Financial Foundations: Where to Start When You Don't Have a Clue

A no-BS guide to building financial literacy from absolute scratch — no judgment, just next steps

Picture this: You're standing at the foot of a mountain called "Personal Finance" with no climbing gear, no map, and frankly, no idea where to even begin. Maybe you've been avoiding looking at your credit card statements. Maybe the word "investing" makes you break out in a cold sweat. Or maybe you just realized that being an adult means more than having ice cream for dinner whenever you want.

I get it. Growing up, my Navy dad and working mom "always had what we needed" but never had extra. Financial literacy wasn't exactly part of my upbringing. Fast-forward through years of fumbling my way through finances — some spectacular wins, some humbling losses — and I've got a few insights to share.

So if you're standing at the base of that mountain wondering how the hell to take the first step, here's your starter kit.