I never cared about money.

My goal was never to be a millionaire, to have the nicest things, none of that. Money struck me as essential, and that the more you have the more options you have, so I wanted enough to…. *cough* travel.

I was reading a book the other day that basically said: You say you’re not interested in money. Then why do you work 40 hours at a job you don’t even like that much?

…Money.

The point struck me deep, because there have been portions of my life I literally hated my job (don’t worry current employers, I don’t feel that way right now.)

My friend Gerald suddenly took an interest in financial matters. I’m not really sure how or why, but his sudden interest sparked an interest in me, too.

I had grown up in a family that was smart with money, and a lot of basic principles were instilled in me. However, I confess I never paid much attention or took a personal interest.

Suddenly, Gerald was interested in all these matters, and I found myself saying “my dad recommends this book…” “my dad says…”

and a new adventure was born.

Suddenly Gerald and I are having investing parties, financial literacy parties, discussing and researching and sharing.

Picture this: two people at a coffee shop. Two laptops, two sets of reading material, two open notebooks. We study for a while, take notes, then report back to each other what we learn and the highlights of financial education that we individually covered.

Nerds.

Just kidding, but frankly it’s been awesome.

The only problem is money can be hard to talk about, I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s so connected to our emotions. But I am so thankful to have Gerald to pour out my excited heart to about all the financial matters I’m learning. I’ve tried with other friends, but people take it kind of offensively.

Which brings me to my first point.

I’m reading Rich Dad Poor Dad. Great read. Gerald chose the book Your Money or Your Life which I have heard is also amazing. I found Rich Dad Poor Dad to be an easy, quick read… it tells the story of two children trying to figure out money. I like stories, and I like simple children-level financial material, so it went down a little easier for me. I can only swallow a page or two of dense numbers or financial material at a time.

So anyway, we’ve embarked on this adventure, and my Dad is probably wondering what took me so long to finally take an interest (sorry Dad… your wisdom has, with patience, paid off.)

Here’s the first point of what I’m learning:

The first step to financial freedom is honesty. Looking in the mirror. Reflection. Being truly, deeply, honest with yourself.

The first step to financial freedom is honesty. Looking in the mirror. Reflection. Being truly, deeply, honest with yourself.

That’s where the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad challenged people who say “I’m not interested in money.” That was always me. Guilty. I think what I meant was my financial status was never a value for me in and of itself. I like simplicity, no need to be rich, I just want enough money to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and not worry too much and… travel. (I’m pretty predictable in that area.)

See, the people who are “not interested in money” are the very people who NEED to become financially literate. The concept of financial literacy is that in life, in school, in our families, we do not get a proper education on money. So we have to educate ourselves, invest time and a bit of money into our own education. To become financially literate. Some of us know how to read English, but we don’t know how to understand numbers and basic financial concepts that we are working with. These concepts are running our lives whether we get it or not.

If you get it, money works for you. If you don’t, you work for money.

There’s no way I could go into everything I’m actually learning about financial literacy here, but I just want to share this new adventure I am starting and if it sparks your interest feel free to reach out. I’ll have future posts where I share a couple highlights too.

But I think that’s the first biggest thing that hit me. I don’t care whether or not you care about money. Heck, I never really cared about money.

Either way, you are a slave to money.

And if you get financially literate, you could be free.

For my little nomadic explorer heart, this was a open window beckoning in fresh air to my soul.

Cause I don’t know about you, but I would much rather live my life based out of my values, dreams, and desires, instead of “the way things have to be” or “this is what all adults do” or “just gotta pay the bills.”

This is 2021 baby. There are other ways. And they’re legal. Just clarifying.