12/25/2025
Last week was heavier than I expected.
We said goodbye to one of our very first family pets. đ
Sweet Potato may have been small, but the emotions were big, especially for my daughter which meant for me as well.
What surprised me most wasnât just the lossâŚ
It was the freedom I felt while making the decision.
Money wasnât driving the moment.
Stress about money wasnât clouding my judgment.
I didnât have to choose the cheapest option, I could choose the right one for our family.
I was able to take her to the vet. I had lots of thoughts going through my mind about taking a guinea pig to the vet. It was hard finding one that would even see her.
But, I could afford to take her and the different end-of-life options. I was able to ask my daughter what she wanted to do. I could give my daughter choices and space for closure.
Growing up, that wasnât my reality. Money often decided for us. I am grateful to God that isnât the case for my children and I donât take that lightly.
Last week reminded me why I do the work I do. Helping youth build a financial foundation early, so money doesnât control their choices later.
There were tears, yes.
But there was also gratitude.
This is what financial freedom really looks like to me:
đ being able to show up fully in hard moments
đ not feeling guilt or fear tied to spending
đ not letting money drive my choices
Money didnât drive my choices, I was able to drive and make the decisions and that matters.
Financial freedom doesnât mean you wonât face losses.
It just means money isnât the one making the decision and it changes how you show up.