Let Go and Recharge

 We all have those days when we wake up feeling tired, worn out, sad, and unattractive—especially as we get older and start noticing changes in our bodies. The inevitable signs of aging, like crow's feet, wrinkles, or weight gain, can leave us questioning ourselves. So, what do we do? Well, if you're anything like me, you overthink it, beat yourself up, and start blaming yourself for not being more active, for neglecting your skincare routine, for not eating a balanced diet, or for drinking a little too much.

Sure, these factors can contribute to how we feel and how we look, but is it really worth it to be so hard on ourselves just because we think we have to look a certain way? Where does all this negative self-talk come from? I believe it stems from the constant pressure to fit into an image that society pushes on us. We’re told men should be muscular with chiseled V-shaped waists, tree trunk arms, and a full head of hair. We’re told women should look like stick-thin supermodels, with flawless skin and perfect bodies. But the truth is, not all men are built like that, and not all women fit into that narrow standard of beauty.

We’ve got to break free from the mindset that we have to live up to society's impossible standards, whether they’re from media, social media, or advertisements. It’s okay to have weight gain. It’s okay to have stretch marks, dark circles under your eyes, and to not always feel your best. In fact, those imperfections don’t take away from your beauty—they are a part of you.

I’m tired of letting others, and even myself, label me. We spend so much time trying to fit in, to be someone else, or to live up to an image that isn’t our own. It's time to take the pressure off. It’s okay to feel tired, to feel unattractive, and to have those days when you’re not at your best. As Ella Henderson sings in her song "Ugly," "One day I'm beautiful, then I'm ugly, but those days remind me that I am human."

Let’s remember that we’re not here to impress everyone. We’re here to impress ourselves. And I’ve started telling myself, especially on those days when I don’t feel my best, that I am beautiful, I am worthy, and I am deserving of everything this life has to offer.

If you find yourself in a negative headspace like I do sometimes, I recommend taking a day for yourself. Step away from the pressures and do something that recharges you. Wear your favorite outfit, take a break from work, cancel plans that you weren’t really excited about, and do something that brings you joy. For me, it’s a visit to the plant nursery or a stroll through a botanical garden, with a cup of coffee in hand. Nature has a way of helping me reconnect with the world outside the constant buzz of screens and social media.

Remember, self-care is just as important—if not more important—than being there for everyone else. Sometimes, we just need to be there for ourselves. Take a moment to relax, to breathe, and to recharge, so you don’t burn out. You are enough, just as you are.

Investing: The Key to Financial Freedom (And Why You Should Start Now)

 Ah, investing. It’s like the magical act that turns your money into more money—the kind of wizardry that rich folks have been practicing for years while the rest of us were stuck in the daily grind. For the longest time, I believed that working paycheck to paycheck was just my fate. But then, I discovered investing, and suddenly I realized I didn’t have to live that way forever.

So, let’s dive into the world of investing for beginners. I know it can sound intimidating, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s not nearly as scary as it seems. First things first: let’s talk about some of the most common types of retirement accounts you’ll encounter—401(k)s, Traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs. These are all retirement savings accounts, but they each have different rules when it comes to taxes, contributions, and withdrawals.

1. 401(k): The Employer-Sponsored Retirement Account

Let’s start with the classic—the 401(k). If you’re working a job, there’s a good chance your company offers a 401(k) plan. And here’s the kicker: many employers will match your contributions (yes, free money!). So, if you put in a certain percentage of your paycheck, your company might kick in some extra cash, usually anywhere from 1% to 10%. Not too shabby, right?

The easiest way to invest in your 401(k) is to have a percentage automatically deducted from your paycheck. It’s like set it and forget it—you won’t even notice it’s happening until you check your account balance. (And when you do, it’ll feel like a pleasant surprise.)

The money you put into a 401(k) is pre-tax, which means it comes out of your paycheck before Uncle Sam gets his cut. This helps reduce your taxable income. However, keep in mind there are withdrawal rules. You can start taking money out without penalties once you hit the age of 59 ½. Before that, any early withdrawals could incur a 10% penalty, plus taxes. Yikes.

If you leave your job, don’t forget to transfer your 401(k) to a financial service company like Fidelity or Charles Schwab. I personally use Fidelity for their amazing customer service and user-friendly website. The great thing about these companies is they’ll manage your investments for you—either for free or for a small fee if you decide to work with a financial advisor. You won’t have to worry about picking individual stocks or bonds because your money will likely go into something called ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds).

ETFs are a great way to spread out your risk while still growing your money. For example, your 401(k) might be invested in something like the S&P 500 (which tracks the top 500 US companies) or the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (which gives you exposure to the entire US stock market). Both are excellent choices for long-term growth. There’s also the Vanguard Total World Stock ETF, which focuses on emerging markets with high growth potential.

2. Traditional IRA: A Tax-Deferral Option

Now, let’s talk about Traditional IRAs. This is another type of retirement account that works similarly to your 401(k). Anyone can open a Traditional IRA, and like the 401(k), it has tax rules and guidelines you’ll need to follow.

Contributions to a Traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, depending on your income and whether you already have a 401(k) at work. Plus, the investments inside the account grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the gains until you withdraw the money later. However, when you do withdraw, the money is taxed as ordinary income.

The withdrawal rules for IRAs are similar to the 401(k)—you can’t take out money without penalties until you’re at least 59 ½.

3. Roth IRA: The Tax-Free Growth Option

Last but certainly not least is the Roth IRA. This account works a little differently than the others because you’re contributing after-tax dollars. That means you’ve already paid taxes on the money before you contribute it, but the magic happens when the investments grow—tax-free.

Yes, you heard me right. All your investments in a Roth IRA will grow without being taxed, and when you withdraw the money in retirement, it’s completely tax-free—including any gains. This is an excellent choice if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket when you retire and want to avoid paying taxes on your withdrawals.

Which One Should You Choose?

To summarize:

• 401(k) with a company match: Contribute at least enough to get the match—because, hello, free money.

• Traditional IRA: Ideal if you want a tax deduction now and expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement.

• Roth IRA: Perfect if you think you’ll be in a higher tax bracket later and want tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Start Small, Build Over Time

The key to investing is to start small and build over time. Don’t feel like you need to max out everything right away. The most important thing is to develop good money habits today, and over time, you’ll see some big financial wins down the road.

So, are you ready to start investing? Remember, the earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow. So, let’s get those retirement accounts rolling! Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll dive even deeper into the world of investing. Happy investing, everyone!

Savings: What to Do With That Extra Cash (Besides Spending It on Amazon)

 Alright, we’ve already tackled the tough stuff—creating a budget, figuring out how and when to pay your bills like the responsible adult you are, and maybe even discovering a little hidden treasure in your bank account (hello, extra dollar or two!). So, now that you’ve got some extra cash, what should you do with it?

Well, before you head to the bar or pull the trigger on that Amazon purchase you’ve been eyeing (even though you know deep down you don’t really need it), let’s talk about your options. Why not splurge, you ask? Well, I’ve got a couple of reasons for you to think twice.

First off, if you’re reading my posts, chances are you’re serious about achieving financial freedom. You want to retire when you choose—not when you run out of time. If that’s the case, then it’s time to stop throwing your money away on short-term indulgences and start thinking long-term. And I’m not just talking about getting out of debt—I’m talking about growing your money. So, let’s talk savings.

Now, I know I’ve mentioned savings a few times, but here’s the big advice that’s bound to make you scratch your head: You can’t save yourself to wealth. Yep, I said it. You can’t expect to build wealth with a traditional savings account. While having a basic savings account for emergencies, a future home, or a travel fund is a smart move, it’s not going to grow your money in any meaningful way.

If you’re looking to actually grow your wealth, it’s time to think about a High Yield Savings Account (HYSA). These accounts offer a better return on your money compared to a regular savings account. Ask your bank if they offer them, and if they do, find out what the APR (interest rate) is. If it’s 3% or higher, congratulations—you’re in the money-making game! That extra interest will be working for you, slowly but surely, as you put money in over time.

Now, how much should you contribute? If you can, aim to put 3% to 5% of your paycheck into your HYSA after paying your bills and covering your living expenses. I don’t want you to live like a monk just to save—remember, you still deserve a good meal or a night out. But if 3%-5% is too much for you to start with, no worries. Begin with something manageable—anywhere from $20 to $100 per pay period, depending on what you can comfortably set aside. The goal is to consistently invest in your financial future, not to be penny-pinching to the point where you can’t enjoy life today.

Here’s the biggie: once that money goes into your HYSA, do not touch it. This isn’t your “let’s treat myself” fund. This is your “I’m building a better financial life” fund. Keep that money growing over time, and when you’re ready for retirement, you’ll have a solid cushion to fall back on.

And then there’s the emergency fund. Yes, this is the more boring, non-wealth-building account—but trust me, it’s necessary. This is where you’ll stash money for things like car repairs, unexpected medical bills, or, god forbid, a job loss. A good rule of thumb is to build this emergency fund up to 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. I aim for a year, because I’m an overthinker and would rather be over-prepared than caught off guard. The key here is that you don’t want to dip into your HYSA or rack up credit card debt for emergencies. So, start building this fund as soon as you can, and make sure it’s there when life throws you a curveball.

And as for investing—well, that’s a whole other ball game, and I’ll be diving into that in my next post. Stay tuned, because we’re just getting started on this financial freedom journey!

So, to wrap things up: Don’t blow your extra cash on temporary thrills. Instead, put it into savings and investments that will actually work for you in the long run. Your future self will thank you.