Introduction: What It Means to Start from Scratch

A picture of me from 2021, just starting art school, $50 in my account, a head full of ideas, and no clue what I was doing with money.

Let’s normalize not knowing everything about money. When I first decided I wanted to learn more, I had no idea where to start. I watched a few YouTube videos about crypto, picked up Personal Finance for Dummies, and still felt lost when it came to the basics.

Starting from Scratch is about getting back to the fundamentals, understanding how money really works, and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re an artist, freelancer, or just figuring things out, this series is here to help you build confidence one step at a time.

We’ll talk about the basic basics of money, how to spend it, save it, and plan for what’s next, in a way that feels approachable and real. No jargon, no shame, no pressure to have it all figured out. Just practical tools to help you get in control of your finances and build a life that supports your goals.

Along the way, I’ll share real stories from my own journey and from my work as a financial coach, stories about the challenges my clients have faced, and how they found ways to overcome them. These experiences remind me that everyone’s financial path is unique, but the starting point is often the same: a desire to do better and to understand more.

At its core, this series is about choosing abundance over fear, and curiosity over shame.

Before we dive in, ask yourself:

Where are you starting from?

What do you want money to do for you?

Your answers are the foundation, and that’s where we’ll begin.