I didn’t think my budgeting stories were worth telling. Many thanks to Taylor, a 20-year-old leader on our Blessings Brokers team, who told me my financial testimony, resources and wisdom need to be told. So begins the first of hopefully many “Treasure Talks” that can help others grow your resources and help your dreams become a reality.

 I wasn’t born from a family with money. My parents both grew up on different tobacco farms near Myrtle Beach, SC. Mom is one of eight children. They didn’t have an indoor bathroom until after she was out of the house and married my Dad at 18 years. She told me that growing up they had “three bedrooms and a path to the outhouse.” 

My Dad worked for 33 years as a Delta Airlines jet mechanic. He wore a uniform and worked shift work. Before I was born my parents bought a modest ranch-style home. We lived there until I went to college. We lived simply and had just enough.

My Mom and Dad taught me to tithe at least 10 percent to the church first from my allowance. He said when I got paid a real salary to always tithe from the gross amount, not after taxes because it’s all God’s. We are simply the stewards and can’t outgive God. I followed their advice and still do. 

Dad also paid our bills as soon as they arrived in the mail.  He taught me to be thankful for the bills when they arrived because it meant we had a roof over our heads, electricity, and clean water. 

 I was the first in my immediate family to attend a four-year college. I’m so grateful my Dad scraped enough funds to pay my tuition and didn’t have to pay student loans. 

When I graduated from college I applied for well over 50 jobs and didn’t get one of them. I moved back home after graduation feeling so defeated. I had completed three different unpaid internships and worked a 20 hour a week job during college to earn extra money. I was ready to work full time. 

None of the employers were calling me back. Two weeks after graduation I began calling the employers I sent resumes to inquiring if I may interview. One kind employer told me he had had hired internally and encouraged me to apply for work through a Temporary Service like Kelly Services. He said it would be full-time work, and it could lead to a permanent position once I prove myself in the job. I followed his wisdom and was placed through Kelly Services at a non-profit private school called Porter-Gaud School that next week in the Donor Development Department.  

Months later it led to a full-time position as the Donor Development Office Manager. It was great experience, as they were launching into a $5.5 million Capital Campaign. I was grossing $20,000 a year, which I thought was GREAT at the time. I was 22 years old. The Business Manager encouraged me to contribute the maximum toward the 401K 6% retirement match, which is tax-free donations from my salary. I told him I thought I didn’t make enough money and that I was too young to contribute to retirement. He gave me some advice I’ll always remember:

“It’s not how much you make, it’s what you do with it.”

He then told me about compound interest and how quickly cash adds up when we contribute even a little bit each month to our 401K retirement. It does add up quickly.

Porter-Gaud School also paid for my Masters degree in Public Administration, which I’ll always be grateful for. I worked full-time and attended classes at night for two years.

I worked there five years, got my first apartment and realized how much each month it costs, and I wanted that money to go toward equity in a house.  

A Buyer’s Agent helped me buy my first home for $115,500, at 29 years old on a non-profit salary, while still tithing 10% and paying my own down payment. In the next Treasure Talk, I’ll give you six tips I learned and still by to help you buy your home, invest more in real estate and make your dreams come true. 

With this Treasure Talk and others, remember it’s not how much you make, it’s what you do with it. I pray and believe you will continue to thrive and give back.

Reflect: 

What are my dreams if money weren’t an issue?

Where can I shave expenses to help make these dreams a reality?

Recharge: 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6:21