I didn't grow up talking about money. Nobody in my circle did. Investing felt like something reserved for people who already had money — not for someone like me trying to figure out how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
That changed the day I picked up Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover.
That book cracked something open in me. It wasn't just about budgeting or getting out of debt — it was about changing the way I thought about money entirely. And once that shift happened, there was no going back.
The Moment Everything Changed
Financial literacy isn't taught in most schools. Most of us learn about money from our environment — and if that environment didn't model healthy financial habits, we're starting from zero. I was starting from zero.
But here's what I learned: it's never too late to start. The best time to learn about investing was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
Once I understood the basics — compound interest, index funds, the difference between assets and liabilities — I realized that building wealth wasn't about luck or a high income. It was about knowledge, consistency, and time.
What I Wish I Knew Sooner
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, here's what I'd say:
- Start before you feel ready. You will never feel 100% ready. Open that brokerage account. Put in $25. Just start.
- Debt freedom is the foundation. You can't build wealth on a cracked foundation. Eliminating high-interest debt is step one.
- Invest in your education first. The ROI on financial literacy is unmatched. Read everything you can get your hands on.
- Consistency beats timing. Don't try to time the market. Time in the market is what builds wealth.
- Your network shapes your net worth. Surround yourself with people who talk about building, not just spending.
The Books That Rewired My Brain
Books changed my life — and they can change yours too. I've put together a curated list of the titles that had the biggest impact on my financial journey. From Ramsey to Robert Kiyosaki to Morgan Housel, these aren't just books — they're blueprints.
👉 Check out the BMORE Wealthy Book Club — my hand-picked reading list for anyone serious about financial literacy and building real wealth.
Where to Start Investing
Once you've got the mindset right and you're ready to put your money to work, the next question is: where?
I've done the research so you don't have to. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly brokerage, a crypto platform, or a retirement account, I've compiled the platforms I trust and recommend.
👉 Explore the Investment Platforms I recommend — vetted options for every stage of your investing journey.
This Is Just the Beginning
BMORE Wealthy isn't just a brand — it's a movement. It's for everyone who was told that wealth wasn't for them. It's for the first-generation investors, the late starters, the people who are finally ready to take control of their financial future.
You belong here. And your wealthy era? It starts now.
— Jermaine