Our Rich Journey 365 Program mid- month Recap!

  365 Days to F.I.R.E 

A Family that Invest together stays together :)

Our First Meet-up Lisbon, Portugal

 

I know you must be dying to hear about how I ended up meeting all these incredible people during my solo trip. Well, not to worry because I'm here to spill all the juicy details. Now, if you haven't heard of Our Rich Journey, then you've been missing out, my friend. But don't worry, your new favorite blogger is here to fill you in on everything you need to know. Amon and Christina, the dynamic duo, started a YouTube channel back in June 2018, focusing on all things money-related – investing, making money, and saving money – all while raising a family! In one of their first videos, they talked about travel hacking, a topic I touched upon in my previous blog post. Be sure to check out my blog for more details on how I did it, and don't forget to watch their awesome YouTube video too. Thanks, YouTube Auntie and Uncle, you amazing!

Amon and Christina ( Auntie and Uncle ha!)

 

Now that you're acquainted with my YouTube family, let me tell you about their latest endeavor. Amon and Christina launched a year-long program called the 356 Days to F.I.R.E program, which was in its second year when I stumbled upon it. When I saw the program, I didn't waste a second before signing up. What lured me in so quickly was not only the incredible community I would be introduced to but also the accountability group. And let's not forget the chance to go to Portugal and meet the family that completely transformed my perspective on finances and improved my financial literacy. I've been on this journey to freedom, as I like to call it, for quite some time now. I started off strong, but then I hit a rough patch when I accumulated some good and not-so-good debt while diving into my first real estate investment and indulging in some questionable spending habits. I realized I needed discipline and accountability, but above all, I was tired of going it alone. Sometimes, when you don't see instant results, it's easy to lose motivation or doubt yourself. Trust me, I've been there. So, the sight of a community filled with ambitious individuals striving for the life they desire, just like me, was all the motivation I needed to take the jump and join this amazing journey.

The program kicked off in January, and let me tell you, it has been nothing short of incredible so far. I wish I had started my blog earlier to document the entire process for you all. But hey, better late than never, right? I'll give you a quick rundown of the past few months, and I promise to keep you updated as we make our way through the rest of the program! Exciting, isn't it? I can feel your anticipation radiating through the screen!

 

All right, let's dive right into it. The first half of the year was an absolute eye-opener for me.

 

• Jan - Getting Prepared for the Journey

January is a month I like to call "Girl, Get It Together." It was all about taking a hard look at my financial situation. The first order of business? Budgeting. I needed to figure out where the heck my money was going. And let me tell you, it was a wake-up call.

 

One thing I discovered was that I have a serious weakness when it comes to food. I mean, who can resist those mouthwatering dishes? Definitely not me I love my Cajun cuisine (Crab-legs). But hey, recognizing the problem is the first step, right? So, I did a little happy dance (well, in my mind) and resolved to rein in my food expenses.

 

But you know what else I found out during this self-audit? I had a bunch of subscriptions that I barely even used. Take HBO Max, for example. I initially subscribed just for Game of Thrones. Jon Snow had my heart, and I couldn't resist the allure of Westeros. But then, after Jon's departure, HBO decided to keep taking my hard-earned cash. And what happened next? House of the Dragon swooped in, and I found myself unable to let go. It's a vicious cycle, I tell you. However, I did manage to score a small victory by setting a reminder to cancel the subscription. It may seem like a tiny win, but hey, progress is progress, no matter how small.

 

So, there you have it. January was all about getting my financial act together, realizing where my money was going, and making some necessary adjustments. And let me just say, it was quite the adventure.

 

• Feb - Investing in the Stock Market 

February, oh, sweet February. This month was all about diving deep into the captivating world of the stock market. Now, I must confess, I had been dipping my toes in these waters for a while now. I consumed ORJ videos like they were my favorite Netflix special and thanks to my role in the USAF, I had access to some fantastic classes on investing. Talk about a bucket of resources!

 

But here's the kicker: if you had absolutely no clue where to start when it comes to investing in the market, February was the month for you. It was like a crash course in all things stocks and investments. Amon and Christina, the dynamic duo behind Our Rich Journey, provided an abundance of knowledge and guidance that was simply priceless. By the end of the month, you would have formulated your very own investment plan and be armed with knowledge that would leave your peers in awe. Who knows, you might even become the go-to person among your friends for investment advice. Teaching others? Yeah, you might just be on that level.

 

For me, February offered a chance to take a breath, pause and evaluate if any adjustments were needed in my investment journey. It was like stepping back, taking a good look at the bigger picture, and ensuring that I was on the right track. And let me tell you, it was an empowering experience. So, if you're ready to embark on your investment journey or even enhance your existing knowledge, buckle up because February will blow your mind.

 

• Mar - Investing in Real Estate

March, the month of real estate investing! Just like February, this month was a goldmine of information for both newbies looking to dive into the world of real estate and seasoned investors looking to level up their game. It was a time of discovery, learning, and realizing that I didn't have to outsource everything during my real estate investment (REI) journey.

 

One of the valuable lessons I learned was that I had the power to take matters into my own hands. I didn't have to rely on others for every little thing. Some tasks could be handled by yours truly, and hey, why not make it a fun family affair? Involving my loved ones in certain aspects of my REI journey not only brought us closer together but also added an extra layer of excitement and fulfillment to the process.

 

But that's not all. March was also a month of connection. I had the opportunity to connect with other real estate investors, sharing experiences, and learning from their strategies. It was eye-opening to see how they approached things and discover areas where I could improve. Building this network of like-minded individuals was a game-changer, providing valuable insights and a sense of camaraderie along the way.

 

So, whether you're a real estate newbie or a seasoned investor, March was the month that had something for everyone. It was about embracing the possibilities, taking charge, and connecting with a community of investors who share the same passion. The REI journey was becoming more exciting by the day, and I couldn't wait to see what ahead.

• Apr - Saving More Money for FIRE

April, the month of saving more money for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Now that I had a clear understanding of where my money was going and had implemented small, measurable steps to save, it was time to take it a step further. I needed to figure out what to do with the money I saved before giving in to the temptation---- Uber Eats.

 

This month was all about being intentional with my finances. If I truly wanted to achieve freedom, I had to ensure that my hard-earned money was working for me. Remember that catchy song, "She Works Hard for the Money"? Well, it's time to make sure my hard work pays off in the long run. So, during my birthday month, while I enjoyed a trip and celebrated, I also took a moment to reflect on my progress. I created a plan to tackle my debt, increase my emergency fund, and boost my investment accounts. ( That sound is now stuck in my head by the way). 

 

April served as a reminder of the importance of being diligent with my finances. It was a pivotal month that reaffirmed the significance of budgeting. Let me emphasize this: budgeting is crucial, and it should be done every month without fail. Okay, confession time, I may have slipped up a bit in this department, but hey, recognizing the slip-ups is part of the journey.

 

As I moved forward on my path to financial freedom, April was a month that demanded my attention. It was about taking control of my money, making intentional decisions, and setting myself up for lasting rewards. So, here's to budgeting diligently, saving strategically, and keeping my eyes on the prize.

• May - Creating a Side Hustle

May, the month of creating a side hustle! Let's talk about making that money, money, money! Now, for those of you reading this and thinking, "Larrian, girl, I ain't got no money," hold up! We need to change our mindset here. Remember what Steve Harvey and Joel Osteen said: "Speak life into your circumstances." Instead of focusing on what you don't have, let's focus on what you do have, and let's do it with some over-the-top dramatic flair. Because guess what? Becoming wealthy is all about the mindset before it even hits that bank account. Are you with me? Very good. Let's keep going.

 

Now, May had me thinking hard, thinking outside the box. Sometimes I had to remind myself that I already had a side hustle with real estate, and I needed to improve and nurture that area before diving into others. However, this month was the spark that ignited my creativity and made me think about innovative ways to make extra money within the realm of real estate. And you know what else it inspired? This blog! Starting this blog was not about getting rich quick, but rather, it was a step toward getting out of my comfort zone and doing something I genuinely enjoy—creating and providing value to others. I have this program to thank for giving me the push I needed. Trust me, I have so many side hustle ideas up my sleeve that I plan on executing!

 

But wait,..... there's more! In addition to side hustles, we also have book clubs that delve deeper into topics like investing in the stock market and other lucrative ventures. And guess what? Amon and Christina,  even hop on live Zoom calls with us every month to answer all our burning questions. Don't worry if you're a bit shy. You can always ask your questions via email. They're there to support us every step of the way.

 

So, May was all about embracing the side hustle mentality, exploring new avenues for making money, and taking bold steps toward financial success. I'm excited to see where these side hustles take me, and I can't wait to share my journey with you.

• Jun - Make More Money/ Portugal Meet-ups

Honest Mention: 

June was an epic month filled with Portugal meet-ups and unforgettable experiences. I was living my best life, mingling with over 100 incredible individuals who were all on this financial journey with me. The connections I made were priceless, and I even had the opportunity to have a personal conversation with Christina herself. Her advice was invaluable, and it left a lasting impact on me. The friendships I formed during this trip are ones that will last a lifetime.

 

But the highlight of the month was when I got the incredible opportunity to share my testimony on Our Rich Journey's YouTube channel. Can you believe it? Me, on their channel! It was a life-changing moment that deserves its own dedicated section. Trust me, I'll be sharing all the juicy details later on in the year. So, make sure to watch, comment, and subscribe to their channel. (Please excuse the picture quality below)

Our Rich Journey Youtube Channel

 

Now, let's get back on track and focus on June. As I reflect on the month, my biggest takeaway is discovering different ways to increase income outside of a side hustle. It could be through negotiating a raise in your current job or making a transition to a new one. Whichever path you choose, it's crucial to set clear goals and take action. This is a message I'm reminding myself of as I review my journey.

• Jul - Mid-Year Review

 

And now we find ourselves in July, the month of the mid-year review. It's the perfect time to look back on the months that have passed, especially for those of us who may have felt like we were falling behind. But fret not! Auntie and Uncle (Amon and Christina) have our backs. They understand that sometimes life happens, and we may have been having a little too much fun in Portugal. No worries, though, because this month ensures that no man or woman is left behind. Remember what Dory says, "just keep swimming."

 

So, let's dive into this mid-year review and continue swimming towards our goals. There's still so much more to come on this incredible journey to financial freedom!

                    

Cascais, Portugal

 And there you have it, my friends! The exciting recap of my journey so far. From meeting amazing people, learning valuable lessons, and embarking on new adventures, it has been quite the ride. But here's the thing, we're only halfway through the year. There's still so much more to come, and I can't wait to share it all with you.

 

But before we part ways, for now, let me leave you with this:

 What's the next chapter in your own financial journey? What goals are you working towards, and what steps will you take to achieve them? 

Share your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations in the comments below. Let's inspire and support each other as we strive for financial freedom.

 

Stay tuned for more captivating stories, insightful lessons, and epic moments as we continue this adventure together. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

 

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep hustling, and keep pushing toward the life you desire. The best is yet to come!

 

Yours in pursuit of financial freedom,

 

Larrianunique :]

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