Financial investment and budgeting

 Where I grew up, I was told to start investing when I start earning money. If I knew what I know now when I was 10 years old, I could have been saving my own money in my own account, at my own preferred bank. If I was able to invest my money at 10 years old, imagine the financial freedom I would have to completing my education, or having my child set for the rest of their life.

I was raised as fodder for men. My mother wanted me to find myself a rich Christian man, who is willing and capable to support the family. I grew up in the 90s. Finding a husband willing to support my parents was very slim. Maybe if we lived in China, perhaps that chance was possible. It was ingrained in me that "Money is the root of all evil." I never thought to touch it or deal with it.

I didn't start investing my money until I was 21. Since I was not very good with money, I created an account for my child. Even when I was discharged from the United States Air Force in 2004, $35,000 was a lot of money for a 2 year old child. Unfortunately, that investment was used. I should have known better than allowing myself to be swindled by a charming man. I was made to believe that cashing out the funds would help pay the rent since I my paycheck couldn't be considered as a living wage. 

The previous spouse was not the only one who used my kindness against me. My mother stole my identity the moment I was enlisted. She assured me that as long as I sent money her way, she would not use my credit card. 

My commanding officer was despondent when he learned I had over $5,000 worth of credit card debt. I was perturbed by the amount because it was at zero when I left for Military Basic Training. After discussing this incident with my mother over the phone, she yelled at both my commanding officer and me for accusing her of financial fraud. 

"Ma'am, I understand you have a family to support, but you used someone else's identity to do so. In America, which you are currently residing at, is considered a Federal offense. It's up to your daughter to press charges for the financial fraud you created under their name."

Infuriated with my commanding officer, my mother agreed to pay off the debt. She thought she could get away again when the previous spouse and I was buying a car. I had to cut off my mother completely from my bank account. So it seems, filial identity theft is common in America since this matter was covered in the Federal Trade Commission's Frequently Asked Questions.

Despite my High School and College education, I could never balance my accounting ledger. When I enrolled to Life Skills sponsored by StepUp Ministry in 2017, I finally learned to balance my check book. The key was keeping the receipts and tabs of each purchase. I barely used a bank check to make payments anymore. They're only useful when there are companies, who are unable to accept cash or credit card payments.

After my divorce, learning to invest in money and budget my finances have been a life saver. There are plenty of people out there who will take advantage of your naivety. Learning how to be autonomous in your finances and taking control of your individuality takes courage and audacity.

If you're financially struggling right now, I understand. You are blameless. Don't get tempted into blaming others either. It will not help you - as you can see - I am telling you my story.

There are plenty of resources on how to invest your money. If you have a good and respectable adult in your life, I commend you. Finding a trustworthy adult is hard and a few in between spaces to come by.

I know of a young Airman, who enlisted as a Technical Engineer with $1 million in their account. The reason why he enlisted because he didn't want to be stuck at home bored. He was the reason why I was inspired to invest in my child's future. He said his dad had created a nesting fund for him when he was 1 year old. Having a million dollar bank account at his expense meant nothing to him other than he could buy all the pizzas and beer for the rest of his life. 🤣🤣🤣 Be inspired by his story.

Before mobile apps, I used ledgers. I still use ledgers because it's simpler for me. You are welcome to print out the Budget Form StepUp Ministry gave me.

Here's my gift to you: Best secure Budget Apps for your phone 2022

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