Hey friends,
Okay, let’s talk about something that used to make me break out in a cold sweat: money. I know, I know—it’s not the most glamorous topic for a lifestyle blog. But lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the big, scary words like “business,” “finance,” and “economy” actually show up in our everyday lives. And I realized something: they’re not just for suits in boardrooms or people with fancy degrees. They’re for us—the ones juggling side hustles, saving for that trip, or just trying to make rent without panicking.
So grab your coffee (or tea, no judgment), and let’s get real about this stuff. I’m sharing my own messy, imperfect journey because I think we all need a little less shame and a little more honesty around money.
My First “Business” Was a Lemonade Stand (And I Learned the Hard Way)
I still remember the summer I was eight years old. My best friend, Sarah, and I decided we were going to be entrepreneurs. We set up a lemonade stand in my driveway, complete with a hand-painted sign that said “Best Lemonade in Town—50 Cents!” We were so proud. We squeezed lemons until our hands were sticky, added way too much sugar, and waited for customers.
Here’s the thing: we sold exactly three cups. To my mom, my dad, and our neighbor Mr. Jenkins, who felt sorry for us. We made $1.50 total, but we spent $5 on lemons and sugar. So technically, we lost money. I cried. My mom sat me down and said, “Honey, that’s called a loss. But you learned something.”
That moment stuck with me. It was my first tiny lesson in business: you have to know your costs, your audience, and your pricing. Fast forward to today, and I still think about that lemonade stand when I’m pricing my freelance services or deciding whether to invest in a new course. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about learning from the sticky, sweet mess.
And honestly? That’s the same energy I bring to my finances now. I don’t have a 401(k) that’s perfectly optimized, and I’ve definitely made impulse buys I regretted. But I’ve also learned to track my spending with a simple spreadsheet (yes, I’m that girl) and to say “no” to things that don’t align with my goals. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real.
The Economy Isn’t Just a Headline—It’s My Grocery Bill
I used to tune out when people talked about “the economy.” Inflation? Recession? GDP? It all sounded like a foreign language. But then I started noticing it in my own life. Like last year, when I went to buy my favorite almond butter at the store, and it was suddenly $3 more expensive. I stood in the aisle, holding the jar, feeling a little dizzy. That’s when it hit me: the economy is personal.
Here’s a real-life moment: a few months ago, I had to decide whether to take on a big freelance project that would pay well but require 60-hour weeks, or stick with my regular clients and have more time for my family. I chose the latter, even though it meant a smaller paycheck. Why? Because I realized that “economy” isn’t just about money—it’s about energy, time, and what we value.
So I started paying attention. I subscribed to a simple newsletter that explains economic trends in plain English (shout out to The Plain Bagel). I started noticing how interest rates affect my credit card payments. I even began a small “emergency fund” that makes me sleep better at night. It’s not a lot—just a few hundred dollars—but it’s mine. And it reminds me that even small steps can make the big, scary economy feel a little more manageable.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news, here’s my advice: start small. Look at your own spending for one week. Notice what prices are going up. Ask yourself, “What can I control?” Because you can’t control the stock market, but you can control whether you buy that extra latte or cook at home. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about awareness.
Building My Own “Business” (Without a Business Plan)
I never planned to be a business owner. I just started writing online because I loved it. But over time, that little hobby turned into something more. I started getting asked to write for brands. Then I launched a tiny digital product (a printable planner). Then I started charging for my newsletter. Before I knew it, I had a “business.” And let me tell you, I had no idea what I was doing.
I remember the first time I had to file taxes as a freelancer. I sat on my kitchen floor, surrounded by receipts and coffee cups, crying because I didn’t understand Schedule C. My husband found me there and said, “Babe, you’re not alone. Just hire an accountant.” And I did. Best $200 I ever spent.
What I’ve learned is that “business” doesn’t have to mean a fancy office or a team of people. It can be you, your laptop, and a dream. It can be selling handmade candles on Etsy or offering dog-walking services in your neighborhood. The key is to start before you feel ready. I’ve made so many mistakes—like underpricing my work or saying yes to clients who drained me. But each mistake taught me something. Now I have a simple system: I track my income and expenses weekly, I set aside 30% for taxes, and I always, always negotiate my rates.
If you’re thinking about starting something—a side hustle, a blog, a small shop—here’s my honest advice: don’t wait for the perfect plan. Start messy. Learn as you go. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. The internet is full of free resources (YouTube, podcasts, Reddit threads). You don’t need a business degree to make money doing what you love. You just need courage and a little bit of grit.
And remember: it’s okay to change your mind. I’ve pivoted my business three times in five years. Each time, I felt like a failure. But looking back, I see it as growth. The economy shifts, life shifts, and so can we.
My Heartfelt Takeaway
So here’s what I really want to say, friends: money, business, and the economy are not separate from our lives. They’re woven into our everyday choices—the coffee we buy, the side hustle we start, the way we save for a rainy day. And it’s okay to feel confused, scared, or even bored by it all. I’ve been there. I still am, some days.
But I’ve also learned that taking small, intentional steps makes a huge difference. Whether it’s setting up a savings account, learning one new thing about investing, or just saying “no” to a purchase you don’t need, you’re building a foundation. And that foundation is yours. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
So go easy on yourself. You’re doing better than you think. And if you ever want to chat about this stuff—over virtual coffee, of course—I’m here. We’re in this together, one lemonade stand at a time. 🤍
