What living beneath the poverty line for a decade taught me

awareness broke debt investing millionaire money poverty saving scarcity self made millionaire Apr 07, 2025

For most of my 20s I was broke and struggling.

In my early 20s I was living below the poverty line, further in debt JUST to afford the very basics like groceries and toilet paper - that kind of broke.

Following that was living paycheck to paycheck living.

It was stressful, and I had to heal my relationship with money to finally get out of it and embrace massive wealth and abundance in my life (which has been utterly life changing).

BUT I learned very very very valuable skills during the times where money was scarce, lessons that allowed me to build my wealth and become a self-made millionaire, that I want to share with you:

1. Curbing impulse buying
Even groceries during my early 20s = adding more debt.

As a teen I'd loved buying clothes and make and books and... everything!

I completely cut-off shopping for anything other than necessities while I was broke - necessities literally only meant rent, groceries, household cleaning, phone, & Internet bills - that was it.

At first this of course felt like I was missing out but I discovered I was actually much happier with what I did have and I recognized just how much stuff I bought when I was simply bored!

When money DID start coming in saving was easy because consumerism lost its appeal, and when I do buy things for the joy of it its something that really lights me up - not just more "stuff".

After studying the habits of millionaires it became evident that intentional buying is a key trait they share.

Now, I'm not saying restrict yourself, I'm saying buy things that light up your soul things with meaning that won't just collect dust, and be wary of retail-therapy!

2. Long-term spending awareness (AKA math)
Consistency over time = big results. Likewise consistent buying over time = huge expenditures.

Example:
$5 starbucks coffee daily = $35/ week = $140/ month = $1680 / year.
VS
$0.25 brew your own coffee at home daily = $1.75/ week = $7/ month = $84/ year
You'd be saving $1596 a year by switching! That's a vacation, investment money, etc.

Again, I'm not saying never splurge on artisan coffee, but I'm saying BE AWARE of your spending.

What's WORTH it to you?

Where can you save, and put those saving to work for you?

Your money should be out there making you more money.

3. Saving
"Don't spend more than you make."
It sounds simple but studies show most people live outside of their means. Consumer debt it crushing most people.

It's a simple solution - don't spend more than you earn AND save!

Savings are crucial - so is more expansive money management but start with saving. It's not "sexy" but it's the path to wealth building.

4. Pay off debt ASAP
The 19.9999% credit card fee adds up fast and it was crushing me when I was broke. Not only was I barely scraping by my credit card debt was raising just because of the %.

Paying off my credit cards finally enabled me to save. It also made my credit EXCELLENT.

5. Investing

Building passive income, both through business vehicles and investment vehicles, typically takes more time upfront to build, but pays off, theoretically, for the rest of your life. It's worth the effort up front, and sets you up for time freedom down the road.

Many women and people 40 and under have no investment portfolio started, and that leaves them at the mercy of their income. I'm on a mission to help change that.

Right now, with the global economy tanking, there's never been a better time to get into the market and grow your investments. I'll be there to teach you how! Get your 14-Day FREE Trial Here and let's start to build your wealth!

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What living beneath the poverty line for a decade taught me

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