Garrett's Story

I grew up in poverty, but I transformed my life to achieve financial freedom—and you can too. My story isn’t about boasting; it’s about showing what’s possible with the right mindset and strategies.

Life’s too short to stress about money, and I’m here to share how I overcame financial anxiety to build a life of wealth, without starting a business. Here’s my journey and the actionable steps you can take to create your own path to financial freedom.

A Childhood of Financial Fear

Growing up in the U.S. during the 1990s and 2000s, my family struggled financially. We were poor—95% of my clothes were secondhand, and simple pleasures like movies or amusement parks were out of reach. I vividly remember a moment in middle school that crystallized my financial anxiety. As a percussionist in band, I owned a pair of $5 drumsticks. One day, they went missing from my cubby. In a panic, I searched the music room, sweating and crying, terrified I couldn’t afford to replace them. I missed my bus, faced ridicule from peers, and felt utterly helpless. That moment cemented a deep-seated fear of financial instability and a profound respect for money. These experiences shaped two mindsets: a crippling fear of scarcity and a natural aptitude for managing finances. I loved math and studied money, finance, and economics for fun. This gave me a “money superpower”—the ability to budget and save—but my fear of risk held me back. I doubted myself, avoiding opportunities because failure seemed too costly.

Taking the Leap to College

College felt like an impossible risk. My parents didn’t attend college, and my grandfather’s advice was, “Never go into debt.” But peer pressure and a desire for a better life pushed me to act. I researched college financing; securing grants and scholarships. With no money, no car, and no practical skills, I relied on my knack for planning—honed through childhood strategy games—to succeed. I graduated in 4.5 years with $12,000 in student loans, two Bachelor of Science degrees and a used car. Within 12 months I paid the debt off. This victory proved I could overcome financial barriers through planning and persistence.

Building Wealth Without a Business

After college, I was done worrying about money. My wife, Melissa, and I shared a frugal mindset, living simply. We prioritized saving and explored ways to grow income without starting a business, which didn’t suit my lifestyle or risk tolerance. After a decade of trial and error, we built a portfolio generating $50,000+ in annual passive income, with a goal of $100,000+ in a few years. Here’s how we did it:

1. Dividend Stocks: We invested in stable, dividend-paying companies reinvesting dividends to compound growth. We started with $100 in yearly dividend income and grew it to $10,000 in 5 years.

2. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): We allocated funds to REITs, which offer real estate exposure without property management.

3. Selling Options: I learned how to sell options and generate 10-20% annualized returns on invested collateral.

These strategies required time and research but allowed us to maintain work-life balance. We no longer check bank balances before buying things—even for vacations—and live free from financial stress.

My Unique Approach: Wealth Without Hustle

Unlike the typical advice to “quit your job and start a business,” I found success by leveling up my career and investing strategically. Business ownership demands time and risk I'm not willing to take, especially with a family. Instead, I focused on low-risk, high-reward investments and career development. This approach is accessible to anyone with discipline and a plan, regardless of their starting point.

I spent thousands of hours research all the methods of producing passive income. My goal was to produce enough passive income that my wife and I did not need to work. But I didn't want to trade one job for another. A good number of passive income strategies are actually not that passive. I tried a few ideas and settled on the strategies that work best for me. There are many experts available to teach you about their passive income tactic but very few experts to help teach you about all the passive income strategies and help you find the one that you like best. That's where I come in.

Become Your Own Financial Mentor

You don’t need to be a finance expert to build wealth. Start by listening to yourself: identify your goals, assess your risk tolerance, and make a plan. My journey began with doubt, but I learned that no challenge is too big if you break it down. Here are three steps to start:

1. Track Your Spending: Use apps like Mint to understand your cash flow and identify savings opportunities.

2. Invest Early: Start with small amounts in low-cost index funds or REITs to build passive income over time.

3. Upskill: Take online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy) to boost your earning potential without leaving your job.

Even though you are your own best mentor, you are also not alone. This platform is dedicated to bringing the best knowledge and wisdom to you.