What I love most about this story is that it shows the part most people never see. Not the headline of “first million,” but the years of grit, the choices behind the scenes, and the character that held everything together when the market collapsed.
I have had the privilege of hearing the “why” behind these stories, and this line captures it perfectly: trust compounds.
If you’re reading this and thinking about your next financial step, here’s my encouragement: start smaller than you think you need to, and sooner than you feel ready. Little by little steps add up.
Thank you for this - it means a lot. You’re right, the real story is never the dollar amount, it’s the years of decisions no one sees. And yes, trust is the compound interest of relationships. Love the reminder you shared for anyone starting out.
Thank you for reading this one. It was not easy to write about those years, but they shaped everything that came after. Looking back, the biggest surprise is how often the hardest seasons ended up becoming turning points.
If there is one thing I hope people take away from this story, it is that preparation and character matter more than perfect timing. You cannot control the economy, but you can control your habits, your word, and your willingness to learn.
I would love to hear what part of your own financial story you are working on right now.
My favorite aspect of this post was the relationship you had built with a client where he was willing to financially back you when you were in need. It shows the importance of having a reputation of being trustworthy. There are a lot of people who figure out how to become very wealthy, but I think many of those people do it at the expense of burning bridges along the way. Far more impressive to be financially successful but also to be thought of as a stand-up guy.
Thank you for this insightful and kind comment. I’ll always be grateful for the people who trusted me early on. Those relationships shaped my entire path and reminded me that success without integrity isn’t really success at all.
We are working on a mindset….the idea that you must enter retirement with 0 debt….not necessarily a smart financial decision….we are working to invest more instead of using that same money to pay off a very low interest loan…
You’re thinking about it the right way. The goal isn’t “zero debt,” it’s using money intelligently.
If you have a very low-interest loan, and you can earn a higher return by investing, that’s smart financial leverage. Wealth is built by allocating dollars where they work hardest, not where they simply feel safest.
"I got my first custom home build." That made me smile. I can only imagine that feeling...in fact, I DO know that feeling...of when someone says "I choose you to help me find a house or sell a house." The mutual trust and faith someone has in YOU. Homes are people's dreams and being a part of that is tremendous.
What I love most about this story is that it shows the part most people never see. Not the headline of “first million,” but the years of grit, the choices behind the scenes, and the character that held everything together when the market collapsed.
I have had the privilege of hearing the “why” behind these stories, and this line captures it perfectly: trust compounds.
If you’re reading this and thinking about your next financial step, here’s my encouragement: start smaller than you think you need to, and sooner than you feel ready. Little by little steps add up.
Thank you for this - it means a lot. You’re right, the real story is never the dollar amount, it’s the years of decisions no one sees. And yes, trust is the compound interest of relationships. Love the reminder you shared for anyone starting out.
Thank you for reading this one. It was not easy to write about those years, but they shaped everything that came after. Looking back, the biggest surprise is how often the hardest seasons ended up becoming turning points.
If there is one thing I hope people take away from this story, it is that preparation and character matter more than perfect timing. You cannot control the economy, but you can control your habits, your word, and your willingness to learn.
I would love to hear what part of your own financial story you are working on right now.
My favorite aspect of this post was the relationship you had built with a client where he was willing to financially back you when you were in need. It shows the importance of having a reputation of being trustworthy. There are a lot of people who figure out how to become very wealthy, but I think many of those people do it at the expense of burning bridges along the way. Far more impressive to be financially successful but also to be thought of as a stand-up guy.
Thank you for this insightful and kind comment. I’ll always be grateful for the people who trusted me early on. Those relationships shaped my entire path and reminded me that success without integrity isn’t really success at all.
We are working on a mindset….the idea that you must enter retirement with 0 debt….not necessarily a smart financial decision….we are working to invest more instead of using that same money to pay off a very low interest loan…
You’re thinking about it the right way. The goal isn’t “zero debt,” it’s using money intelligently.
If you have a very low-interest loan, and you can earn a higher return by investing, that’s smart financial leverage. Wealth is built by allocating dollars where they work hardest, not where they simply feel safest.
"I got my first custom home build." That made me smile. I can only imagine that feeling...in fact, I DO know that feeling...of when someone says "I choose you to help me find a house or sell a house." The mutual trust and faith someone has in YOU. Homes are people's dreams and being a part of that is tremendous.
Absolutely. That first “yes” sticks with you forever. Being part of someone’s home journey is one of the greatest privileges.
Thank you for sharing your valuable experiences , Chris. They’re incredibly instructive
Appreciate you saying that! Happy the lessons are useful.
Thank you for sharing this, Chris. Really enjoyed this one.
Thanks so much. Means a lot that you enjoyed it!