Never would I have thought that I would take such an interest in personal finance and early retirement, but 2014 was the year that changed it all.
My name is Todd, and over the last few years, I not only took an interest in further understanding finances but how I can have my money make me more money.
Why did I decide to learn more about personal finance? Well a few reasons:
- Stop feeling worried if an unexpected bill popped up
- I didn’t want to live paycheck to paycheck
- Retire early if I chose to and not be controlled by the societal norm of working a 9-5 until I’m well into my 60s (or 70s at the current working rate)
Unfortunately, our school systems and education on finances has been broken and we are taught very little financial concepts.
So, What’s My Story?
Update on my initial goals: I’m no longer worried about unexpected bills and I’m not living paycheck to paycheck ?
In 2014 I was in an apartment that I could barely afford, had a high car payment, two student loans, and then was let go from my job a few weeks before Christmas. Talk about a lump of coal.
This left me with just a few dollars each week in my checking account to scrape by after bills.
While it was a scary time, this was the motivation I needed to make changes to not only to my finances, but my also career path.
When I started this financial journey, I initially had little background in finances and investing.
I was taught about good credit, paying bills on time, signing up for a credit card and the basics of saving money, but I wanted to go further.
Now five years later:
- I’ve financially educated myself and have saved/invested $85,000+.
- Knocked out 95% of my student loan debt and fully paid off my car.
- Increased my full-time income by 120% and escaped the 9-5 cubicle life.
- I’m maintaining a 65% savings rate when the average American saves less than 5%!
- I’m self-managing all my investments.
I’m not a millionaire (yet) nor am I completely financially free.
And that’s okay!
We all have to start somewhere, right? And the last few years of my own financial journey continues to get me closer to those initial goals.
What is Invested Wallet?
Lately, personal finance has not only become a necessity for me but a passion of mine. I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured in numerous online publications in the last few months since starting this website.
Some publications include: Time, Millennial Money, MSN, HuffPost, and Business Insider where I’ve shared my thoughts on money and what I’ve learned along the way in saving and investing.
Being able to write and share my thoughts is what inspired me to launch my own blog, Invested Wallet.
Related: Here’s How To Start Your Own WordPress Blog and Begin Building Income
This blog is aimed to help educate and inspire beginners and beyond on investing and finances.
Anyone has an equal shot to take control and better their financial future. It may be harder for some and easier for others, but we all have a chance. ?
What You Won’t find
You won’t find content on the best stocks or any sketchy money-making schemes with Invested Wallet.
You also won’t find a millionaire and retired blogger, generating six-figures each month. Of course, that’s the goal! But, I’m not quite there yet.
Sorry media if you were looking for a Super flashy headline for a new article.
Instead, you’ll find a normal 30-year-old grinding away to save money and finding ways to make more money.
I hope my challenges, mistakes, ideas, and tips will be useful to you and inspire you, no matter your financial situation.
Some content you’ll find on Invested Wallet: my financial journey, tools, recommendations, personal finance tips, investing strategies, saving and making money.
Plus, I will occasionally write about side hustles, career tips, and other ways to make passive income.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy the content!
Besides Finances & Investing
Outside of my interest in personal finance, I am also passionate and built my work career around digital marketing.
I currently head up marketing for a software company and have worked with various start-ups and companies handling everything from SEO/SEM, paid advertising, content marketing, social media, analytics, marketing automation, and much more. This didn’t happen overnight and took a few years to level-up my career and salary.
I was featured in Leadfeeder for my content marketing efforts, check it out.
I’ve also written for publications like Social Media Today, Business2Community, Business.com, and Socialnomics.
Here are a few companies I’ve done various marketing work for:
If you are looking for marketing help or consulting, please feel free to contact me at any time!
