Financial Freedom

October 22, 2025

My fridge has been noisy and is starting to leak water. Hayden needs braces. These sudden expenses used to throw me for a loop — the old me would’ve thought, “Something always comes up! I’ll never make progress!” But the new me knows I can problem-solve and that I’m in control of my money.

I recently opened a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) after talking with Jenny, my coach. She suggested it for emergencies — like if my fridge dies — because the interest rate is much lower than a credit card. That makes me feel more at ease if the fridge needs replacing in the coming months. In the meantime I’ll start saving for a new fridge and hope to have enough before it completely fails.

For Hayden’s braces, I checked with HR about a flexible spending (pre-tax) account and was able to enroll so payments come out of my paycheck before taxes. I’m really glad I checked that first instead of reaching for a credit card.

Neither of these expenses will stop me from focusing on my goals. I’ll adjust my monthly budget and make short-term changes. I’m increasing income by selling items on Facebook (I made $30 this month from fall decor!) and I can pick up more hours at my second job now that Hayden’s soccer season is over.

I don’t remember exactly what “Financial Freedom” meant to me at the beginning of this journey with Project Money. What I realize now is that Financial Freedom is having a positive mindset about my finances. It means knowing that I get to set my own goals and priorities — and that I can work toward them by being intentional with how I spend my money. I no longer feel like I have no money to spend; instead, I know that I’m in control of where my money goes. That shift in mindset makes all the difference.

Where do you want your money to go? How do you currently spend your money? Does it align with your priorities? I recommend that you take some time to think about this and then make a plan!