuing my dreams, I embarked on a journey to America to pursue a Masters Degree. It was during this pivotal time that I encountered the realities of adult finances. The burden of a $50,000 student loan weighed heavily upon me upon completing my degree.
To compound matters, my visa status presented a challenging predicament: with less than 3 months to secure employment in a daunting job market during the Great Recession. Fortunately, at the intersection of opportunity and preparation, I managed to secure a job that sponsored my work visa. Yet, this newfound stability served as a catalyst for an eye-opening realization…
Financial Journey.
I discovered that financial freedom eluded those who relied solely on an employee’s paycheck. The shackles of different loans – student loans, credit card debts, car loans, and mortgages – perpetually binds one’s financial independence. I understood that the path to true financial liberation involved making my hard-earned money work just as hard as I did.
Motivated by this revelation, I dove into the intricacies of the stock market and subsequently expanded my horizons to include real estate, employing various investment strategies to multiply my savings. The journey was far from easy as I transitioned from a state of uncertainty, burdened by debt, to a position of financial security, and assets exceeding a million dollars.
Lessons learnt and next steps.
Through personal experience, I can attest that the most challenging aspect of this transformative journey lies in taking the first steps towards financial freedom and acquiring the knowledge to navigate the path. It became evident to me that our system is designed in a manner that favors the already affluent, making it increasingly challenging for those starting from zero. However, it doesn’t discount from the fact that everyone can do this too.
I have heard the media dismissively labeling individuals as “lazy” or “dumb,” and it pains me deeply. Such derogatory judgments fail to acknowledge the absence of financial education in our lives. It is time for us to reclaim control over our lives and embark on this journey of financial empowerment.
