Hello readers! This week I wanted to discuss a topic that most people find taboo; money. That’s right, the big M-O-N-E-Y.

Now, most of us are taught that it’s inappropriate to discuss money outwardly with friends, family, strangers (ok not really the last one lol, you shouldn’t be talking to strangers anyways…unless they’re nice, normal people). But the point is, most of us are brought up thinking it’s rude to discuss wealth outwardly in social situations.

I’m finally at a point in life where I’ve come to disagree. Now, does this mean you go blatantly telling everyone what your last pay check was or how much is in your savings account? No. It’s more of a conversation on how to create more of it; it being M-O-N-E-Y. Because let’s face it:

So why not talk about potential business ventures or investments with your friends? The most fulfilling conversations I’ve had lately have been about how to grow personal wealth; & I think these conversations should be had more often. It’s really interesting to pick someone’s brain on their future monetary goals and where they want to be.

Now this conversation can start off more general. What are your friend’s dreams and aspirations? Do they want to travel the world? Do they want to own their own company? Do they want to start an income generating blog? Once that is established, here comes the most important part of the conversation. What action needs to be taken to make those dreams a reality? Action is EVERYTHING you guys. It’s all fine and dandy if you have the intent to be successful, but what are you going to do to get there?

Start by taking a look around at those close to you. My husband is constantly telling me the following: “You are the sum of the five people you hang out with most.” Recently he’s seen a greater drive in my work ethic and he attributes that to social changes I’ve made. So with that, let me ask you some questions. Is your inner circle successful? Are they career driven? Are they making moves driving their financial independence? If the answer is “No” to any of those questions, it might be time to reevaluate who you’re spending your time with. At the end of the day, those five people will either motivate you towards your goals, keep you stationary, or deter you all together.

My husband and I were recently called “materialistic” by two girls. One girl told my husband we were materialistic because we are “married and have a house”…………………...k lol. The second girl told me I was materialistic because my husband and I will be purchasing a second house later this year…….wow. That cuts DEEP. I’m really upset these girls think this way.

JK lol lol. Buying houses and getting married is NOT materialistic ladies; it’s called being an adult. Try it out sometime! Sure we’re “adulting” really well, but we’re working our butts off to do so.

These girls are prime example of deterrents. Deterrents will criticize your success simply because they don’t have it. Jim Young said it best in Boiler Room: “Anybody who tells you money is the root of all evil, doesn’t f*cking have any.” Make sure the five people you hang out with most are motivators. They’ll not only push you to your goals, but will celebrate with you when you get there. & guess what? Owning two houses by the end of 2017 was one of Ross and I’s goals, so you bet we’re going to get there. & we have motivators surrounding us, cheering us on each step of the way!

So let’s look at 4 steps every person in their 20’s can take towards financial independence:

Ensure your inner circle has similar business/monetary goals and are supportive of achieving those goals (AKA no losers)
Invest in your 401K, because you probably have a company match (AKA free money)
Pay yourself first (AKA pay your savings account before you pay for your Venti Cinnamon Dolce White Mocha with whip…but YUM)
Don't keep up with the Jones' cause the Jones' are broke (AKA the person with the brand new LEASED car. Seriously… do not lease your sh*t lol. Just don’t do it.)
Make a budget, because you can't reach your destination without a map! (AKA have financial goals to accomplish your dreams).

Till next time my successful confidants!