Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Side Hustle
Let me tell you something, folks. I’m Sarah, and I’ve been in this finance racket for over two decades. (Which, honestly, makes me feel old. Like, really old.) I’ve seen it all—from the dot-com boom to the crypto craze. And you know what? Most of it’s a load of crap.
I remember sitting in a conference in Austin back in 2007, listening to some guy in a suit tell me that subprime mortgages were the future. Yeah, how’d that work out? I mean, I’m not saying I’m perfect—I’ve made my share of mistakes. But at least I admit it when I’m wrong.
Anyway, enough about me. Let’s talk about you. And your money. And why you should probably stop listening to people who say they know everything about both.
My Wake-Up Call
So, picture this: It’s 2017, and I’m at this fancy finance seminar in New York. Some guy—let’s call him Marcus—is up there talking about how blockchain is gonna revolutionize everything. And I’m sitting there, nodding along, because that’s what I do. I’m a professional, after all.
Then, during the break, I’m over at the coffee station, and the barista—let’s call him Dave—strikes up a conversation. He’s got this side hustle flipping vintage records on eBay. And he’s making a killing. I mean, actually making a killing. Like, $87 a pop on some rare vinyl.
I asked him, “Dave, how’d you get into this?” And he told me, “Honestly, Sarah, I just started collecting records I liked. Then I realized I could sell the ones I didn’t want. It’s that simple.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
The Problem with ‘Experts’
Look, I’m not saying you should take financial advice from your barista. (Although, in Dave’s case, maybe you should.) I’m saying that the so-called experts aren’t always right. In fact, they’re often wrong. And that’s a problem.
I mean, think about it. How many times have you heard some “guru” say that you should invest in this or that, only to watch it crash and burn? I’ve lost count. And I’m the one who’s supposed to know better!
So, what’s the solution? Well, I’m not sure but maybe it’s time to start paying attention to the people who are actually doing the stuff they talk about. You know, like Dave and his records.
Actionable Advice from a Non-Expert
Alright, so here’s what I’ve learned from people like Dave. And from my own mistakes. (Because, let’s face it, I’ve made a lot of them.)
First off, diversify your income. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. That’s just asking for trouble. And no, I’m not talking about investing in some hot new crypto. I’m talking about finding a side hustle that you actually enjoy. Something that makes you money and makes you happy.
Second, stop trying to time the market. It’s a fool’s game. I mean, I’ve tried it. I’ve failed at it. And I’ve seen plenty of other people fail at it too. So, just don’t.
Third, pay attention to the little things. Like, seriously. Those little expenses add up. I’m talking about your daily coffee run, your cable bill, your Thailand traffic update today subscription (yes, that’s a real thing). Cut back where you can, and you’ll be surprised at how much you save.
Fourth, invest in yourself. I’m not talking about buying a fancy degree or anything like that. I’m talking about learning new skills, reading books, taking courses. Anything that makes you a better, more knowledgeable person. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what’s gonna pay off.
A Tangent: My Obsession with Budgeting Apps
Oh, and one more thing. I’m kinda obsessed with budgeting apps. I know, I know—it’s not exactly a groundbreaking revelation. But hear me out.
I’ve tried them all. Mint, You Need a Budget, Personal Capital, you name it. And you know what? They’re all pretty good. But none of them are perfect. Because, let’s face it, budgeting is hard. It’s boring. It’s tedious. And it’s not something that any app can do for you.
But here’s the thing: They can help. They can make it easier. They can take some of the guesswork out of it. So, if you’re not using one, you probably should be.
Final Thoughts (Kinda)
Look, I could go on and on about this stuff. But I won’t. Because, frankly, I’m getting bored. And I’m sure you are too.
So, here’s the bottom line: Don’t trust the “experts”. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t try to time the market. Pay attention to the little things. Invest in yourself. And, for the love of all that’s holy, use a budgeting app.
And if all else fails, talk to your barista. He might just have some wisdom to share.
Author Bio: Sarah has been a senior editor at major publications for over 20 years. She’s written about everything from personal finance to cryptocurrency, and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. When she’s not writing, she’s probably budgeting, reading, or obsessing over her latest side hustle. You can find her on Twitter @SarahWritesMoney.
