It’s time to get real and talk about something taboo - MONEY.
Before I turned 30, I built a net worth of over $500,000; completely on my own, with nothing but a simple plan, resourcefulness, and a burning desire.
That has now grown to over $800K and in the next 5 years if I do NOTHING, I’ll become a millionaire because of the ASSETS I created.
I believe that money does NOT make you greedy or snobby.
The truth is…….
“When Heart-Centered people make more money, they give more to causes that make our world better.” - Crystal Johnson
It doesn’t make me forget about the poor, but it exemplifies my responsibility to serve those who need a hand up (not a hand out).
“Be a go-giver, not just a go-getter” - Crystal Dawn Johnson
Here’s the deal though, I’m nothing special.
The way to wealth, is so simplistic, yet difficult to implement in our instant gratification culture.
So, how did I do it?!
I lived below my means, and I had a definite purpose for my money.
“I wanted my dollars to work for me, not me working for them.” - Crystal Dawn Johnson
This philosophy stuck with me after reading the book Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki while in college.
I KNEW I would never work for someone else my entire life. That if I DID, it would be my CHOICE and not out of necessity. This was a very DEEP Belief of mine that I had faith in, created a plan around, and executed.
Some Major Points:
- I lived with a couple for $400/month in the “real world” with a “real adult job”, while my friends rented out luxury apartments
- I bought a modest car, 2007 Toyota Matrix, that I still drive to this day, while others bought fancy cars
- I started in sales so my income was not capped, and worked hard (even though I didn’t like selling other people’s stuff)
- I focused on building wealth, not looking wealthy
- I executed the financial freedom plan in spite of fear!
- I decided to use Real Estate as my Passive Income / Wealth Building vehicle & took risks when people told me I shouldn't buy (hello housing crash!).
- I built a team of people I trusted who knew more than I did about Real Estate
- I made more smart investments
While my path is not the Only way, I do believe that most people have their priorities backwards.
Most people want to be seen as wealthy, but will never attain the peace of mind of True Wealth
Most people want to look the part, but inside they’re SO anxious about money (and that sucks).
And that anxiety comes Every. Single. Month…. for most people.
I made a decision, that I would never put myself in that situation…..
So quite simply, I planned my financial future and delayed “instant” gratification.
I still enjoyed life, but I enjoyed it in a simple way that worked for me (not how culture says I should!). I seriously did not need (or want) a $1k handbag or shoes (no judgement if that's your thing - to each their own!).
What REALLY scares me though, is that most people avoid their finances and buy because of feelings rather than necessities, while digging themselves further and further into debt.
Don’t get me wrong, I like nice things in my life, however, I prioritize so that I can live stress free without being burdened by S-T-U-F-F.
Here’s the key y’all (in my humble opinion):
"Once you realize it’s not STUFF you’re after, but FEELINGS you think you’ll get from stuff, that you create conscious spending.” - Crystal Johnson
Creating these investments while employed allowed me the LUXURY to quit my job in January 2016 and to build an online business helping others create income outside an unfulfilling and traditional 9-5 too!!!
I decided that I desired FREEDOM more than the appearance of wealth, so I planned a way for my money to work FOR ME, and lived below my means.
That’s. Seriously. It - No big secrets here!
Like all things, it’s a choice you have; this was my definite decision and I will continue to build wealth and teach others how to do the same.
So let me know, what are you doing to achieve financial freedom? What’s been challenging? What’s your biggest take-aways?
I’d love to hear from you!
Xoxo,
Crystal
PS. Join us in the Millionaire Launchpad if you’re a Service Entrepreneur wanting to book more clients, make more money, and start building your wealth too!