Small in stature, Anelite possess the drive and determination of a giant. After eleven years (and counting) of learning from others she is proof that financial freedom is attainable. With a salary of $40,000 at the start of her separation she has managed to use the resources provided by her employer to assist in furthering her education. In doing so, her salary has doubled and allowed her to build an investment portfolio.
Employer Perks
401K Match
Tuition Assistance
One of her many achievements has been maintaining an excellent credit score. I’ve maintained an excellent credit score by having different types of credit lines available, but never spending money I can’t pay back within a year.
The most valuable lesson has been that building your credit is great but it doesn’t mean that if you have $60,000 worth of credit you should use it all. She has witnessed first hand, like many of us, individuals that are “doing well” yet bogged down by avoidable debt.
SCC Tip: Know and understand your limitations
The key to limitations is leveraging resources. The tuition assistance provided by her employer allowed for growth and expansion in her career. In the long run, clearly, the benefits are not only financial, but also transferable.
Her biggest motivation is being someone her son can look up to. This is attainable by the not so easy task of leading by example. Her actions are paying off as her son consistently excels in academics and can get down at any party. Like mother, like son.
SCC Tip: Leverage your resources
Five years ago, Anelite began investing in stocks with $500. In time the investments have been paying off. She notes, "it wasn’t much, but I didn’t know anything about buying or selling stock. I invested in an AI company. There were a few to pick from so I did some research and it’s been going great. Once I started learning more I bought stocks, I invested in 2 other companies."
As cliché as it sounds, with time and patience good things will come to pass. Starting out as a single mom in her 20s, she has lead by example and made large strides. It’s easy this day in age to want the greener pastures right away, but the reality is that it doesn’t happen that way for most of us. Taking the time to become more self-aware, not being afraid to stumble and grow, learning from others’ mistakes and making some lemonade does yield positive results – in time.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Financial freedom is attainable.