In my 20s, buried in credit card debt, I grabbed onto any lifeline. One was Robert Kiyosaki’s mantra in Rich Dad, Poor Dad:
“Stop saying ‘I can’t afford it.’ Start asking ‘How can I afford it?’”
It felt like a superpower. It shifted my mindset from deer-in-headlights mode to problem-solving mode.
My debt payments and regular bills were fixed and non-negotiable obligations. My starter investments threw off maybe $2 in dividends. The answer to “How can I afford a better life?” seemed obvious: I needed a job that paid more.
So, I jumped. From a boring receptionist gig to a reinsurance broker job. The people were chill, but the work was monotonous. Still, it paid more. That’s what I wanted. Or so I thought.
I jumped again a few months later. And again, almost out of habit. In four years, I doubled my income. But I’d also painted myself into a corner. My resume screamed “flight risk.”
A nagging thought came into view and the lesson was inescapable: I was repeating my father’s pattern. He’d left jobs when his bosses didn’t immediately implement his ideas, making lateral move after lateral move. He’d realized that he’d traded upward momentum for short-term fixes.
The day I turned 30, I gathered friends in Central Park and made a vow.
My next job could not just pay more money. Making money the sole criterion was the trap I’d just escaped. It also had to:
ALIGN with my values and long-term goals.
GROW me, offering real learning and a path upward.
PAY FAIRLY for the work and my potential.
In July 2001, a temp agency placed me on a trading floor. The energy was electric. The chaos was purposeful. I decided then: This is where I plant my roots. This is where I listen, absorb, and learn.
My assignment was scheduled to end on September 11, 2001.
That morning changed everything. But the lesson wasn't about the event. It was about the foundation to withstand unimaginable events. Just as I’d found my bedrock, the world shook. It taught me that the goal isn't to find the perfect, permanent job. It's to build a resilient self—with clear values, adaptable skills, and a sense of self worth—that can withstand any shock.
Your "Intentional Earning" Filter
If “How can I afford it?” is the right question, then mindlessly chasing a higher salary is the wrong answer. Use this filter to evaluate your current role or any new opportunity.
The Old, Reactive Question | The New, Intentional Filter | What It Prevents |
"Does it pay more?" | 1. Does it ALIGN with my values & vision? | Taking a high-paying job that makes you miserable. |
"Can I do the work?" | 2. Does it help me GROW a valuable skill? | A lateral move that pads your wallet but starves your potential. |
"Is the salary fair?" | 3. Does it PAY fairly for my present work and my future potential? | Underselling yourself and missing the chance to build wealth. |
This filter turns earning from a transaction into a strategy. You’re not just trading hours for dollars. You’re investing your time in a venture that pays you in money, growth, and purpose to fund your “Joyful Rising.”
Your Mission & The Choice
Last week, you chose your debt weapon. Now, let's fuel it with intention.
Look at your current role or a side hustle idea. Which of these three filters is hardest to answer ‘Yes’ to right now?
Hit reply with one word:
ALIGN | GROW | PAY
Your answer is your starting point. It tells me exactly what kind of resources, stories, and next steps to send you.
To rising joyfully,
April
Disclosures & Disclaimers
I am not a licensed financial advisor, attorney, accountant, or credit counselor. The content provided in Joyful Rising Money IQ is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice.
The information presented is based on my personal experience and research and may not be suitable for your specific situation. You should consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions or changes to your strategy.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.
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